Aix-les-Bains is known as one of France’s most livable towns, but it’s also one of the most pleasant places to hike! Between Lac du Bourget and the Parc naturel régional du massif des Bauges, beautiful walks in Aix-les-Bains are not uncommon…
Right in the heart of Savoie and the Alps, Aix-les-Bains is a spa town that attracts visitors for its « well-being » dimension: between the calm waters of the lake and the invigorating mountain air, there’s plenty to recharge your batteries. For a complete makeover, here’s a simple tip: go hiking in Aix-les-Bains!
All the benefits of the city are multiplied tenfold when you follow the trails around Lac du Bourget, or between the peaks of the Bauges massif. Breathtaking scenery, available to hikers from late spring, when the snow clears the trails, and in midsummer, to experience the mountains « out of season »: you won’t regret it…
Even though we’re at altitude, hiking in Aix-les-Bains is for everyone: from pretty family-friendly strolls to more strenuous summit climbs, there’s something for every taste and level!
1. Grotte des Fées from Brison-Saint-Innocent
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Ascent: 315 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
La Grotte des Fées is a name that makes you want to go hiking in Aix-les-Bains with the whole family! And it’s just the thing, because the grotto in question is accessible on foot from Brison-Saint-Innocent, via a path that’s certainly not too difficult, even with children, but which does offer a slight gradient…
Once you’ve reached Grotte des Fées, take time to admire the breathtaking view of Lac du Bourget below. Bring a torch to help you explore the cave. Afterwards, the trail forms a beautiful loop that gradually descends towards your starting point, in the shade of the trees, for a pleasant walk even in midsummer.
2. The Cat’s Tooth
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 6.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 678 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
We change banks to head for Bourdeau, with a hike up to Aix-les-Bains. We suspected that in the Alps, we’d encounter some serious vertical drops! The route starts at the Col du Chat, at an altitude of 638 m, and climbs straight up towards the Roc de Cornillon: don’t confuse the path with the via ferrata!
The ascent continues along a ridge path with magnificent views over Lac du Bourget, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry and the Bauges massif… The view even extends as far as the Belledonne massif and Mont-Blanc! Once you’ve reached the summit of the Dent du Chat (1,389 m), you can turn back, or continue your ascent along the Molard Noir path. Be careful, you’ll have to be able to come back…
3. The Meyrieux cross
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 3h15
- Distance: 12.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 533 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
A great hike in Aix-les-Bains for its many panoramic views, the first stop on this walk will be the belvedere de la Chambotte. From the top of a steep slope, the view opens out onto Lac du Bourget and the Dent du Chat, just opposite. The path then leads up to the emblematic Croix de Meyrieux, at 843 m, before descending below the Chambotte cliffs.
Most of the route takes place in the forest, in the shade of the trees. But if it’s the middle of summer, be sure to bring plenty of water to complete this 12 km loop, which includes some more technical sections… And make sure you’ve got the right walking shoes.
4. Le belvédère du Revard
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 4 km
- Height difference: 198 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
The Revard lookout is one of the most popular spots for its breathtaking panoramic views over Aix-les-Bains and Lac du Bourget.
Several itinerary variants exist around Revard. Here, we start from the old cogwheel train station, a local curiosity, for a beautiful, mostly wooded walk accessible to all walkers, forming a large loop around the Revard crests.
Plan a half-day outing. A hiking option in Aix-les-Bains reserved for the most courageous, the ascent of Revard starts at the Mouxy station, reaching the belvedere after a climb of over 1,200 m!
5. The Lac du Bourget lake trail
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2h30
- Distance: 11.9 km
- Ascent: 245 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
This time, it’s no longer a hike in Aix-les-Bains where you climb up and down through the massifs. The lakeside path is entirely flat, and follows the banks of Lac du Bourget from the town center. It’s an easy stroll, but you can still walk a few kilometers back and forth to Terre-Nue, further south.
This is an all-season walk, but don’t forget to bring your swimming gear when the weather’s nice. In fact, there are several beaches along the lakeside path where you can bathe in the tranquil waters of Lac du Bourget!