Aix-les-Bains (pop. 25,721) lies under Mont Revard on the east side of the Lac du Bourget (18km/11mi long, 2-3km/1-0.5-2mi across, 60-100 m/200-330ft deep). It has an international reputation as a spa with an equable climate. Its springs were already being used for curative purposes in Roman times, and up to 45,000 people now come here every year to take the waters.
Aix-les-Bains is a good center for drives around the lake and cruises on the lake, for example to the abbey of Hautecombe, with the tombs of the Dukes of Savoy. The elaborately decorated church, restored in the 19th C., has a 16th C. doorway.
The Musée du Docteur-Faure has a collection of pictures, mainly by Impressionists, and faience.
Address: Musée du Docteur-Faure, Villa des Chimères 10 boulevard des Côtes, F-73100 Aix-les-Bains, France
Hours:
am-am; Closed: Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), 1945 Victory Day (May 8), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Bastille Day - France (July 14), Assumption Day - Christian (August 15), All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1), Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday) - Christian, Ascension Thursday - Christian
Tips: Closed during Dec. 18 to Jan. 2.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Thermes Nationaux (two spa establishments, the older one dating from 1864, the other from 1934, with an extension in 1972; remains of Roman baths) are open to visitors. Other Roman remains are the 9m/30ft high Arch of Campanus and the Temple of Diana. The Town Hall occupies the 16th century Château of the Marquis d'Aix; the elegant Renaissance staircase is built of stone from Roman structures.
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Aix-les-Bains
