Spain’s Best Kept Travel Secrets
Tourist destinationsMillions of visitors come to Spain annually because of its vibrant culture, fascinating past, and amazing scenery. Still, the real spirit of Spain is found…
Aix-les-Bains, a scenic commune located in the southeastern French department of Savoie, with a population of 31,100 in 2020, rendering it the second-largest city in the area. This picturesque resort town, located on the banks of France’s biggest glacial lake, Lac du Bourget, has historically served as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, attracting people globally to enjoy its distinctive combination of natural beauty and cultural legacy.
The history of Aix-les-Bains is closely linked to its natural hot springs, which have been esteemed since antiquity. The Celts, especially the Allobroges tribe, were among the earliest to acknowledge the therapeutic qualities of these waters, venerating them under the deity Borvo. As the Roman Empire extended its influence, the community, formerly known as Aquae, prospered around a prominent bathing facility that underwent ongoing enhancements and extensions throughout the years.
The town’s status as a spa resort has persisted over time, with prominent individuals like King Henry IV utilizing its restorative waters as early as 1600. The late 18th century signified a pivotal moment in Aix-les-Bains’ evolution as a contemporary spa town, highlighted by the establishment of the inaugural thermal hotel in 1783, facilitated by the substantial patronage of King Victor Amadeus III. This established Aix-les-Bains as a premier spa destination during the Belle Époque, drawing nobles and affluent individuals from over Europe.
The annexation of Savoy by France in 1860 enhanced the prominence of Aix-les-Bains, since its hot baths were recognized as national facilities. The next decades experienced significant extensions and enhancements to the spa facilities, culminating in the opening of the advanced Thermes Chevalley in 1996, which employs many new deep catchment sources.
Aix-les-Bains has effectively broadened its allure in recent years, despite the thermal baths historically being the main attraction for visitors. The town has leveraged its natural environment to establish itself as a center for water sports and outdoor pursuits, taking advantage of its advantageous position along the beaches of Lac du Bourget. The lake, characterized by its striking turquoise waters and adjacent Alpine scenery, offers a magnificent setting for various leisure activities.
Aix-les-Bains features the largest freshwater marina in France, exemplifying its dedication to aquatic pursuits. The port region, comprising the Grand port and the Petit port, has 1,500 mooring rings, rendering it an ideal destination for boating aficionados. Annually, the yachting festival assembles classic yachts from several locales, showcasing a spectacle that honors the town’s nautical past.
The town’s commitment to conserving its natural beauty and improving its urban environment has been recognized. Aix-les-Bains boasts four flowers and two golden flowers in the Concours des villes et villages fleuris, a national competition that honors the most aesthetically adorned and verdant communities in France. This award highlights the town’s dedication to preserving a peaceful equilibrium between urban growth and natural beauty.
Aix-les-Bains has developed a vibrant cultural landscape in addition to its natural charms. The town has received the esteemed City of Art and History designation, recognizing its commitment to safeguarding and promoting its architectural and cultural legacy. The national Musilac festival is a premier event in Aix-les-Bains’ cultural calendar, attracting music enthusiasts from around the nation and beyond.
The economic environment of Aix-les-Bains has seen substantial evolution throughout the years. The spa business continues to be a significant aspect of the town’s character, augmented by a variety of sectors. The presence of major corporations including General Electric, Léon Grosse’s headquarters, ABB Cellier, and Aixam has invigorated the local economy. A high-quality leather products manufacturer enhances the town’s reputation for workmanship and elegance.
Tourism is a crucial component of Aix-les-Bains’ economy, attracting over 200,000 people each year. The establishment of the official tourist brand “Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes” in 2016 was a deliberate initiative to promote the town and its environs as a prime destination. This branding strategy adeptly merges the town’s character as a spa resort with the charm of a sophisticated Riviera lifestyle and the outdoor attractions of the Alps, forming a complex identity that appeals to many interests.
The geographical location of Aix-les-Bains is very remarkable. Located 107 kilometers east of Lyon, the town is nestled between the formidable Mont Revard, the initial natural barrier of the Massif des Bauges to the east, and the vast Lac du Bourget to the west. The distinctive geography has influenced the town’s growth, with the urban area predominantly extending along a north-south axis.
Aix-les-Bains is conventionally segmented into two separate regions: the lower town, situated along the lake’s shores, and the higher town, which houses the town center and provides panoramic vistas over Lac du Bourget. This configuration arose from historical necessity, as the town was originally established on elevated terrain to circumvent the recurrent inundation of the lake prior to its regulation by contemporary engineering.
The lake is a vital element of Aix-les-Bains’ identity and allure. The Lac du Bourget watershed, encompassing 560 square kilometers, is a complex ecosystem that sustains a broad range of flora and wildlife. Visitors may view indigenous fish species in the town’s aquarium, while the lakefront offers homes for several avian species, including mute swans, mallards, grey herons, and black-headed gulls.
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