The most beautiful sites to admire in Aix-les-Bains and on the shores of Lake Bourget

Majestic and soothing, Lac du Bourget is the largest natural lake in France, nestled at the foot of the Savoyard mountains. Its sparkling waters, surrounded by lush greenery and limestone cliffs, offer a setting of incomparable serenity. A true jewel of glacial origin, this lake has inspired many artists and poets, including Lamartine, who wrote some of his most beautiful verses there.

More than just a place of beauty, Lake Bourget is also a land of traditions and authentic pleasures. Its banks are home to picturesque villages, renowned vineyards and welcoming beaches. This natural haven is a living space where aquatic fauna and migratory birds evolve in complete tranquility, delighting nature lovers.

Whether you come for a boat trip, a hike along the water or simply to admire the sunset setting its waters ablaze, Lake Bourget promises a unique experience. Between contemplation, the gentle way of life and magnificent landscapes, it embodies all the charm of Savoie.

Lake Bourget, in the heart of Savoie

Your first impression when you walk along the shores of Lake Bourget near the port of Aix-les-Bains is the sensation of being in a fjord. A breeze sweeps the banks, the sun shines on the little waves, and in front of you the imposing mass of the steep mountain that occupies the western shore of the lake forces you to look north… and there you realize the impressive size of the largest French lake. Unlike the Annecy lake, it is, in fact, its length and its position between two mountains that give it this air of a fjord. Especially in winter when the distant horizon turns into a misty shore that appears even further away than it is.

In summer, you can swim in waters close to 25 degrees on the Bourget du Lac side, admiring the sunny shore of Aix les Bains, and enjoy the sunset which colours the peaks of the chain of belledonne, but you can also choose to cycle on the other bank, along the water on the cycle path to the small seaside resort of Brison Saint Innocent.

The site of Châtillon, topped by a castle, is home to a small marina and a very beautiful south-facing beach, ideal for enjoying an aperitif at sunset or the last days of swimming at the end of September.

For history buffs, the Hautecombe Abbey in a strategic and remote location tells you the story of the House of Savoy, and lovers of old stones take a break in the village of Chanaz downstream from the lake, on the Savière canal which flows into the Rhône.

Aix les Bains, Riviera of the Alps

Of course, Aix-les-Bains, a seaside and spa town, awaits you for a stroll through the streets of the city centre, in its park, or along a long promenade between the small and large port. Benches in the shade of large trees allow for contemplative breaks sheltered from the summer heat: the proximity of the lake brings freshness and the reflections of the lake encourage you to close your eyes and take a rest.

Water sports are very present all around the lake, and at the Aix les Bains water sports center you can try all the activities: from paddle boarding, to sailing, from kayaking to kitesurfing, not to mention diving! It is not for nothing that the banks of Aix form the Riviera of the Alps.

Panoramas of Lake Bourget

A lake can also be viewed from above, and if paragliding is not your cup of tea, you always have the viewpoints of Chambotte and Dent du Chat to admire the landscape.

Moreover, at the Col de la Chambotte, a restaurant opens its windows and its terrace overlooking the lake: the sunsets there are majestic and romantic.

Above Aix les Bains, the Revard belvedere footbridge suspends you above the lake, which is more than a thousand meters below. It is interesting to note that The Revard is part of the Savoie Grand Revard mountain resort, whose cross-country ski trails lead to the forests and plateaus of FéclazThese two resorts also offer downhill skiing on a few slopes suitable for beginners, and magnificent snowshoe walks when the snow covers the very dense forests of these first foothills of the Bauges massif.

In summer, dozens of kilometers of panoramic or hidden forest trails offer a nearby alternative to lazy days by the lake. In just a few kilometers, you can go from a seaside atmosphere to a real mountain atmosphere!

Lake Bourget is the beach of Chambéry, the Riviera of Aix les Bains, the playground for water sports enthusiasts, the workplace of fishermen, cycling enthusiasts, mountain hiking enthusiasts… but rest assured, it is so big that there is room for everyone!

Activities not to be missed around Lake Bourget

Un aperitif at sunset from the La Chambotte belvedere
The view of the lake and the Savoy Alps from Mont du Chat
A day beach and relaxation at Bourget du Lac
A long walk along the lake in Aix-les-Bains, the Riviera of the Alps.
A walk in the city center, very “Belle Epoque”, from Aix-les-Bains
There’s nothing quite like a junior cruise course by boat to the foot of Hautecombe Abbey
A boat trip on the Savières canal to the charming little village of Chanaz
A day cross-country skiing in La Féclaz
A visit to the heart of the history of Savoy in Chambéry
A getaway to Annecy to discover another magnificent lake in the Pays de Savoie
Un wellness stay at the Aix les Bains Thermal Baths
A tasting stay of the Savoyard vineyard , in front of the Belledonne range in Chignin or Apremont
A getaway in The Bauges, this green and very authentic mountain range.

The best webcams around Lake Bourget

(click on the name of the village)

Chambotte Belvedere :how can you not be amazed by this view!
Aix les Bains: a view of the harbor and the blue waters of the lake.
Le Bourget du Lac: we discover the entire extent of the lake: from the north, to Revard above Aix les Bains, and up to the snow-capped peaks of Belledonne.
Chatillon-Chindrieux: opposite Bourget du Lac, a view due south for this webcam.
Revard: of course the Belvedere not to be missed in the region, that of Revard!
Revard station: on one side there is the lake, but on the other, it is a ski resort. Discover the snow, the forests and the view of Mont Blanc