Things To Do
in Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains is a lakeside spa town on the shores of Lac du Bourget in the Savoie region of southeastern France, known for its Belle Époque architecture and thermal baths. It sits beneath wooded mountains (notably Le Revard) and combines outdoor recreation — sailing, hiking and nearby skiing — with relaxed town life. The town has a refined but friendly atmosphere, a casino, promenades, regular markets and access to cultural sites like the Abbaye d'Hautecombe.
Aix-les-Bains is an excellent base for exploring the French Alps, nearby vineyards and the Rhône valley while enjoying lake activities and wellness treatments.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local boulangerie, savoring freshly baked croissants and coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the elegant Belle Époque architecture and vibrant flower markets. Don't miss the stunning Saint-Symphorien Church, which showcases fascinating artworks and offers a glimpse into the town's rich history.
Spend your afternoon at the Aix-les-Bains Thermal Spa, indulging in rejuvenating treatments that have been enjoyed since Roman times. After your spa experience, take a relaxing walk along the picturesque shores of Lake Bourget, where you can soak in the serene views of the surrounding mountains. Consider stopping for lunch at a lakeside café, where you can relish local specialties such as freshwater fish.
As the sun sets, head to one of the elegant restaurants in the town center for a delightful dinner featuring regional cuisine. Enjoy a glass of Savoie wine as you take in the ambiance of the bustling streets and perhaps catch a live performance at the nearby Théâtre du Casino. Conclude your night with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where the shimmering lights reflect off the lake.
Begin your morning with a visit to the Aix-les-Bains market, where local vendors display fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals and sample their delicious offerings, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. After shopping, enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, choosing from a selection of pastries and local delicacies.
In the afternoon, visit the Musée Faure, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by famous artists like Rodin and Monet. Spend some time exploring the museum's beautiful gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the surrounding area. For lunch, find a cozy bistro nearby to enjoy a classic French meal.
As evening approaches, attend a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Savoyard dishes with guidance from a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you share a meal with fellow participants, creating a memorable dining experience. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the enchanting ambiance of the town at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $50-90 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start and short ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lake and mountain scenery with many outdoor activities
- Relaxing spa and thermal facilities
- Charming Belle Époque town center with markets and cultural sites
- Good base for both alpine skiing and wine regions
- Can be crowded in peak summer and holiday periods
- Limited late-night nightlife and clubbing options
- Some nearby attractions require a car or bus to reach
- Savoyard cuisine is heavy, which may be limiting for some diets
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello (day) / Good evening (night)
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / le port ?" - Where is the train station / the port?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Aix-les-Bains
Visit one of these nice places.
Lakeside walkway with views of Lac du Bourget, reflections of the mountains, sailboats and golden-hour sunsets — excellent for panoramas and lifestyle shots.
Lookouts above town provide sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding Alps; great for sunrise, fog and winter snow scenes.
A dramatic abbey on the far shore of the lake accessible by boat; its architecture and waterside setting are highly photogenic.
Ornate façades, promenades and the Casino Grand Cercle offer classic town shots with historic charm.
Cliffs, wooded trails and lake lookouts in a protected area — ideal for nature close-ups and layered landscape compositions.
Food in Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Melted local cheese scraped over potatoes, pickles and cured meats; widely available in winter and in convivial restaurants around town.
Must-Try!
A gratin of potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions and lardons — a winter staple served in many bistros after outdoor activities.
Local pork sausages often cooked in wine or served with polenta or crozets; find them at markets and traditional restaurants.
Perch and other freshwater fish, prepared simply or as part of regional dishes in lakeside restaurants.
A light, traditional sponge cake from the region — a common café dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market in Aix-les-Bains, with stalls selling cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, pastries and local specialties; ideal for picnic supplies.
Weekly producer markets and occasional seasonal markets offer honey, charcuterie, regional cheeses (reblochon, beaufort) and small street-food bites like sandwiches with diots.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' later in the day). A brief handshake is common in formal situations; among friends, two light kisses on the cheeks (la bise) may occur.
Use polite phrases like 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci.' Attempting a few words of French is appreciated; many service staff speak some English but starting in French sets a positive tone.
Keep hands visible on the table, wait for the host to start, and don't expect fast turnover in leisurely meals. Tipping is modest since service is included.
Smart-casual attire fits most restaurants and bars; be respectful in religious sites and quiet residential neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Aix-les-Bains
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included (service compris) on restaurant bills; rounding up small change or leaving a modest tip (5–10%) for excellent service is appreciated but not required. Taxi drivers may be tipped a few euros; round up bakery or café orders if you wish.
Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops; carry some euros in cash for small vendors, markets and remote locations. Contactless payment is common; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny weather perfect for swimming, sailing, paddleboarding and lakeside dining; expect peak tourist numbers on weekends and lively markets and events.
Crisp air and beautiful fall colors in the surrounding forests and vineyards; ideal for hiking, wine visits and quieter lake walks as crowds thin.
Cold with snow possible on surrounding peaks; great for short ski trips to nearby resorts, enjoying hearty Savoyard cuisine and relaxing in thermal baths.
Mild temperatures, blossoming landscapes and fewer tourists — a good time for cycling, early-season hiking and boat trips before busy summer months.
Aix-les-Bains at Night
Hiking in Aix-les-Bains
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of easy-to-moderate trails with panoramic overlooks of Lac du Bourget; accessible from Aix-les-Bains for day hikes and mountain biking.
Scenic coastal cliffs and wooded paths with short circuits offering dramatic lake views and diverse flora; suitable for families and photographers.
Protected parkland with longer ridge walks, alpine pastures and traditional villages — great for multi-hour hikes and wildlife spotting.
A distinct limestone peak on the west side of the lake with steeper trails and rewarding summit views back over Lac du Bourget.
Trail options combining lakeside walking and visits to the Abbaye d'Hautecombe (boat access enhances the route), suitable as a cultural-nature day excursion.
Airports
How to reach Aix-les-Bains by plane.
Closest regional airport (about 20–30 km); seasonal flights from European cities and shuttle or taxi transfers to Aix-les-Bains make it convenient for short trips.
Major international airport ~100 km west with frequent trains and buses to Aix-les-Bains; provides many international connections and car rental options.
International airport ~110 km northwest with cross-border access; convenient for international travelers arriving from outside France with train and bus connections or car transfer.
Another regional option to the south (~120 km), useful for winter visitors to nearby ski areas; seasonal routes vary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents with deep ties to mountain and agricultural traditions; many work in tourism, hospitality and local services.
A notable portion of visitors and residents attracted by the thermal baths and calm lakeside lifestyle, particularly older guests in spa season.
Seasonal visitors who come for hiking, watersports and nearby ski areas — a mix of French domestic tourists and Europeans (Swiss, British, Dutch, German).
Smaller groups of younger visitors and students, especially during summer events and outdoor activity seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lac du Bourget is a center for rowing clubs and sailing schools; competitive and recreational boating are common.
Road cycling and mountain biking are popular thanks to challenging climbs, scenic routes and access to the Alps.
Nearby alpine resorts attract skiers and snowboarders in winter; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in some areas.
The surrounding massifs (Bauges, Chartreuse, Revard) draw hikers and trail runners of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aix-les-Bains.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but Savoyard cuisine is cheese- and meat-heavy; look for salads, omelettes, tartes and vegetable sides and tell restaurants in advance. Many markets sell grilled vegetables and cheeses suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan choices are more limited but growing — seek out cafés and bistros that offer vegetable dishes, plant-based salads, and inquire at restaurants; larger towns nearby may have more options.
Some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (avoid crozets, tartiflette unless specified). Many markets offer naturally gluten-free items like charcuterie, cheeses and produce.