France > France regions > Rhone-Alpes > Savoie > Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is located in the low Alps to the north of Annecy, on the eastern edge of the Lac du Bourget and overlooked by Mont Revard.

There are some interesting Roman ruins and artefacts to see in Aix-les-Bains, bearing witness to the towns long role in the region. The remains include the Temple of Diane and the Campanus Arch. The best place to see some of the statues discovered in the region is at the Museum of Archaeology.

Moving forward to the 19th century, and the most prosperous era in the towns history, and Aix-les-Bains revived its Roman role as a spa town.

The spa baths in the town date from 1860, as do many of the other grand buildings you will see, such as the Casino and the Chateau de la Roche du Roi. (The Chateau is on the hillside above the town, and is in a curious melange of architectural styles that I won't even try to describe!) Aix-les-Bains is one of the best towns for seeing the architecture of the Belle-Epoque with many fine examples from the period.

In a villa from the same epoch, visit the Museum of Doctor Faure, for an interesting selection of paintings from the last two centuries (includes works by Pissaro and Cézanne) and a very impressive collection of Rodin statues.

While it is still very popular as a spa town today, tourist activities are playing an increasingly important role, especially those related to activities on the lake - hence the most popular stroll through Aix-les-Bains is the pretty walk along the edge of the lake - the Promenade du Lac.

On the lake itself the town has the largest inland port to be found in France, beaches, and numerous water-based activities from canoeing to water-skiing.

Many towns in France are classified Ville Fleurie (town of flowers) but Aix-les-Bains is one of only a few to have the '4 flowers' level of award, and to have national prizes for its flowers. As part of this, there are several large parks and gardens to visit, including the Parc Floral des Thermes, the substantial Parc of Bois Vidal,  and the banks of the lake.

Aix-les-Bains: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Aix-les-Bains

- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)

Places to visit near Aix-les-Bains

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Aix-les-Bains.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Aix-les-Bains are shown below (if found).

Annecy Important town at 33 km
Chambery Mountain town at 13 km

See also Aix-les-Bains (version Francais)

Airports near Aix-les-Bains

Chambery airport at 7 km