- Around the lakes
Bourget, the wildest of the four lakes
A ROMANTIC AIR
Lake Bourget’s glistening shorelines ripple around Aix-les-Bains. On the other side, up from Bourget-du-Lac, the wild shoreline runs alongside the forested slopes of la Dent du Chat. To the north of the lake, along Savières canal, lies Chautagne with its rolling hills and poplar groves.
From lakeside to mountain top, there is no end of spectacular landscape for visitors.
WALKS AROUND THE LAKE
From guided tours unveiling the belle-epoque charms of Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry’s old town, to long, challenging hikes, Lake Bourget’s surrounding area has much to offer. Bauges regional nature reserve, just a 25-minute drive away, offers a whole host of walking and hiking opportunities including the viewpoint on Revard and at Nivolet cross. Further afield, towards Chautagne you’ll find the GR® 65 long-distance hiking trail on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, offering stunning views over Jura.
To the south of the lake, the Dent du Chat and Molard Noir mountains are also very popular. Further still, towards Chambéry, there is an array of walking and hiking routes which start in the city centre, one of which follows in the footsteps of the philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
CULTURAL TOURS
East of the lake, in Aix-les-Bains you can visit the Roman remains and former palaces. Across the water, Hautecombe Abbey, the Savoy counts’ stately necropolis, watches over the lake in exuberant Gothic style.
To the north, Savière canal, Chanaz (named Town in Bloom) and local vineyards are the pride of the local area. On the opposite shoreline, Bourget-du-lac is home to a priory, the remains of Thomas II’s château and Bourdeau fishing village. The past and present interweave along the streets of Savoy duchy’s former capital, Chambéry, only ten kilometres away.
WELL BEING AND LIFESTYLE
North of the lake, discover the vineyards of Chautagne, where varieties such as Gamay, Pinot, Mondeuse, Roussette, Chautagne and Aligoté are grown. Lake Bourget and its surroundings are home to many gourmet and Michelin-starred restaurants: Atmosphères 1*, L'Auberge Lamartine 1*, and Les Morainières 2*.
Lakeside life is also synonymous with relaxation and well-being. The spa town of Aix-les-Bains specialises in ear, nose and throat, as well as rheumatic illnesses, and offers a wide range of health and fitness treatments and short-stays.
