★ 1 · last edited May 19, 2020
Aix-les-Bains
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Aix-les-Bains
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On the shores of Lake Bourget, Aix-les-Bains is one of France’s leading spa towns. It still boasts a significant architectural heritage from the "Belle Époque" era and attracts many tourists thanks to its location between lake and mountains.
Overview of Aix-les-Bains
On the shores of Lake Bourget, Aix-les-Bains is one of France’s leading spa towns. It still boasts a significant architectural heritage from the "Belle Époque" era and attracts many tourists thanks to its location between lake and mountains.
Key facts
- Type de lieu: small town.
- Intérêt touristique: (worth a stop if you are in the area).
- Localisation:
- Distances:
- Heure locale: .
- Population: 29,794 inhabitants (2017).
- Superficie: 12.62 km².
- Altitude: from 224 to 524 m.
- Site internet: https://www.aixlesbains-rivieradesalpes.com
History of Aix-les-Bains
What to see
Grand Cercle Casino
Opened in 1850, the venue still retains its Belle Époque character and architecture. The magnificent mosaic-covered ceilings in some of its rooms are well worth seeing.
Opened in 1850, the venue still retains its Belle Époque character and architecture. The magnificent mosaic-covered ceilings in some of its rooms are well worth seeing.
Esplanade du lac
This is a 10-hectare landscaped green space. Along with the city's three beaches, the aquatic centre, and the "small harbour" (fishing and pleasure boating), it is one of the leisure spots offered along the edge of Lake Bourget.
This is a 10-hectare landscaped green space. Along with the city's three beaches, the aquatic centre, and the "small harbour" (fishing and pleasure boating), it is one of the leisure spots offered along the edge of Lake Bourget.
Belle Époque Hotels and Palaces
The Splendid, the Royal, the Grand Hôtel, the Beau-site, and others are witnesses to the city’s reputation as a spa destination in the late 19th to early 20th century. Though most have lost their original purpose, you can still admire their beautiful façades and grand entrances on an urban stroll.
The Splendid, the Royal, the Grand Hôtel, the Beau-site, and others are witnesses to the city’s reputation as a spa destination in the late 19th to early 20th century. Though most have lost their original purpose, you can still admire their beautiful façades and grand entrances on an urban stroll.
Lake Bourget
This large lake, on the shores of which Aix-les-Bains is located, is a major local tourist destination. Visitors come for boating (and small seasonal cruises), swimming, and even diving.
This large lake, on the shores of which Aix-les-Bains is located, is a major local tourist destination. Visitors come for boating (and small seasonal cruises), swimming, and even diving.
Faure Museum
Housed in a beautiful Genoese-style villa called "Villa of Chimeras", dating from the early 20th century, the museum brings together sculptures primarily by Rodin and paintings mainly by Impressionists.
Housed in a beautiful Genoese-style villa called "Villa of Chimeras", dating from the early 20th century, the museum brings together sculptures primarily by Rodin and paintings mainly by Impressionists.
Musée Lapidaire
A former Gallo-Roman temple, known as the "Temple of Diana," converted into an archaeological museum. It houses numerous ancient statues and artifacts, as well as Bronze Age items.
A former Gallo-Roman temple, known as the "Temple of Diana," converted into an archaeological museum. It houses numerous ancient statues and artifacts, as well as Bronze Age items.
What to do
Climate and weather
Transport
Getting there
Getting around
Where to stay
Where to eat
Useful addresses
Nearby
The main sites to see within a fifty-kilometre radius of Aix-les-Bains:
Annecy
On the shores of the lake of the same name, it is the capital of Haute-Savoie. The city, known as the "Venice of the Alps" for its canals, features an old quarter with medieval streets.
On the shores of the lake of the same name, it is the capital of Haute-Savoie. The city, known as the "Venice of the Alps" for its canals, features an old quarter with medieval streets.
Chambéry
Despite damage during the Second World War, the capital of Savoie still has some interesting buildings in its colourful centre.
Despite damage during the Second World War, the capital of Savoie still has some interesting buildings in its colourful centre.
Montrottier Castle
Not far from Annecy, in Lovagny, this is a charming 13th-century fortified castle. In the same municipality, the Fier Gorges are narrow and deep.
Not far from Annecy, in Lovagny, this is a charming 13th-century fortified castle. In the same municipality, the Fier Gorges are narrow and deep.
Lake Annecy
This large lake, with its stunning setting, is highly popular among residents of Annecy and the surrounding area. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming and boating to hiking, cycling, diving, and fishing.
This large lake, with its stunning setting, is highly popular among residents of Annecy and the surrounding area. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming and boating to hiking, cycling, diving, and fishing.
Chartreuse Regional Nature Park
Spanning Isère and Savoie, this is one of the great and beautiful parks of the Alps. Activities include hiking, climbing, caving, and skiing.
Spanning Isère and Savoie, this is one of the great and beautiful parks of the Alps. Activities include hiking, climbing, caving, and skiing.
Regional Nature Park of the Bauges Massif
Straddling Savoie and Haute Savoie, this park primarily offers a "cultural" appeal with a distinct rural heritage.
Straddling Savoie and Haute Savoie, this park primarily offers a "cultural" appeal with a distinct rural heritage.
Further reading
Worth a look / Other
Lakeside Esplanade (Aix-les-Bains)
★★ This is a 10-hectare landscaped green space. Along with the city's three beaches, the aquatic centre, and the "small harbour" (fishing and…
Lake Bourget
★★ This large lake, on the shores of which Aix-les-Bains is located, is a major local tourist destination. Visitors come for boating (and…
Campanus Arch
★ A testament to the city's Gallo-Roman period, it stands next to the Temple of Diana.
Grand Cercle Casino
★ Opened in 1850, the venue still retains its Belle Époque character and architecture. The magnificent mosaic-covered ceilings in some of its…
Belle Époque Hotels and Palaces
★ The Splendid, the Royal, the Grand Hôtel, the Beau-site, and others are witnesses to the city’s reputation as a spa destination in…
Faure Museum
★ Housed in a beautiful Genoese-style villa called "Villa of Chimeras", dating from the early 20th century, the museum brings together…
Lapidary Museum (Aix-les-Bains)
★ A former Gallo-Roman temple, known as the "Temple of Diana," converted into an archaeological museum. It houses numerous ancient statues…