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Origin and history

The Bouvette Cachat is an emblematic thermal establishment located in Evian-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie. Designed by architect Albert Hébrard (1866-1942), it was inaugurated in 1905 for the Évian Mineral Waters Society, founded by the Cachat family in the 18th century. Its name comes from the Cachat source, formerly called the Saint Catherine Fountain, adjacent to the Church of St Catherine of the Touvière. The building replaces the former Hôtel des bains and symbolizes the exploitation of the therapeutic virtues of the water of Evian, popularized by the Marquis Jean-Charles de Laizer (1734-1806), who claimed to have used it to cure the gravelle.

The construction, carried out between 1903 and 1905, combines concrete and wood curves, with a facade adorned with a sculpture, Apotheose de la source Cachat, made by Louis-Charles Beylard. One of the wings housing walkways was destroyed, and the upper part, initially opened with large windows, was partitioned for offices. Joined the historic monuments in 1986, the buvette was restored between 2021 and 2024. It remains an architectural and historical testimony of the golden age of spas in France.

The origin of the Cachat source dates back to the discovery of its properties in the 18th century, linked to the eponymous family. The Marquis de Laizer, a local figure, played a key role in promoting its benefits, contributing to the reputation of Evian as a spa destination. Today, the buvette embodies both the industrial and seaside heritage of the region, while remaining an emblematic place of the city, located at 19 rue Nationale and on Avenue du Griffon-Cachat.

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