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fr 6 activities off the beaten track in unique Aix-les-Bains
TerritoryNestled between the lake and the mountains, lapped by the water and surrounded by dizzying peaks, Aix-les-Bains is the ideal base for enjoying the unexpected. Adventure awaits you at the end of every path, feet squarely on the ground (or not), head in the stars and eyes staring out into the blue. Here is our roadmap for a unique summer spent in the “Riviera of the French Alps.”
The La Guinguette de l’Etang Bleu, in Vions near Chanaz, is the new hotspot for all those who love free and easy art de vivre. Sat on the banks of a lake just next to the ViaRhôna cycle path, this gorgeous open-air bar and dance hall offers superb views over Le Grand Colombier. A brand-new space for drinking, eating and dancing – in a word, endless fun!
Traditional dishes
The “Guinguette” spirit can even be found in the dishes, which offer delicious, traditional, heartfelt cuisine, just the way we like it. With frogs’ legs, smelt fries, bistro potatoes and summer salads, home-made food is the cornerstone of this menu. Enjoyed on the terrace by the water, with the sun beating down, lunches are infused with the indulgent delights of the summer.
A space for all, and for everything!
Whether you come to have a drink, play pétanque, swim, or enjoy festive events such as open-air concerts and dance workshops, the Guinguette de l’Etang Bleu ticks every box for having a great time. There are also DJ nights, disco parties, 80s evenings, traditional accordion dancing, country, folk, pop and rock! With atmospheres to suit everyone, this historical site, which was completely revamped in summer 2022, is already the go-to spot for curious foodies and party people alike!
Locals have nicknamed it “Little Canada.” The Domaine de Savoie Grand Revard, which includes the villages of La Féclaz, Le Revard, Saint-François-de-Sales and Arith, is a picture-postcard setting with breathtaking views over Mont Blanc and the turquoise waters of the Lac du Bourget. Electric Fat Bikes are a unique, green mode of transportation and ideal for discovering this eclectic area! With its large wheels that can take on any terrain and the accompanying electric assistance, even steep climbs present no challenge! From undergrowth to alpine meadows and forest clearings, the variety of terrain and the topography mean every expedition is incredible. Enjoy the feeling of riding combined with the thrill of the summer landscapes and the breathtaking panoramas in this part of Savoie. Get ready for 3 hours of pure delight above the Lac du Bourget. On your marks, set, go!
The Lac du Bourget is the largest lake in France and offers an ideal setting for tailor-made adventures. One of the must-try experiences is an eco-friendly aperitif cruise on an electric- and solar-powered boat while admiring the beautiful sunset.
Faithful steed
As you arrive at the Grand Port in Aix-les-Bains, your stallion for the day awaits: a solar-electric terrace boat. Zero emissions, zero noise. The perfect, turnkey craft for enjoying the beauty of the lake in the “Riviera of the French Alps.” You set sail in the late afternoon and glide across the water, the wind blowing through your hair and the sun on your skin. You can ask your skipper to show you the wild side of the lake and its secret inlets, or perhaps sail alongside Hautecombe Abbey, a stunning example of religious art. If you need to cool off, simply dive into the water, far from the chaos of the busy beaches. Swimming, laughing, and starting all over again – now that’s an ideal day.
Fire without the work
When the sun sets fire to the sky, your private display can begin. With shades of orange, red and yellow, nature pulls out all the stops. This is the perfect time for a local aperitif, featuring Savoie wines, soft drinks, and craft beers served with a selection of delicacies and informal finger-food tapas plates. If you could wish for just one thing at this very moment, it would be for time to stand still!
In a unique combination of a stand-up paddleboard and a bicycle, waterbikes are the most unusual and eco-friendly way of exploring the Lac du Bourget. The idea is simple: the board keeps you afloat, and the bike gets you moving – all you need to do is pump your legs, and you’re off! Whether solo or in pairs, this activity is a fantastic way to discover the lake from another angle while creating a whole host of unforgettable memories. Available for hire or as part of a guided tour, waterbikes are suitable for all, from salty sea cyclists to stabiliser-novices and all those looking for a special kind of adventure.
An electric, all-terrain version of a skateboard, e-boards are an eco-friendly experience you just have to add to your list of one-of-a-kind activities. In the Nordic forest of La Féclaz, mount your board and set off on a guided tour of this protected site. Lightweight, responsive and astonishingly effective on both natural and urban terrains, this board makes short work of slopes, paths, curves and more. Whether you ride a lot, a little, or in between, and whether you love big thrills or relaxation, e-boards are adapted to everyone!
Calling all freshwater riders and Kelly Slater enthusiasts! Have you tried an e-Foil, a surfboard mounted on an electric motor activated by a Bluetooth remote control? This new activity is a source of new, unique sensations as you fly above the water like a bird, silently and with zero emissions. As well as giving you a feeling of total freedom, e-foils are also so much fun! Friends, foils & fun: the perfect recipe for any holiday.
