Évian's Art Nouveau Buvette Cachat reopens after seven-year restoration

The Buvette Cachat in Évian, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture built between 1903 and 1905 by architect Albert Hébrard, reopened on June 15, 2026, after seven years of restoration. French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the building during the G7 summit held in Évian from June 15 to 17. The public gained access starting June 20. The pavilion, originally the social heart of the thermal spa, features a spectacular wooden dome, stained glass, ironwork, and mosaics. It had been closed since a fire in the 1970s and later used as administrative offices before falling into disrepair after 2010. Restoration work from 2019 to 2026 involved specialized artisans restoring glasswork, woodwork, stained glass, copper elements, and terrazzo floors. The building now houses a Centre d'interprétation de l'architecture et du patrimoine dedicated to Évian's thermal history and offers cultural programming. An exhibition titled 'Correspondances' by artist Aurélie Castex, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, features over 60 drawings and collages by children and young adults from twenty cities. A second exhibition at Maison Gribaldi starting July 4 explores glass objects from thermalism and contemporary creations. Events include concerts, readings, performances, and a 'Bal 1900' on August 8 organized by the festival Évian la Belle Époque.