aix les bains

Aix-les-Bains

Are you looking for the perfect place to invigorate, relax and immerse yourself in nature? Aix-les-Bains is your ideal destination!

Located in Savoie, in the heart of the magnificent region Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesAix-les-Bains lies between the lake du Bourget - the largest natural lake in France - and the mountains surrounding it. This city, rich in history and culture, has managed to preserve its heritage and unique charm.

Whether your passion is water sportshiking, golfing and thermalismthe discovery of museums Aix-les-Bains has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll tell you all you need to know about Aix-les-Bains' must-sees, its rich culture and heritage, its sports and leisure activities, not to mention practical tips for planning your visit.

Aix-les-Bains must-sees

Discover the treasures of Aix-les-Bains, a town famous for its health benefits, cultural richness and varied pleasures. Here's a guide to not-to-be-missed experiences during your visit.

Historic thermal baths and wellness

Renowned for its thermal waters with anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, Aix-les-Bains is home to two major spa centers: Thermes Chevalley Valvital and Thermes du Domaine de Marlioz. These establishments offer medical cures, health programs and wellness treatments. Enjoy heated thermal pools, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, jet showers, massages and beauty treatments for a revitalizing experience.

And don't miss a visit to the historic 19th-century thermal baths, home to figures such as Queen Victoria, Lamartine and Napoleon III.

Lac du Bourget: water sports and relaxation

Visit Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lakeoffers an idyllic landscape for relaxation and water sports. With a surface area of 44 km2 and a depth of 145 m, the lake invites you to swim, sunbathe, picnic or simply stroll along its landscaped beaches. Discover the Rowing beach, the Grand Port beach or the Mémard beach.

Lac du Bourget near Aix-les-Bains

Embark on activities such as boating, sailing and fishing. kayakthe paddlesailing, water-skiing, diving or snorkelling. fishing. Admire the splendor of the lake from vantage points such as the Revard lookout, the marina, Bourdeau castle and the Savières canal linking it to the Rhône.

The Revard Mountain and its panoramic views

The Revard mountain, a peak in the Bauges region rising to 1,538 m, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lac du Bourget, Aix-les-Bains, Mont Blanc and the Alps. Accessible by car, bus or France's oldest funicular railway, Le Revard is a paradise for nature lovers and fresh air enthusiasts. Hiking, MOUNTAIN BIKINGThere's plenty to do in this exceptional setting, including skiing, paragliding, cross-country skiing and tobogganing.

You can also explore the 17th-century Mont-Chat chapel, or relax in the Thermae café, located in the heart of a thermal spa.

Culture and heritage of Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a town rich in history, which has managed to preserve and enhance its natural environment. heritage cultural heritage. Discover its treasures through emblematic monuments, captivating museums and enriching guided tours. Here are a few must-sees to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Aix-les-Bains.

The Musée Faure and its art collection

The Musée Faure, housed in the elegant 19th-century Villa des Chimères, is a renowned showcase for art. It houses the precious collection donated by Jean Faure, an art-loving pharmacist, to the town of Aix-les-Bains. Among its jewels, discover thehe second largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin in Francecomprising 34 sculptures, including the emblematic Thinker.

Musée Faure Aix-les-Bains

You can also admire masterpieces by impressionist painters such as Degas, Bonnard, Cézanne, Pissarro, Jongkind and Renoir. The museum also exhibits a fine selection of ceramics and earthenware, and recreates the bedroom of Alphonse Lamartine, the illustrious poet who took refuge in Aix-les-Bains on many occasions.

Temporary exhibitions regularly enrich the museum's cultural offering, in two specially designed rooms.

The Grand Cercle Casino and its architecture

Le Casino Grand Cerclethe iconic building of Aix-les-Bains since 1847, was inaugurated by Victor-Emmanuel II of Sardinia, making the town his summer residence. The building is distinguished by its sumptuous neoclassical architecture, with majestic columns, pediments and statues.

Casino Grand Cercle Aix-les-Bains

It houses an Italian-style theater with a varied program, as well as a gaming room offering slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and baccarat. The casino also features a tea room, restaurant and bar for relaxing moments.

The casino's interior is a true masterpiece, with its ceiling frescoes, crystal chandeliers, mosaics and stained glass windows, earning it historic monument status in 1992.

Guided tours: in the footsteps of Lamartine

Lamartine, the emblematic poet of Lac du Bourget and the Aix-les-Bains region, stayed here eight times between 1816 and 1830. His romance with Julie Charles, the inspiration for his famous poem Le Lac, can be explored through fascinating guided tours.

Take a tour of the places that marked his life: the Perrier boarding house, where he met Julie; the Villa Chevalley, where he lived; the Château de Châtillon, where he was welcomed; the Grotte de Lamartine, where he meditated; and the Mont-Chat chapel, a place of meditation. You can also admire the landscapes that captivated the poet, such as Lac du Bourget, the Revard belvedere, the Savières canal and Mont du Chat.

Sports and leisure activities

Aix-les-Bains, famous for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant lifestyle, is the ideal playground for sports and leisure enthusiasts. Whether your passion is hiking, golf or water sports, this town has everything to satisfy your desire for activity and entertainment.

Discover below a selection of sports and leisure activities to try out in Aix-les-Bains.

Nature walks and hikes

Surrounded by a sumptuous natural environment, Aix-les-Bains invites you to explore through hiking and walking. Marked trails, suitable for all levels, will lead you to discover the local flora and fauna, not to mention breathtaking panoramas.

Places like the Revard belvedere, with its breathtaking views of Lac du Bourget, Mont du Chat and the Dent du Chat, or the Savières canal, connecting the lake to the Rhône, are perfect for nature breaks. Cycling enthusiasts will love the 18 km greenway running alongside the lake and the 50 km cycle route linking Aix-les-Bains to Annecy.

Where to find a vacation rental in Aix-les-Bains

Opt for a vacation rentals in Aix-les-Bains is one of the best ways to take full advantage of the Lac du Bourget while enjoying a comfortable and flexible environment. This renowned spa resort offers a wide range of accommodation, from studios overlooking the lake to top-of-the-range apartments located in the city center or in the hills. Neighborhoods near the lake esplanade are particularly popular for their direct access to beaches and water sports.

To find the most beautiful vacation cottages and accommodations in Aix-les-Bains, read our dedicated article here.

Golf d'Aix-les-Bains: between lake and mountains

Aix-les-Bains golf courselocated in a green setting 3 km from the town center, offers amateurs and amateurs alike an exceptional 18-hole course, stretching over 45 hectares between lake and mountain. With its varied, technical layout, it is suitable for all levels of play.

Golf Aix les Bains
Golf Aix les Bains

Qualified professionals offer top-quality teaching to support each player's progress. The site also boasts all the facilities you need to play golf: driving range, putting green, pitching green, practice bunker, as well as a clubhouse with bar, restaurant and panoramic terrace.

Local sporting events not to be missed

Aix-les-Bains vibrates to the rhythm of local sporting events throughout the year, offering both entertainment and opportunities to participate. Don't miss the Lac du Bourget International Triathlon in June, the Lac du Bourget Marathon in October, the Festival de la Voile in September, and the Lac du Bourget Trail in November, for unique sporting experiences.

Useful links for visiting Aix-les-Bains

General information & tourism

Must-see sites & activities

Sports & nature activities

Access & transport

Restaurants & outings

Lodgings

 

Agenda & events

Maps & routes

Conclusion

Aix-les-Bains, a charming cityWith a full range of activities to satisfy all your desires, whether for relaxation, culture, nature or sport. Explore the benefits of its famous thermal baths, sail on the waters of Lac du Bourget - France's largest natural lake, climb the Revard mountain to admire breathtaking views, discover artistic treasures at the Faure museum, try your luck at the Grand Cercle casino while appreciating its remarkable architecture, follow in the footsteps of Lamartine on guided tours, play golf in an exceptional setting between lake and mountains, and don't miss the exciting local sporting events.

Don't delay, plan your trip to Aix-les-Bains now and let yourself be seduced by the unique charm of this spa town.

FAQ

Where to go for a walk in Aix-les-Bains?

In Aix-les-Bains, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to walking. Two places not to be missed are :

  • Lac du Bourget: France's largest natural lake invites you to relax with its water sports activities, fishing opportunities and walks along the cycle path. Don't miss the breathtaking view from the Chambotte lookout.
  • Mount Revard: Accessible by car or cable car, this summit offers a commanding view of Aix-les-Bains and the lake. Ideal for hiking, skiing, paragliding or simply marvelling at the panoramic views of the Alps.

Why go to Aix-les-Bains?

Aix-les-Bains is a destination of choice for its natural hot springs, beneficial to health and well-being. The town is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, with must-see sites such as Hautecombe Abbey and the Grand Cercle Casino.

What's the best beach in Aix-les-Bains?

Aix beach stands out as the most beautiful in Aix-les-Bains. This vast sandy beach offers splendid views of Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for families, it offers shallow water and inflatable games for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

What's Aix-les-Bains' speciality?

Savoyard fondue is the emblematic culinary specialty of Aix-les-Bains. This convivial dish of melted cheese dipped in bread features three Savoy cheeses: Beaufort, Reblochon and Comté.

This article was written by Alex Arts, photographer, content creatorand level 6 local guide on Google Maps

Picture of Alex Arts

Alex Arts

Photographer, content creator, and local guide

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