The Évian Royal Palace was inaugurated in 1909 to receive the great men and women of this world, Edward VII in particular, to whom the Royal owes its name. Unfortunately, he died before ever seeing it. Thanks to the birth of this sumptuous palace linked to the Spa by a funicular railway, Evian was to become the favourite thermal resort of celebrities, the upper classes and the aristocracy. To such an extent that the Aga Khan had a suite there on a yearly basis. The Royal crossed the dark years of the First World War by remaining open to its habitual clientele and was transformed into a convalescent home during the second. From 1945 to 1958, The Royal had newfound splendour until the night of 13 August 1958, when the last two stories caught fire and the roof was destroyed. In June 1960, the Hôtel re-opened with a new roof, different from its original architecture, abandoning its superb curved pediments and spires. Today, the only remaining example of the marvelous work of Austrian craftsmen is the awning in Hungarian wood over the terrace. In 1970, the Evian Mineral Water Company, owner of the Evian Royal Palace, became a wholly owned subsidiary of the DANONE Group, whose Chairman today is Frank Riboud. Since then, this magnificent palace has benefited from a renovation and innovation programme that continuously anticipates guests’ desires.