Aix-les-Bains Travel Guide

Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide to Aix-les-Bains, including top sights, hotels, transportation options, and local tips.


Introduction to Aix-les-Bains

Located in the heart of the stunning Savoie region of France, Aix-les-Bains is a spa town known for its hot springs and Art Nouveau architecture. Set on the shores of Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, the town is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is an ideal destination for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Aix-les-Bains

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Faure Museum: displays works of Delacroix, Corot, and international artists of the Art nouveau movement.
  • The Roman Ruins: Located in the historic center of Aix-les-Bains, the Roman ruins are a must-see for history buffs.
  • The Abbey of Hautecombe: a former Cistercian monastery located on a hill overlooking Lake Bourget.

Natural Attractions of Aix-les-Bains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Bourget: a beautiful lake perfect for swimming, boating, and water sports.
  • Dent du Chat mountain: a popular hiking destination with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Les Tufs waterfall: a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aix-les-Bains

  • Mont Revard: A 20km hiking or biking route through the mountains with breathtaking views of the region.

Best Things to Do in Aix-les-Bains: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat tour of Lake Bourget to explore the lake’s crystal blue waters.
  • Visit the Casino Grand Cercle Aix-les-bains, a historic building with a casino, theater, and bar.
  • Relax in one of the many spas and hot springs of Aix-les-Bains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Aix-les-Bains

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the historic center of Aix-les-Bains
Day 2 Take a boat tour of Lake Bourget
Day 3 Hike or bike Mont Revard for stunning views
Day 4 Visit the Faure Museum
Day 5 Relax in one of the many spas of Aix-les-Bains
Day 6 Explore the Roman ruins in town
Day 7 Visit the Abbey of Hautecombe

Food and Drink Scene of Aix-les-Bains

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fondue Savoyarde: A traditional cheese dish that’s a must-try when visiting Savoie.
  • Diot sausages: a traditional pork sausage flavored with spices and served with potatoes and vegetables.
  • Tarte aux Myrtilles: A delicious blueberry tart and a Savoyard speciality.

Local Beverages

  • Vin de Savoie: a variety of wines from the Savoie region, including white, red, and rose varieties.
  • Chartreuse: a unique liqueur made by Carthusian monks in a nearby monastery.

Where to Stay in Aix-les-Bains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Ombremont: a luxury hotel with stunning views of Lake Bourget.
  • Hotel Adelphia: a family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and spa.
  • The Originals City, Hôtel L’Iroko, Aix-les-Bains: a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of town.

What to Buy in Aix-les-Bains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wine from the Savoie region
  • Local cheese
  • Handmade soaps and cosmetics

Local Culture and Customs of Aix-les-Bains

  • The official language of Aix-les-Bains is French.
  • Tipping is not necessary, as service charges are often included in the bill.
  • Business hours are typically 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm, with many businesses closed on Sundays.

Best Time to Visit Aix-les-Bains

The best time to visit Aix-les-Bains is in the summertime, between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the town is bustling with tourists and events. However, Spring and Autumn are also great times to visit, as the weather can still be warm but with fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aix-les-Bains

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Explore the natural beauty of the region

Don’t:

  • Expect all businesses to be open on Sundays
  • Speak loudly in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a safe town to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take the usual precautions against pickpocketing and theft and be aware of their surroundings when walking alone at night.

Health in Aix-les-Bains

There are no specific health concerns in Aix-les-Bains, but visitors should be careful when swimming in the lake and follow the safety guidelines provided at the beaches.

Getting to Aix-les-Bains: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Aix-les-Bains

The nearest airports to Aix-les-Bains are Chambery Airport (8km away) and Grenoble Airport (112km away).

Bus Stations Near Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains has a main bus station, which offers connections to nearby cities such as Lyon, Annecy, and Geneva.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel by train to Aix-les-Bains, with direct connections to Paris, Lyon, and Annecy.

How to Get Around in Aix-les-Bains

The best way to get around Aix-les-Bains is by foot, as the town is small and easy to navigate. For longer distances, taxis and buses are also available.

Where to Go Next from Aix-les-Bains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Annecy, France: a picturesque town known for its canals, old town, and stunning lake.
  • Chamonix, France: a popular ski resort with breathtaking views of the Alps.
  • Geneva, Switzerland: a cosmopolitan city with beautiful architecture and stunning scenery.

Conclusion

Aix-les-Bains is a charming town with lots of history, culture, and natural beauty to explore. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Aix-les-Bains with ease and make the most of your visit to this stunning part of France.