To give you an idea of some of the spectacular places you can visit in this region, we will feature each month a photo of one of its many great locations. Since we rely on recommendations, please send us your special photo taken, for example, on a memorable day out at a water park or from a remarkable viewpoint in the area.
Aix les Bains
www.aixlesbains.com
If you’re looking for an interesting day out with the family this month, you might like to venture a little further afield and try visiting Aix-les-Bains. It is situated just beyond Annecy in the direction of Chambéry.
This small French town has a little bit of everything to offer its visitors, including shopping, eating and relaxing. If you go on a Saturday morning, you must visit the farmer’s market – and remember to take your camera with you – it’s an impressive sight!
If the weather’s good and you have plenty of time, treat yourself to a cruise along the lake and the Canal de Savières – The Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget et du Haut-Rhône offers a wide choice of outings ranging from one hour to all day. Take a look at their website (www.gwel.com) for more details.
Not surprisingly, there is an abundance of restaurants in Aix-les-Bains, offering a wide range of food from crêpes to gastronomic delights – all at good French prices. La Bonbonniere (www.chocolaterielabonbonniere.com) is a good place to start and offers delicious home made chocolates. La Koupol, located in the town’s casino (http://www.casinograndcercle.com/), provides an interesting alternative, for adults only. ID is essential if you want to try your hand on the tables.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to listen in one of the many music performances taking place this month throughout the town as it celebrates it 14th Musicathème festival. Held this year between 9th and 24th October, there will be numerous musical events being hosted in churches, chapels and communal centers throughout the town, including the Casino.
Also taking place this month on the 17th October is La Grande Course du Lac. Open to the public, families and sports entusiasts alike, there are 3 courses proposed: one for individuals covering the entire 55km around the lake, one in relay stages for teams, and another shorter walk covering just 13km. A great day out for all the family . Visit http://www.grandecoursedulac.com/ for more information.
If you fancy combining the course with a day’s relaxation afterwards, then the Hotel Adelphia (www.adelphia-hotel.com) is a great place to stay for the weekend, either with the family to enjoy the indoor heated pools, or with a group of girlfriends, to take advantage of the vast array of treatments including massages, mud wraps, exfoliations and pedicures. The hotel is on the waterfront, just 5 minutes drive from the centre of town.
