Parcours Patrimonial of Divonne les Bains
Twenty-one members and guests (we were twenty-three by lunchtime) of the GIN Walking Group met at the old railway station of Divonne under a sunny blue sky, which stayed with us all morning – the rain only starting as forecasted in the late afternoon.
Mark explaining the route
All listening attentively
The Tourist Office has prepared an excellent brochure that describes the more important buildings and other items of interest that are identified by blue plaques around central Divonne and we followed this itinerary, starting with the old station. In the first half of the 20th century, Divonne was the meeting place of trains from Paris (some carriages were direct) and Nyon, via Crassier, and walking from the station we saw that the actual Police Station was the Hotel des Etrangers. For Divonne in the late 19th and early 20th century was an important spa, attracting the wealthy from all over the world that resulted in the development of several hotels. We also noticed the bust of Marcel Anthonioz, mayor, deputy and tourist minister, who inspired many of the post-war developments including the casino.
Continuing up the Avenue de Genève, we turned right down the Grande Rue that is everchanging with its major road works. Today’s major activity did not hinder our progress as we ticked off the three blue plaques on our way to the Place de l’Eglise, which includes the Villa Beaulieu, one of the few pre-revolution buildings and the only Divonne one officially listed as a historic monument. Thereon, we took the riverside walk and onto the Casino, the 1904 theatre and two large hotels constructed for the wealthy curists in the early 20th century.
The hares arrived first…….
……..and then the tortoises
And then the arranged visit to the Moulin David. This Moulin is the oldest hydroelectric plant in France still operating on its original site. It was originally set up to provide electric power to the town’s prestigious hotels and spa and had been scheduled for demolition when a few volunteer enthusiasts headed by people from CERN lovingly restored it to working order. And several were there to welcome us and to give an excellent presentation and demonstration. The 1907 Winterthur’s thermic engine with its 3 tons wheel was particularly impressive – very much the icing on the cake of the visit and much appreciated by us old boys.
Our knowledgeable guide at the Moulin
Hi-tech electronics
Watch those fingers
Spellbound!
Lunch was taken at La Truite, a 19th century hotel and restaurant where Guy de Maupassant once stayed and which was the only one listed in the first red Michelin Guide ever (1900). The three-course meal was excellent value.
A much-appreciated cultural walk of approximately three kilometres. Thanks to all and especially to our Walk Co-ordinator, Alan Baker, who asks for volunteers to lead further walks this year.
Present: Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, John Burley, Bryan Clark, David Colledge, Trevor Davies, Norman Eatough, Ray Fiander, Nathan Finkelstein, Larry French, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob McKenzie, Mike Muller, Hubert Pettingell, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Wouter van Ginneken, Gary Vannatter and Mark Warren plus guests Hugh Pettingell and Dave Watson.
Blog written by Mark Warren