The scenic town of Aix-les-Bains is found in Southern France, near to both Italy and Switzerland. It is known for the alpine scenery, warm weather and stunning waterfronts. It really is an ideal spot to enjoy the Summer months in France, either in the town or as a base to explore. If you are wondering what to do in Aix-les-Bains, then this blog post is for you.
What to do in Aix-les-Bains | A Short Guide
Getting There
With Aix-les-Bains being mountainous, and off the beaten track, it can be quite a challenge to get to. From Paris, it is either a 6 hour drive or a 3 hour TGV journey. If you are coming in from Lyon, then both the car and train will take just over an hour and a half. From the U.K., I would suggest flying in to Lyon before catching a short train.
Accommodation Options
In Aix-les-Bains you have plenty of different options, ranging from gorgeous lake views to cosy hotels in the city centre. Be aware though that many hotels are not by the lake. Make sure that you research ahead to find the hotel that best suit your needs.
Below are some options that I’ve picked out based upon different things that you may be after.
| Accommodation Type | Example Hotel |
| Budget Traveller | Hôtel L’Iroko The Originals City |
| Close to the Lake | Hotel & Spa Marina d’Adelphia |
| Luxury Traveller | Belle Epoque |
What to do in Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains is one of the French major spa towns, and the thermal spas here are definitely worth checking out – rain or shine. Because of heritage, the town is relatively picturesque. The architecture is stunning and the gardens of the town are stunning. The main one is the first stop that I would recommend; the Parc Floral des Thermes. This is perfect for a lazy afternoon walk, or to relax with a drink and lunch.
In the middle of town you’ll find the Casino Grand Cercle, one of the largest gambling suites in France. Another peaceful spot is the Japanese Garden inside the Parc du Casino. Created by two Japanese gardeners in 1998, the gardens have a koi pond and in the spring, beautiful cherry blossom. If you’re into architecture you’ll also enjoy the town’s Belle Époque charm. Look out for the grand Palais de Justice and the Faure Museum, housed in a Belle Époque villa. Inside you can see an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings and even some Rodin sculptures.
If your stay in Aix les Bain falls on a Wednesday or Saturday, you might like to check out the Aix-les-Bains markets.
The main attraction is Lake Bourget, the largest/ deepest lake in France. Here you can relax by the lakefront, either sunbathing or with a drink, or you can take one of the many walks around it. If you are feeling adventurous, you could also rent a boat out into the lake.
Day Trips from Aix-les-Bains
Whilst the town itself may not have a lot to see, there are a few day trips from Aix-les-Bains that are worth doing.
Here are some of my favourite options:
Annecy
You can easily have a day trip to Annecy; the train takes just over an hour. This is one of the most gorgeous Alpine towns and is the perfect place to relax with a drink during the summer months.
Road Trip around Lake Bourget
There is a road that goes around Lake Bourget, which is little over 50km. You can turn this into a mini-road trip that takes a couple of hours, complete with a picnic or a stop for lunch at a French restaurant.
Mont Revard
The nearby Mont Revard looks over the town of Aix-les-Bains and nearby lake. From the town it is about a 30-40 minute drive to the summit and you can get some truly sensational views.
Abbaye d’Hautecombe
Located on the other side of Lake Bourget is the Abbaye d’Hautecombe. This stunning Gothic-style abbey is a peaceful place to explore, with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and yet more gorgeous lakeside views. It is also famous for being the burial place of members of the House of Savoy.
Gorges du Sierroz
A short drive from Aix-les-Bains, the Gorges du Sierroz is an excellent day out for nature lovers. This hidden gem features dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and scenic walking trails, perfect for a leisurely hike or peaceful stroll. A visit to the gorges is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the Savoie region and enjoy some quiet time away from the town’s bustle.
Final Thoughts | What to do in Aix-les-Bains
Whilst the town itself does not offer loads to do, I think that it is a perfect place to kick back and relax. You can get some of the best views in all of France here and an evening drink by the lake is something worth waiting for. I hope that you found this guide useful and, as ever, if you have any questions just ask!
