Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France

The shoreline of Lake Bourget next to Aix-les-Bains has a romantic shimmer. The opposite shore, which starts at Bourget-du-Lac, is wild and comes up against a wooded mountain range and a summit which is called Dent du Chat. To the north, spread along Savières canal, is the town of Chautagne with its hills and poplar plantations. To the south, Bourget-du-Lac and Chambéry, a town of great historical and artistic significance, take your breath away. 

Beaches and water sports

Aix-les-Bains is one of the country's towns that hold the 'France Nautical Resort' label. Lake Bourget offers a wide selection of water sports: sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking, rafting, fishing, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, etc. It also has bathing beaches and 16 ports.

Known for its fishing, Lake Bourget has around 30 fish species, including whitefish and char.

Outdoor activities

The whole area offers many different options for cyclists and mountain bikers: a route around Lake Bourget, several easy routes in Chautagne, and a greenway which connects Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry, and even goes as far as Lake St André, which is surrounded by vineyards. Le Revard plateau also has over 180 km of mountain bike trails.

Aix-les-Bains' 18-hole golf course rounds off this extensive selection of leisure pursuits. There are two tree-top climbing and zipline sites in Motz, close to the lake, and in the mountains on Le Revard plateau. There are also several sites where visitors can paraglide, including Col du Sapenay, Mont Revard, le Sire and montagne du Chat.

Walks and rambles

The guided tours of Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry are enjoyable urban walks. A 25-minute drive from the lake, Massif des Bauges nature park has a large number of paths for walkers and ramblers. The walk to Le Revard viewpoint or as far as Croix du Nivolet should not be missed for a panoramic view of the Jura mountain range and the summits of the Alps, including Mont Blanc. The Way of Saint James passes through Chautagne. South of the lake, la Dent du Chat and le Molard Noir are very popular rambles. 

Sightseeing and heritage 

Aix-les-Bains is a spa town whose Roman remains and Belle Epoque atmosphere will permeate your visit. Hautecombe Abbey, on the other bank, is the eternal resting place of the counts of Savoie. This abbey, in flamboyant Gothic style, can be reached by road and also by boat.

To the north, Savières canal, Chanaz, a 'village in bloom', and the region's vineyards are a source of pride for Chautagne. On the other side of the lake, Bourget-du-Lac contains a priory, the remains of the castle of Thomas II and a fishing village called Bourdeau. Ten kilometres away, Chambéry, a town of great historical and artistic significance, will disclose its secrets to those who enjoy strolling down its narrow medieval streets.

Gastronomy 

Gamay, Pinot, Mondeuse, Roussette, Chautagne and Aligoté, Chautagne's grape varieties can be discovered along the area's wine route and in the cooperative wine cellar. To the south, Bourget du Lac has four Michelin-starred restaurants (2012): Le Bateau Ivre 2*, l’Atmosphères 1*, la Grange à Sel 1* and L'Auberge Lamartine 1*, all of which give pride of place to local produce.

The spa town of Aix-les-Bains is known for its spa treatment and health cures. Relaxation and well-being are part of the trip.

The most beautiful panoramas

Mont Revard viewpoint, standing at 1500 m, provides a 360° view that takes in the lake and Mont Blanc. The viewing platforms, which jut out over the side of the mountain, provide an impressive bird's-eye view of the lake. 

The Grumeau viewpoint in Ontex, perched at 1158 m, overlooks Lake Bourget and the 'Avant-Pays Savoyard'. From this site, which stands above Hautecombe Abbey, the view takes in the lake, Bauges massif and la Chambotte. 

La Chambotte viewpoint, above Chindreux, provides a panoramic view of the villages of Chautagne, Hautecombe abbey, Savières canal, Aix-les-Bains and the valley of Chambéry. 

The summit of la Dent du Chat can be reached on foot from the pass, Col du Chat. This pleasant walk passes mostly through forest. Please note that there is a significant difference in height between the pass and the summit and that the last section of the route is very steep. 

Le Grand Colombier (1534m), on the edge of Chautagne, looks out over the Haut Rhône, la Chautagne, Savières canal and Lake Bourget.