Water and nature for relaxation in Aix-les-Bains

In Aix les Bains, the so-called Riviera of the Alps, water and nature are two inseparable elements. Here you can relax in the turquoise waters of the largest natural lake in France, or in the warm pools of the thermal baths, row on the Canal de la Savière, hoist a sail to cross the lake, ride a bike or slip into hiking boots. Strolling through the streets of Aix-les-Bains, one comes across majestic vestiges of the Belle Epoque: the historic Palace. The Splendide, the Excelsior, the Royal, the Bernascon, and the Grand Hôtel created the fame of the Aix-les-Bains spa resort in the late 19th and early 20th century and welcomed outstanding guests such as Empress Sissi, King George VII of Greece, Queen Victoria and many others. To experience the magic of a historical village, a must is a stop in Chanaz, a charming village nicknamed the Little Venice of Savoy, located on the banks of the Canal de Savière where you will find an idyllic setting, the scents of nature, workshops of local artisans, shops. You can then indulge in a stay at the Château Brachet, historical home of Dr Léon Brachet, also known as 'the doctor of kings', an emblematic figure for Aix-les-Bains at the end of the 19th century. In the heart of a six-hectare park, the hotel offers 15 rooms and suites, and the gourmet restaurant 'La Broderie'. Finally, the spas on the banks of Lake Bourget are a perfect wellness retreat, an oasis of peace to reconnect with oneself. To give a few examples, there is the Aqualioz Spa at Villa Marlioz, in the heart of a large park with 1,000 square metres dedicated to relaxation and wellness and a fabulous view of the mountains, or the Blanck Diamond Luxury Spa in the boutique hotel L'incomparable, a historic jewel overlooking the lake, while on the heights of Aix-les-Bains there is the thermal spa of the Chevalley Thermal Baths, with a breathtaking view of the lake and 1,600 square metres of wellness space and access to two naturally warm water pools. Lastly, the La Parenthèse Spa at the Golden Tulip Hotel is a sanctuary of well-being, with a sensory path and Sothys beauty rituals.