What to visit in Aix-les-Bains? Follow the guide to activities and visits

Wondering what to visit in Aix-les-Bains? Here’s a guide to Aix-les-Bains and the surrounding area. Visit the town’s remains, natural sites and museums, not forgetting the activities not to be missed…

Aix-les-Bains is France’s 3rd-largest spa town. Situated in Savoie, on the shores of Lac du Bourget and between Mont Revard and the Massif des Bauges, this spa town is very popular with spa-goers. Although it is commonly referred to as “Aix” by its inhabitants and residents, it is now known as “Aix-les-Bains – Riviera des Alpes”, which defines all the areas bordering Lac du Bourget. Atypical natural landscapes, with mountains falling steeply into the largest natural lake in France, are among its main assets.

And if you’re wondering where to go out in Aix-les-Bains, read our guide to all the best places to go!

Not-to-be-missed monuments and historic sites

As a spa town, Aix-les-Bains has many Roman remains linked to its status as a water town. But because it was closely linked to Italy, it is also home to a number of religious monuments, which we’d like you to discover here.

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You can find out more about Aix-les-Bains’ heritage on the town’s website.

The historic thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains

To understand the history of the town, we suggest you take a guided tour of the thermal baths. Listed as a Historic Monument in 2016, they bear witness to the development of the spa industry from antiquity to the 20th century. Access the 1st floor of the building to discover the Roman remains, then take a look at the classic thermal centre and its history (the thermal cabins were refurbished in the early 20th century) and finally admire the magnificent modern thermal baths in Art Deco style (with their extension and modernisation).

Hautecombe Abbey

Take in the breathtaking views from this Aix-les-Bains abbey overlooking Lac du Bourget. The burial place of the Counts of Savoy and the kings and queens of Italy, it is a veritable jewel of neo-Gothic architecture. Admire its marble sculptures and frescoes and immerse yourself in the history of Savoy.

Notre Dame church in Aix-les-Bains

Stroll along the town’s cobbled streets and let yourself be carried away to the church of Aix-les-Bains. Built in Romanesque-Byzantine style, it replaced the former Notre Dame church next to the Arc de Campanus, which had become too small. Its magnificent stained glass windows were created by Lucien Bégule, a master glassworker from Lyon, and the church hosts a number of classical music concerts.

The Arc de Campanus

After visiting the historic thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains, take the time to stop off at the Arc de Campanus. This Roman vestige, located between the entrance to the thermal baths and the “Gate of Diana”, dates back to the end of the 1st century. Decorated with the inscription L.POMPEIUS CAMPANUS VIVUS FECIT, it would appear to have been erected as a tribute to the deceased members of the Campanus family.

The Grand-Cercle casino and its theatre

Whether you’re a gambling enthusiast or not, we recommend you make a diversion to the magnificent Casino d’Aix-les-Bains. Located in the Palais de Savoie and listed as a historic monument, the casino has grown steadily over the years, with 2 side pavilions and the creation of a 900-seat theatre. It now houses several gaming rooms, reception halls and auditoriums…. Book a table at the casino brasserie to start the evening with a drink, then take in a show at the Grand Cercle theatre.

Parks and natural sites near Aix-les-Bains

Thanks to its geographical location between the Lac du Bourget and various mountains, the town of Aix-les-Bains and the surrounding communes are home to a number of natural sites and parks, which we have chosen to tell you about in more detail.

The Thermes floral park

Stroll along the paths of the most beautiful promenade in the town of Aix-les-Bains, with its rotundas, pergola, flower stalls and Moroccan fountain erected in honour of the Moroccan independence agreements signed in Aix.

Walk around Mont Revard

Follow this loop starting from Le Revard and take in 3 different viewpoints over Lac du Bourget, the Alpine massifs and the Nordic plateau. This fairly easy route will take you to the Revard suspension footbridge. Made of glass, it offers a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding mountains. Let your eyes wander off into the distance and enjoy the moment.

The Dent du Chat

Follow the picturesque paths from the Mont du Chat chapel on a forest walk to the summit of the Dent du Chat, famous for its folklore. Enjoy breathtaking views over Lac du Bourget. If you’re walking with children, beware of the cable-stayed access to the summit.

The Col de Chambotte

Head up to the Col de Chambotte from Saint-Germain-La-Chambotte and make your way to the panoramic terrace and orientation table. Then let yourself go and contemplate Lac du Bourget and Hautecombe Abbey, which overlooks it.

The Bauges Massif

The Massif des Bauges is a major tourist destination in Savoie. While you can enjoy family activities such as hiking, mountain biking and skiing, you can also take part in fun activities such as paragliding, canyoning and caving. Let yourself be entertained and relaxed for an unforgettable day in the heart of the Bauges massif.

Museums and exhibitions to see in Aix-les-Bains

If you’re a museum-lover and want to spend a holiday or a weekend in Aix-les-Bains, you can’t miss its 2 museums: the archaeological museum and the Faure museum, dedicated to painting and sculpture. Here we reveal the treasures of these must-see museums.

The Faure Museum

This museum in Aix-les-Bains houses the 2nd largest collection of works by Rodin in France. If you’re a lover of sculpture, take advantage of this cultural stroll to discover works by other sculptors such as Carpeaux, Boucher and Barye.
The museum is also unique in that it holds several collections of paintings representing the 7 major currents in painting from the 17th to the 19th centuries, including works by Corot, Pissaro, Degas and Cézanne. Take your time to admire the remarkable works that have left their mark on the history of painting.

The archaeological museum

The Aix-les-Bains archaeological museum is located in the Temple of Diana. Why not visit it after your tour of the thermal baths and the Arch of Campanus? Discover a part of the region’s history as you stroll along the aisles and admire works from the former Musée Lepic, along with Bronze Age artefacts discovered on the shores of Lac du Bourget.

Zoos and other animal parks to discover near Aix-les-Bains

Continue your discovery of the region with a trip to Annecy. Here you’ll find two beautiful animal parks. Whether you’re an animal lover or accompanied by your children, set off to discover the local wildlife.

La Grande Jeanne wildlife park

Enter this 1 hectare park and take your time observing the animals: fallow deer, stags, hinds, mouflons…. This free park is a real educational asset and the ideal place for a family outing.

The Imperial aviary

Not far from here, in the Charles Bosson park, you’ll find the 700m² Imperial aviary. Join the many bird lovers and families who come to watch the 25 species of birds that inhabit the animal park.

Markets and shops in and around Aix-les-Bains

Stroll through the narrow streets of Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry or Annecy, wandering between the stalls of the traders and discovering the different products of the local gastronomy at the markets. Another way to discover Aix-les-Bains and the surrounding towns.

Aix-les-Bains weekly market

Every Wednesday and Saturday, we invite you to discover around fifty stallholders at the weekly market in Aix-les-Bains. Taste the local produce on Saturdays and stroll between the barnums on Wednesdays to find yourself a new outfit.

Annecy’s Old Town Market

Make the most of your Tuesday to visit Annecy’s Old Town and sample the local produce on offer at the market stalls. On Fridays and Sundays, textiles make their mark on the market.

The Halles market in Chambéry

The Halles market dates back to the 11th century. Here you’ll find a wide range of shopkeepers selling regional produce, as well as a bar where you can quench your thirst. Stop off at the florist to smell the sweet perfume of the flowers. Les Halles offers a warm welcome from Wednesday to Saturday.

Towns to visit near Aix-les-Bains

Here’s a chance to explore the Savoyard region, with visits to the towns of Chambéry and Annecy, which have been awarded the “Villes d’art et d’histoire de France” (French Cities of Art and History) label, as well as Albertville, where the XVIth Winter Olympics were held.

Chambéry, France’s City of Art and History

Chambéry is the former capital of the Dukes of Savoy. Built on stilts because of its marshy soil, the city is, against all expectations, a city of water. Take in the magnificent Elephant Fountain, the very symbol of the town. Then take in the railway rotunda, a complex Eiffel-style steelwork structure, and finally, step inside Saint François de Sales cathedral to admire its 6,000m² of trompe l’oeil painted decor. These monuments and many more are waiting to be discovered during your stay in Chambéry.

Annecy and its lake

Founded by the Romans in 50 BC, Annecy has been part of both the Genevan county and the Savoy region. Take a stroll through the streets of the Old Town to visit “Little Venice”, and if you’re on a romantic weekend, make a diversion to the Pont des Amours, which runs alongside Lake Annecy. For a visit steeped in history, stop off at the listed Château de Montrottier.