History of Evian
Evian is a renowned brand of mineral water, originating from Évian-les-Bains, a small town on the
shores of Lake Geneva in France. The brand's history dates back to the late 18th century when a
French nobleman, the Marquis de Lessert, is said to have discovered the natural spring while walking
through the region in 1789. He drank from the spring and, allegedly, found it to have therapeutic
qualities that improved his kidney health. Word of the water's potential health benefits spread,
leading to increased interest in the spring.
In 1826, the first public baths were built at the
spring site, allowing visitors to benefit from its waters. By 1829, Evian water was officially
bottled and sold commercially. The natural mineral water gained a reputation for its purity and
supposed health benefits, and by the late 19th century, it had become popular across Europe. Evian's
fame grew further when it was served at prestigious events and consumed by royalty and the elite.
Throughout the 20th century, the brand continued to expand internationally. In 1970, the
company behind Evian was acquired by BSN, which later became Danone, significantly boosting its
global reach. The water's association with health, luxury, and prestige helped it maintain its
position as one of the leading bottled water brands in the world. Today, Evian remains iconic,
symbolizing premium quality and the pristine purity of the French Alps.