Aix-les-Bains is a spa resort that touches Lake Bourget. Located in Savoie, this city is little frequented in summer and yet, it has many surprises in store for you to spend a relaxing and regenerating holiday.
Activities to do in Aix-les-Bains
The city of Aix-les-Bains focuses its activities on well-being, rest, sharing and especially the links that unite us during our holidays. Whether you go with family, friends or even as a couple, there are many ways to have fun and there is something for everyone!
Le Yoga Paddle
Yes, yes, you read that right, Yoga Paddle. A real discovery for Just Focus! Originally from Hawaii, this practice was born in the 1940s but became democratized in 2013 in the United States. The benefits of this activity are multiple, first of all it allows novices to discover what yoga is in a fun way. Then, in Aix-les-Bains, it is carried out in the middle of Lake Bourget with a breathtaking view. Finally, it strengthens muscles and stability since, unlike classical yoga, it is practiced on a board which makes movements much less easy to perform, staying static is a real challenge! Fortunately, paddle yoga classes are supervised to avoid falling into the water and especially not to get hurt. If you want to try the experience in Aix-les-Bains, you will not be disappointed, Soren will be your coach for 1 hour. Rather than give you a simple class, she prefers to go at your own pace and adapt the session according to your desires and abilities. Always radiant, she has been doing this activity every summer for 5 years now, in addition to these yoga classes that she practices all year round. To book, it's here !
The Spa
If it rains when you go on holiday to Aix-les-Bains, do not worry you will always find activities to do, and precisely here is one that you should love. As we said, Aix-les-Bains is a spa town, so why not take advantage of it? Les Thermes Chevalley invites you to discover what the definition of well-being is within its Valvital space. It takes 21 € to be able to access it and the care is of course extra. The Spa includes an indoor and outdoor thermal water pool, a sauna, a hammam and a relaxation room. Another Spa is located in Aix-les-Bains, it is a Spa Nuxe which is part of the Domaine de Marlioz. However, be careful, the water is not thermal! For the half day, it takes 20 € (from 9h to 13h or from 14h to 19h).
The cruise on Lake Bourget
We talked about it, Aix-les-Bains is on the shores of Lake Bourget, which is the largest natural lake in France with its 18 km long. This is the advantage of going to the mountains in summer, enjoying these sublime landscapes, with the sun! The cruise on the Lake has as departure the city of Aix-les-Bains, several routes are proposed to discover the surroundings. Just Focus opted for the 3-hour cruise with one hour stopover. The boat company takes you to Chanaz, a very pretty village that you can discover in more detail during your journey. On the way, we never get tired of the view we have on the mountains and gradually, our Captain explains the smallest details to know about the monuments overlooking the mountain. Among these, we can observe the Abbey of Hautecombe, one of the routes proposed by the company allows you to visit it. For a simple walk of one hour count about 15 €, and for the long walk of 3 hours, it will take about twenty euros. Student prices are offered and restaurant cruises are also available. To take a look, it's here !
The Faure Museum
For many of us, holidays mean visits, and what could be better than discovering the local museums? Precisely, in the center of Aix-les-Bains, the Faure Museum allows you to discover a large collection of paintings and sculptures. By going through Rodin and Degas or Cézanne and Pissarro, you will not have time to get bored. The rates are very reasonable since for adults it will cost 5 €. For minors and students, it's free! We also wanted to congratulate the museum's approach "Painting at your fingertips" for visually impaired people. Indeed, some paintings have been reproduced in relief so that the visually impaired public can discover them. Explanatory booklets are also available in Braille and audio versions.
The must-see spots to see around
Aix-les-Bains is a very pretty little town, but it is also surrounded by other beautiful villages or towns. Although in summer many activities are offered in Aix-les-Bains (concerts, dance shows …), if you stay several days it is advisable to go and discover the surroundings.
Chanaz
We have already approached this pretty village of Chanaz since we can discover it with the boat cruise we talked about above. On site, you can visit a mill dating from 1868, still in operation it produces walnut oil. Also, Chanaz is famous for its chocolate and roasting, artisanal coffee is for sale, the smell will embalm your nostrils and transport you.
Hautecombe Abbey
Hautecombe Abbey was built in the 12th century. With its Gothic architecture, it overlooks the lake and is now one of the most visited sites in Savoie Mont Blanc. After the departure of the Benedictine community in this place, it is the turn of the Chemin-Neuf community to settle in this building and thus, continue to welcome visitors within the Abbey, and of course maintain this fabulous place.
Annecy
Annecy is about thirty minutes from Aix-les-Bains by train. On site, you can discover the old town, particularly warm thanks to its cobblestones and colorful houses. While strolling around, you will obviously come across the famous Palais de l'Isle, a triangular building that seems to magically set on the Thiou canal. We have already talked about Lake Bourget, but here, it is Lake Annecy that surprises us. These mountains and the clear color of this water blows us away. On this lake, it is possible to pedal boat! A summer activity to do with friends, as a couple or even as a family. So, ready to pedal? Savoie is full of must-see spots that can be visited in summer and winter. Even though it is a region mainly known for its ski resorts, you will discover it in summer with a new eye. Aix-les-Bains is a particularly pleasant place to go on holiday because of the calm and beauty of its heritage but also for its proximity to other cities or villages to discover without hesitation! So, are you tempted? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7ZmX7_YqFM