Welcome
to Thonon-Les-Bains’
prestigious hotel and catering school !

Thonon-les-Bains HAUTE-SAVOIE

Thonon-les-Bains , situated in the French northern Alps, in the` departement’ of Haute-Savoie, is a small provincial town of 30.000 inhabitants. The town lies on the shore of Lake Léman, at about 30 kms from Geneva and at a stone’s throw from such famous winter resorts as Morzine-Avoriaz and Chatel. As well as a magnificent situation, Thonon-Les-Bains benefits from an exceptional environment between the lake and the mountains.

Our establishment, located near the town centre, is one of the oldest of its kind in France, as its foundation dates back to 1912 when a catering section was first opened in the local secondary school.

1935 saw the transfer of that small catering section into a smart hotel overlooking Lake Léman :The Savoie & Léman Hotel and Restaurant. Since then the school has never stooped growing in size, notably in 1987 when a new wing was added to house new kitchens with the latest equipment and facilities and new restaurants. The 35 room hotel offers all the comfort and quality expected of a three star establishment, with its bars , panoramic lounges, and conference rooms. Its vast training restaurant is an incomparable tool for all the students who can put into practice their theoretical knowledge under the guidance of their teachers

Approximately 500 students are enrolled in our state school, run by the French national education. Every year, applicants are selected after examination of their school records and individual interviews. The selection takes place in the Spring, therefore the young people interested in catering studies should inquire for further information as early as February.

In addition to academic subjects, students are taught the various crafts of the hotel and catering industry, with the help of all the most up-to-date techniques. They age from 16 to about 21 and sit for different examinations which take place at the end of Spring or beginning of Summer. Compulsory work experiences, mainly in the Summer, complement their training at school.

All along the school year, our students serve at different banquets and functions locally and further afield in the region. Every year their service is particularly appreciated in Beaune, Burgundy, at the famous Hospices for the sale of the fine Burgundy wines in November. They also regularly take part in national culinary competitions . In that respect, every year our organises a now famous event :The Antonietti Trophy, a national competition for waiters.