Aix-les-Bains is a town in Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 15 km north of Chambéry.
The locality is located on the eastern shore of Lake Bourget, the largest body of fresh water in France of glacial origin, and is dominated by the Bauges alpine massif, offering a remarkable panorama from Mont Revard over the city to the west and in good weather to Mont Blanc to the east.
Renowned for its thermal springs since Roman times, the city nevertheless retained a rural appearance during the Middle Ages. The heart of the town was rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire, according to modern town planning rules, but it was not until the end of the 18th century that a new thermal establishment was built and the lake was used as a commercial route.
During the 19th century, hydrotherapy developed even further and the city acquired often luxurious hotel infrastructures and opulent villas.
During the 20th century, Aix-les-Bains, which also experienced a certain industrialization, became a tourist and flowering capital. At the same time, it has the largest freshwater marina in France, a golf course, a racecourse and sporting and cultural events to entertain spa guests and vacationers attracted by the lake and the nearby mountains.
With more than 30,000 inhabitants, the city, lively and green, remains an essential stopover for anyone visiting the region and is a popular vacation spot in all seasons.
The town also has numerous tourist labels which highlight its quality of life: flower town, golden flower, tourist resort, nautical resort, town of art and history, cycle tourism town, vineyards and discoveries or an active and sporting city.
Aix-les-Bains has a historical and architectural heritage of quality, largely due to its thermal vocation and should be discovered.
The monument is the oldest Arch of Campanus, the name of a rich patrician, high 9m, consisting of a particular arch topped with a cornice and a frieze. Symbolizing the passage to the afterlife, it was a monument.
Then direction city hall, refurbished old feudal castle in the sixteenth century in Gothic style but the main staircase with a stone ramp and dominated by ornate arches, Renaissance.
In a very different vein, the Chateau de la Roche du Roi for residential purposes was completed in 1900. It symbolizes the triumphant era baths. From oriental style with a dungeon, a terrace and balconies, this "madness" architectural ranked today.
The city also has many palaces, in the second half of the nineteenth century to accommodate its wealthy spa guests. The sets are often ostentatious, competing neo-baroque or neoclassical touches, mosaics and ironwork are legion and gardens also "worked"... Examples include the Grand Hotel has an atrium, whose splendid lounges are adorned frescoes, the Bernascon or Excelsior. Converted into residential buildings, they mark out the city and give him a part of his identity.
From the same period dates the Grand Cercle Casino, opened in 1850 and quickly expanded: it includes game rooms, lounges, a theater in the French (later replaced by an Italian theater of 900 seats) and a restaurant. Notable artists are sought as Antonio Salviati collaborator Charles Garnier, covering the ceiling mosaics in gold funds.
Guided tours are offered in season and brochures are available to apprehend the most notable buildings in the city, including casinos and spas. Information +33 4 79 88 68 00.
On the still culturally, set in a villa Belle Epoque, the Faure museum offers a collection of Impressionist paintings and sculptures, many of Rodin. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Price: 5 euros. Information at +33 4 79 61 06 57.
In terms of shows and concerts, casino theater and outdoor theater housed in the Thermal Park or the convention center offer all year a rich and varied program. Information +33 4 79 88 68 00.
For sports, the city has a potential of the first order. Near the lake, at the heart of a 12 hectare park, the Aqualac center has an Olympic pool and recreational equipment covered or outdoor. Information at +33 4 79 61 48 80.
In summer, it is also possible to enjoy the pristine waters of Lake Bourget, natural lake of glacial origin, the water temperatures frequently exceed 25 degrees. Visit the organized beaches of Mémard and Rowing for swimming and relaxation.
Other possible water sports for youth and adults, beginners and practitioners warned: sailing with the yacht club (Contact +33 4 79 34 10 74), diving (attach +33 4 79 63 46 13) or water skiing (call +33 6 46 65 31 81).
The international golf course with 18 holes was built in the early twentieth century on 45 hectares of green land along 5.5 km, is also popular. Information at +33 4 79 61 23 35.
One can also opt for a game of tennis reserving a short at +33 4 79 88 34 34 or prefer a horse riding by joining the center +33 6 22 03 16 35 or +33 7 68 12 91 26.
As for the race track with a track 1600 m it it frequently held meetings and rallies. Information at +33 4 79 61 40 04.
For lovers of hiking and biking trails, the lake shore where appointed an esplanade and a large marina, or the green way for pedestrians, cyclists or riders, are essential.
The Tourist Office of the city also offers various thematic routes (urban walks or hikes including the area around the mountain ridge overlooking the city and the lake shore), focused on heritage or rich flora and fauna of this lake ecosystem of one side, mountain on the other... Brochures and information +33 4 79 88 68 00.
