Lake Bourget
The largest natural lake in France
Its wild, untouched shores and pretty, developed beaches offer a combinaison of romantic idyll and busy water sports.
The lake's main settlement, Aix-les-Bains slopes up from the southeast corner. With your British sensibilities, you will perhaps sense the presence of Queen Victoria: she came to particularly appreciate Aix-les-Bains and liked to take tea and scones overlooking Lake Bourget!
Aix has become a town for well-being, a healthy mix of treatments, sports and culture... Its port area is also in full expension, the harbour offering an impressive 1,500 berths, a promenade allows to appreciate the view on the lake.
Beaches around lake Bourget
(watched over by lifeguards)
Aix-les-Bains/Lake Bourget, le Bourget-du-Lac, Brison-St-Innocent, Chindrieux, Conjux, Tresserve, Viviers-du-Lac.
Aix-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are the only two lakeside resorts to have been awarded "France Station Nautique" label, normally reserved just for seaside resorts, as they offer a wide range of water activities.
Posh little ports around lake Bourget
Aix-les-Bains, Le Bourget-du-Lac, Conjux, Chindrieux, Chatillon, Portout, Chanaz.
Lake cruises
They start from Aix-les-Bains or the pretty village of Chanaz linked to the lake by the canal of Savières.
Contact the Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget or Bateau Canal - tel. +33 4 79 54 51 80 or bateaucanal73@wanadoo.fr
« The leisure trail » from Lake Bourget to Chambéry
This cycling pist links the lake to Chambéry (11 km in total). The route goes further North (extra 3km) and South via Chambéry (3.5km). The total length is 25km and it offers safe cycling in a fantastic panorama.
Savoie Mont Blanc cycling guide
Golf Course of Aix-les-Bains
The international Golf of Aix-les-Bains, is an English-style golf course created in 1918 during the Belle Epoque to please British golf players. A technically challenging course with many obstacles.
Belvederes overlooking the lake
Contact the tourist office of Aix-les-Bains for directions: + 33 4 79 88 68 10- La Chambotte, maybe the most breathtaking view over the lake.
- Le Mont Revard, climb by car from Chambéry or Aix-les-Bains: sensational view over the lake
- Ontex, unforgettable view down the lake and over Abbaye de Hautecombe.
Cultural Heritage
Aix enjoyed a golden age between the late 19th and 1930. The aristocracy made this little savoyarde town one of the smartest resorts of the Edwardian era. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office.
In the village of Le Bourget du Lac, two interesting sites can be visited: Le Prieuré - a monastry built up in the 11th Century and its « jardins à la française » and the Château de Thomas II, buit up in the 12th century.
In Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille, the Abbaye de Hautecombe - dated back to 12th century - looks like a spiritual ship launching into the lake. The lords of Savoie chose the Abbaye as their final resting place. The access to the Abbaye is by road and boat. You can take a look inside (with or without a guide).
In the Chautagne area: the village of Chanaz, linked to the lake by a canal lined with lovely restaurants. Also craft shops there as well as a mill making walnut oil.
Natural Heritage
In the Chautagne area, near the village of Ruffieux a vast polar plantation, one of the largest in Europe, is a pleasant place to cycle round. This is also a gorgeous vineyards sector. Several wine cooperatives are open to tourist for wine tasting and purchase.
In the Site des Mottets (in the village of le Viviers-du-Lac - south of the lake), and it's Port des 4 Chemins, there is a little beach, but also explanations on Savoie's lake ecology and reed beds. A lovely place for a little walk or a pic-nique.
Aquarium of the Lake Bourget:
on the shore of the lake near the Grand Port d'Aix-les-Bains: a large variety of fish from the lakes and rivers of the Alps.
Where to eat
The Michelin Restaurant around Lake Bourget
- Le Bateau Ivre in the Village of Le Bourget-du-Lac - 2 stars in the Guide Michelin
- La Grange à Sel in the village of Le Bourget-du-lac - 1 star in the Guide Michelin
- Auberge Lamartine in the village of Le Bourget-du-lac - 1 star in the Guide Michelin
