# Thonon-les-Bains

> commune in Haute-Savoie, France

**Wikidata**: [Q206165](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206165)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thonon-les-Bains)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thonon-les-bains

## Summary
Thonon-les-Bains is a commune located in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, it serves as a sub-prefecture and is the administrative center of the arrondissement of Thonon-les-Bains. The town is historically significant for its thermal baths and currently functions as a key hub for local governance, tourism, and sports, hosting the football club Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision established in 1789).
- **Location**: Haute-Savoie department, France; coordinates 46.370555555556° N, 6.4797222222222° E.
- **Administrative Hierarchy**: Part of the arrondissement of Thonon-les-Bains and the canton of Thonon-les-Bains (established March 22, 2015).
- **Former Administrative Divisions**: Previously divided into the canton of Thonon-les-Bains-Est and the canton of Thonon-les-Bains-Ouest (both dissolved in March 2015).
- **Population Data**: Recorded figures include 34,610; 34,895; 36,296; 34,756; 35,241; 35,826; 36,626; 37,027; 37,689; and 37,928.
- **Official Website**: https://www.ville-thonon.fr/
- **Geographical Feature**: Located along the Dranse river.
- **Sports Infrastructure**: Home to Stade Joseph-Moynat, a stadium inaugurated in 1973.
- **Sports Teams**: Headquarters of Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C., an association football club founded in 2007.
- **Transportation**: Served by Gare de Thonon-les-Bains, a railway station connecting the commune to the national network.
- **National Context**: Located in France, a country with a population of ~68.6 million (2025), using the Euro (EUR) and French as the official language.

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status of Thonon-les-Bains within France?**
Thonon-les-Bains is a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative division in France, established in 1789. It functions as a sub-prefecture within the Haute-Savoie department and serves as the capital of the arrondissement of Thonon-les-Bains.

**How has the cantonal organization of Thonon-les-Bains changed over time?**
Prior to March 2015, the area was split into two separate cantons: Thonon-les-Bains-Est and Thonon-les-Bains-Ouest. Following a reorganization, these were merged into a single canton of Thonon-les-Bains, which was officially established on March 22, 2015.

**What are the key sports and cultural facilities in the commune?**
The commune is notable for Stade Joseph-Moynat, a stadium built in 1973 that hosts local sporting events. It is also the base for Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C., a professional football club founded in 2007, and is situated near the Dranse river, contributing to its natural landscape.

**How does Thonon-les-Bains connect to the wider French transport network?**
The commune is connected via the Gare de Thonon-les-Bains, a railway station that facilitates travel to other parts of France. Its location in Haute-Savoie places it within a region that shares borders with Switzerland and Italy, enhancing its role as a transit point in the Alps.

## Why It Matters
Thonon-les-Bains matters as a strategic administrative and cultural center in the French Alps, bridging the gap between the metropolitan French state and the international community via its proximity to Lake Geneva. As a sub-prefecture, it plays a critical role in the decentralized administration of the Haute-Savoie department, managing local governance for the arrondissement. The town's significance is further amplified by its historical identity as a spa destination and its modern role as a hub for regional sports, evidenced by the presence of a professional football club and dedicated stadium infrastructure. Its evolution from a split canton system to a unified administrative unit reflects broader trends in French territorial reform, making it a case study in local governance adaptation.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Center**: Serves as the sub-prefecture for the arrondissement of Thonon-les-Bains.
- **Canton Reorganization**: Successfully transitioned from two former cantons (Est and Ouest) to a unified canton in 2015.
- **Sports Legacy**: Home to Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C., a prominent football club established in 2007.
- **Historical Infrastructure**: Features Stade Joseph-Moynat, a stadium constructed in 1973.
- **Geographical Position**: Situated on the Dranse river within the Haute-Savoie department.
- **Population Growth**: Demonstrates demographic fluctuation with recorded populations ranging from 34,610 to 37,928 across various census periods.
- **Rail Connectivity**: Hosts Gare de Thonon-les-Bains, a key node in the regional railway network.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official municipal website at https://www.ville-thonon.fr/.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Thonon-les-Bains is a commune situated in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Its precise geographic coordinates are 46.370555555556° North latitude and 6.4797222222222° East longitude. The commune is geographically defined by its location along the Dranse river, a significant waterway in the region. As part of France, it falls within the broader context of a country that spans Western Europe and overseas territories, with a total area of 643,801 square kilometres. The commune's position places it in a region known for its proximity to the Swiss border and the Alps, contributing to its specific climatic and topographical characteristics.

### Administrative Structure and History
The administrative history of Thonon-les-Bains reflects the evolving nature of French territorial organization. As a commune, it is a fundamental subdivision of France, a status established in 1789. The town serves as the administrative seat for the arrondissement of Thonon-les-Bains, a larger territorial division within the Haute-Savoie department. Historically, the cantonal structure of the area was divided into two entities: the canton of Thonon-les-Bains-Est and the canton of Thonon-les-Bains-Ouest. These two cantons existed until March 2015, when they were dissolved. On March 22, 2015, a new, unified canton of Thonon-les-Bains was created, consolidating the administrative jurisdiction. This reorganization aligns with national efforts to streamline local governance and improve administrative efficiency.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Thonon-les-Bains has shown varied trends over recent census periods, reflecting the dynamic nature of the commune. Recorded population figures include 34,610, 34,895, 36,296, 34,756, 35,241, 35,826, 36,626, 37,027, 37,689, and 37,928. These figures indicate a general trend of growth and fluctuation within the community. As part of France, the commune shares in the national demographic profile, which includes a life expectancy of 82 years and a population of approximately 68.6 million as of 2025. The local population contributes to the broader French society, which is characterized by a high level of urbanization and a diverse cultural makeup.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
Thonon-les-Bains is well-connected through various infrastructure projects that support both local mobility and regional connectivity. The commune is served by the Gare de Thonon-les-Bains, a railway station that links the town to the national rail network and facilitates travel to other major French cities and neighboring countries. This station is a critical asset for the local economy and daily commuters. Additionally, the commune is home to Stade Joseph-Moynat, a sports stadium that was inaugurated in 1973. This facility serves as a central venue for sporting events and community gatherings, highlighting the town's investment in public infrastructure. The commune also benefits from the national electrical grid, which operates at 230 volts and 50 Hz, and uses Type E plugs, consistent with the standards across metropolitan France.

### Sports and Community Life
Sports play a significant role in the identity and community life of Thonon-les-Bains. The commune is the headquarters of Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C., an association football club that was founded in 2007. This club represents the town on the national stage and fosters local pride and engagement. The club utilizes Stade Joseph-Moynat as its home ground, a facility that has been a part of the town's landscape since 1973. The presence of a professional football club and a dedicated stadium underscores the commune's commitment to sports and physical activity. These institutions contribute to the social fabric of the town, providing opportunities for youth development and community cohesion.

### Digital and Official Presence
Thonon-les-Bains maintains a strong digital presence through its official website, https://www.ville-thonon.fr/. This platform serves as a primary source of information for residents and visitors, offering details on local services, events, and administrative procedures. The website reflects the commune's modernization efforts and its commitment to transparent governance. As a commune in France, it adheres to national standards for digital communication and public service delivery. The town's online presence complements its physical infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to up-to-date information and resources.

### Regional Context and National Integration
Thonon-les-Bains is an integral part of the Haute-Savoie department, which is itself a key component of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The commune's location in this region places it within a dynamic economic and cultural zone that borders Switzerland and Italy. As part of France, the commune benefits from the country's membership in major international organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO. The national context provides a framework of stability, economic support, and cultural exchange that enhances the commune's development. The commune's integration into the national and international systems is evident in its use of the Euro, its adherence to French laws, and its participation in national and regional initiatives.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. [Source](https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65296603)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [Ville de Thonon-les-Bains | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thononville/)
25. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
26. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
27. Quora
28. [Mairie de Thonon-les-Bains: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairie-de-thonon-les-bains/)
29. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
30. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File