Photo : Mathis Brancquart / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains is a spa town in Savoie, between Mont Revard to the east and Lake Bourget to the west, about ten kilometres from Chambéry. Its history was born of its hot springs, which the Romans had already developed into baths, and it is one of the oldest towns in Savoie.
In the Belle Époque, it became a sought-after resort for wealthy families and Europe's crowned heads who came for the waters and leisure. Spa treatments are still present, but the town has diversified: it hosts the Musilac festival and houses the largest lake marina in France, with more than 1,500 berths. It describes itself as the Riviera of the Alps.
Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France, borders the town and makes it a playground for water sports. With more than 32,000 inhabitants, Aix-les-Bains is the second most populous commune in Savoie.
