Renowned for its thermal springs dating back to Roman times, Aix-les-Bains is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Bourget that flourished during the Belle Epoque period. It’s dotted with ancient ruins, temples and a 12th-century royal burial site and is positioned on the doorstep of Mont Revard’s hiking, biking and skiing trails.
Things to do in Aix-les-Bains
Perched atop a hill overlooking Aix-les-Bains is the Château of the King’s Rock, a fantasy-like 20th-century monument that blends Oriental and Renaissance styles. It offers elevated views of the Golf d'Aix les Bains, which features 18 holes, a historic clubhouse and an academy offering lessons for both new and experienced players.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Faure Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It’s largely based on the private collection of Doctor Jean Faure and features more than 30 sculptures by the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, as well as several of his master studies.
Rising east of Aix-les-Bains is Mont Revard, a 1,463-metre-high peak that is featured regularly in the Tour de France. It’s a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. More than 150 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails wind through nearby Bauges Regional Nature Park.
Getting around Aix-les-Bains
Chambery Airport is a 10-minute drive from Aix-les-Bains and has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from Paris and Lyon to the Aix-les-Bains railway station while buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Aix-les-Bains is compact enough to explore on foot.