A magnificent and still wild lake celebrated by many writers: Lamartine, Stendhal, Maupassant... old palaces, very special hotels, good restaurants, and culture: see the Roman remains and the various museums. Aix-Les Bains, a spa town in Savoie, checks all the boxes for a stay where the art of living reigns supreme.
The Maharaja of Baroda, Emperor Don Pedro II, King George I of Greece, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Queen Victoria... These crowned heads, accompanied by many celebrities, frequented the spa town, and it's no coincidence! During the Belle Époque, Aix-les-Bains, in addition to its qualities as a spa town, was renowned for its palaces and its season buzzing with social events!
Château Brachet
The residence of Dr. Léon Brachet, known as “the king's physician” and ambassador of Aix-les-Bains thermalism in the 19th centuryth century, has been restored over many years by its current owner, Jean-Michel Belin, to become a hotel in Aix-les-Bains having preserved the soul of the place. Enthroned in the heart of a 6-hectare park, at the foot of the Bauges massif regional park, this 5-star hotel transports us to the golden age of thermalism. It houses 15 different rooms and suites of 18 m2 Each of the 55 m2 rooms, spread between the main building and the old stables of the “Pavillon,” evokes a theme or a distinguished guest who frequented the place. The Signature Suite, dedicated to Queen Victoria, for example, features a display case with original documents from her reign, and all the rooms are similarly designed. feature exceptional bathrooms. Another allusion to this prestigious past can be found in the lounge, where a display case is dedicated to the King of Greece, and in the tower, a fresco depicts Queen Victoria and her donkey Jacquot, who followed her during her strolls along Lake Bourget... As for the gourmet restaurant, led by chef Elodie Li, it is topped with a “boat hull” timber frame and extended by a Belle Époque glass roof opening onto the gardens and terraces of the patio Fleurie: “The Embroidery”. A cigar lounge, a wellness area, a fitness room, an 18-meter outdoor pool, Tennis and Padel courts, Bocce ball courts, Croquet courts, an “Executive Golf” practice area (ideal for organizing a Corporate seminar in the mountainson over a hectare complete the offering of this magnificent place.
The highlight: The hotel is proud of its “Ideal 19th Century Library,” comprising over 3,000 historical works.
Château Brachet
48 Couduriers Alley, 73100 Grésy-sur-Aix
©Chateau Brachet
The Belle Époque
Ideally located in the historic heart of the city between shopping streets and old palaces, in a former classic house, a former post office from 1896, La Belle Époque, the new luxury hotel in Aix-les-Bains, boasts a refined design. This doesn't prevent it from highlighting its historical past: velvets and silks are paired with high-end furniture. Behind the beautiful exterior facade of this 4-star hotel, you'll find 8 rooms, all different. The Victoria Room (32 m2) honors Queen Victoria, who was fond of the city of Aix-les-Bains. With its moldings, its antique parquet flooring, its beamed ceiling, and its impressive chandelier, it perfectly embodies traditional French chic. The Hausmannian room (26 m2) in deep black, with a cozy ambiance, showcases magnificent moldings, antique parquet flooring, and an old fireplace. We love the gallery room (29 m2) and its original decor transports its guests into the universe of a collector. No restaurant but room service
The highlight: the hotel's lounge and its remarkable large terrace, the perfect place to have breakfast or sip a drink while admiring the sunset.
Hôtel Belle Époque
7 rue Davat, 73100 Aix-les-Bains
©hotelbelleepoqueaix
The Incomparable Hotel
Simply this 5-star hotel bears the name of one of the largest diamonds in the world (407 carats)! A tradition in the Etincelles collection, created by Nicolas Chatillon and the freeride ski world champion Guerlain Chicherit, where three others mountain resorts in Val Thorens, Arc 2000, and Alpe d’Huez also bear the names of famous diamonds. The establishment, which reopened in summer 2020 after extensive renovations, near Aix-les-Bains overlooking Lake Bourget, France's largest natural lake. The 9 rooms and 6 suites – 3 of them with lake views – all different elegant color displays, oak parquet and Italian cement tiles, exposed beams, Carrara marble in the bathrooms and Burgundy stone terrace. The large photos of the region, which liven up the rooms and common areas of this hotel in Aix-les-Bains, are a great touch. Well done: the vast Apartment for 4 people, ideal for families, with a balcony offering a splendid lake view. “L’Incomparable Table,” 1 Michelin star,and chef Antoine Cevoz-Mamy highlights local products.’The “Lounge Bar” area, on the other hand, offers a selection of sweet or savory snacks that can be enjoyed on the terrace near the pool if the weather permits. Perfect for a Weekend in Nature.
The highlight: The super spa “Black Diamond Luxury Spa.” It houses 3 treatment rooms, a steam room, a jacuzzi, 1 heated outdoor pool, 1 indoor pool, and a glass barrel-shaped sauna with an outdoor view! Treatments are by Valmont and Phytomer.
The Incomparable Hotel
70 Chemin de Belledonne, 73100 Tresserve
©hotelincomparable
Atmospheres
Overlooking the Lac du Bourget in the Alps, Just a short drive from Aix-les-Bains, Atmosphères, managed by Delphine and Alain (a warm welcome is guaranteed), is a hotel with contemporary decor featuring 4 comfortable rooms and mini-suites. Each has a balcony overlooking the lake or mountains, allowing you to soak in the scenery and the tranquility of nature. Don't hesitate to choose the suite with a vast terrace, complete with a hammock, looking towards the summit of Dent du Chat.
The highlight: The restaurant where gastronomy and sustainability are paramount, Chef Alain Perrillat-Mercerot highlights the Savoyard terroir and works with local seasonal products as he should: freshwater fish, local cheeses, Bresse poultry, and wines from local grape varieties. It's no surprise that the restaurant has earned a Michelin green star: packaging and organic waste are processed, and linens are washed on-site with environmentally friendly detergents.
The Atmospheres
618 Route des Tournelles, 73370 Le Bourget-du-Lac
By: Adine Fichot-Marion
