If it’s time for a break, it’s time for a break in Aix-les-Bains. This beautiful spa town in the Savoie region of the French Alps lies on the eastern shore of Lake Bourget at the foot of the mountains. Convinced?
A little background
Aix-les-Bains has been known for its hot springs since ancient times. When the Romans arrived, about 130 BCE, they built thermal baths, as they did throughout the empire.
In the 19th century, it became popular as a spa town, attracting European visitors who came for the health-giving baths. This led to significant development, with the building of grand hotels and villas, and the town became a popular holiday destination, especially for the wealthy.
During WWII, Aix-les-Bains served as a refuge for the French government and for members of the Resistance.
In recent decades it has significantly diversified its economy; several major industrial firms, including General Electric, have set up manufacturing facilities in the town. Tourism, local businesses and the production of luxury leather goods provide employment opportunities in the area.
Today, Aix-les-Bains still attracts visitors to its spa facilities and many more come for the water-based activities around the lake.
Leisure, fun and … leisure
As with most towns with ‘visitor appeal’, in Aix-les-Bains, the holiday theme is evident. The town has all the facilities that best serve its needs: for entertainment, sports and leisure, shopping, rest and relaxation
Lake Bourget
For visitor, especially, the lake (Lac du Bourget) is one of the most prominent attractions in Aix-les-Bains. It is the largest natural glacial lake in France and it’s the focus of water sports, leisure activities and plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
You can run, cycle and walk along the esplanade and beautiful shaded trails by the shores; you can hire boats, or take a boat trip, to explore the lake.
The lake is also the focus of many of the cultural events and festivals in the town.
A break in Aix-les-Bains’ spas
The town has a number of spa complexes, some offered in the leading hotels. The Chevally Thermal Baths, just east of the town is a large complex that offers hot pools, sauna, spas and health treatments. See more at the website.
The Thermes Nationaux d’Aix-les-Bains is the organisation that coordinates many of the spa sites, including the renovation of ancient thermal springs, and acts as a tourist information office. You can see the remains of the ancient Roman Baths inside its premises, on the site of a former Thermal Baths.
The Casino
The Casino Grand Cercle is an outstanding example of the grand architectural style that accompanied the growth of Aix-les-Bains in the mid 19th century. It was designed by Pellegrini, who was the architect of the original Thermal Baths. Renovations have always focused on preserving its original features: its dome, decorated with beautiful mosaics by Salviati, stained-glass windows and a magnificent theatre.
It is a fully equipped gambling establishment, but also presents musical and theatre performances. The Brasserie du Casino serves classic French cuisine.
Parks and gardens
- Jardins de l’Europe: On the north shore of Lac du Bourget, these gardens, with lawns, shady spots, picnic benches and sculptures, are perfect for a restful afternoon
- Parc Floral des Thermes: Also called Parc de Verdure, this beautiful, shady park has themed plantings – rose gardens, a Japanese rock garden and plant collections from around the world – as well as lawns and ponds. It also has a pleasant restaurant and a large, open, seated theatre (Théâtre de Verdure) where concerts and large events are held.
Museums and Galleries
Roman remains
The Arch of Campanus, an ancient Roman funerary monument, built in the 1st century CE, is close to the centre of the town. It is classified as a French historical monument.
The Temple of Diana was on the site where the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) now stands. A portion of the temple is visible in the walls. Inside, you can see more remains and larger archaeological collection, as part of a guided tour.
Museums
Musée Faure: This excellent small museum has one of France’s most superb collections of 19th and 20th century fine art – Impressionist, post-Impressionist, Fauvist and modern works – put together by surgeon Dr. Jean Faure.
Musée Lapidaire: This museum, inside 15th century convent building, focuses on Gallo-Roman artifacts discovered in the area. Well worth a visit.
Annual Events
Festival Musilac
This popular music festival is held on the Esplanade of Lake Bourget. It lasts between two and four days, in mid-July, and features a wide selection of musical genres. Musilac attracts French and international performers and more than 75,000 spectators.
La Fête du Lac
It is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Europe, with pyrotechnic displays, music and lights. It is held on the shores of Lake Bourget, usually in August, and attracts thousands of visitors.
Festival des Nuits Romantiques
This event celebrates classical music with a focus on romance. It is held in early autumn, at various venues across the town, and is a highlight of the year for lovers of classical music.
Les Aquascénies
This celebration of dance, music and fireworks is held every year, in the Parc du Verdure.
Le Salon du Nautisme
This is a large trade fair and exhibition, dedicated to fishing and water sports and a ‘must do’ for sailing and boating enthusiasts. It happens on the shores of the lake – with 14,000 square metres of exhibitions and demonstrations. It’s the ideal place to take a boat for a test drive.
See more suggestions for Places To Go.
Further afield
After a break in Aix-les-Bains, why not explore the wider area. There’s an excellent and inexpensive bus service to:
- Chambéry – a historic city known for its medieval architecture, including the Château de Chambéry (15 km from Aix-les-Bains)
- Annecy – a beautiful town, known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, which has a stunning lake, canals, a castle, and excellent museums and galleries (34 km)
Find out more in Francy That!‘s article Annecy: It’s The Venice Of The Alps.
Information
LOCATION: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the eastern shore of Lake Bourget.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: Aix-les-Bains is approximately 500 km (311 miles) to the east-southeast.
POPULATION: 30,000 +
NEAREST AIRPORT: Chambéry Airport (CMF), about 10 km (6 miles) south of Aix-les-Bains (mainly seasonal flights, especially during the winter ski season).
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard, close to the town centre.
TOURIST INFORMATION: 40 Le Grand Passage.
MARKETS: Marché d’Aix-les-Bains– Wednesdays and Saturdays, on Place Clemenceau.There are also regular flea markets and antique markets.
MUST SEE: Lake Bourget; thermal spas; the museums.
