The Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes region in Savoie, cradle of romanticism over the centuries, is a harmonious and diverse destination, born of a shared history with the areas bordering the Lac du Bourget. In winter and summer alike, explore our natural landscapes on excursions in the mountains or along the water, and immerse yourself in the history of our village.
In Chanaz in particular, water and nature are two inseparable elements that enable the destination to offer a wide range of gentle activities. The dazzling panoramas invite you to take a break. The lapping of the waves, the song of the birds and the wild scents of the forest invite us to disconnect from our everyday lives.
The beauty of the landscapes, the love of a job well done, the emblematic heritage and the gastronomy inspired by local produce make this destination the expert territory for a true and peaceful art-de-vivre, where everyone is happy to offer the best, for a memorable experience.
Top 5 Charmhotel
1 - Rhône Boat Trip / Canal / Lac
Discover the Canal de Savières and cruise from the Rhône, passing through a lock, to the north of Lac du Bourget.
The bucolic greenery, the lapping of the green waters and the reed beds rustling with birdsong create a peaceful atmosphere that is much appreciated from spring to autumn. The arrival on Lac du Bourget is magical, and the Captain's comments will give you a better understanding of the balance of this exceptional and protected natural environment.
The lake and canal are nature reserves that preserve the ecosystem. The marshes act like a giant sponge, limiting the vagaries of the water. The reedbeds are important both for the birds they support and for their role in natural water purification. The river and Lac du Bourget are part of the European Natura 2000 network, which means that they receive special attention for the preservation of biodiversity.
100 meters - 2 minutes
2 - The town / village of Chanaz and its natural surroundings
Chanaz boasts a high-quality environmental setting, where water, mountains and nature come together in harmonious harmony. Local produce, traditional architecture and the surrounding countryside have all helped Chanaz to retain its authenticity.
From the narrow streets to the Venetian bridge, from the banks of the Savières to the Maison de Boigne, discover the incredible history of this village of bargemen dating back to ancient times.
Handicrafts still have pride of place here, with an oil mill that smells of walnuts and hazelnuts, a burnery where you can discover the secrets of roasting, and a Gallo-Roman museum housed in a former 15th-century Gothic chapel.
All around us, nature reigns supreme. The legendary Col du Grand Colombier is an invitation to seasoned cyclists, the Lavours marshes are a reminder of the fragile bio-diversity of our environment, and the waterfalls and bathing spots along the Rhône are a great way to cool off on a long summer's day.
400 meters - 8 minutes
3 - Hautecombe Abbey, a place out of time
Situated in an exceptional setting, on the shores of Lac du Bourget and at the foot of Mont du Chat, the Abbey is home to the tombs of the thousand-year-old dynasty of the House of Savoy.
On the winding road from Chambéry or in the middle of the lake as you approach the Abbey, visitors can still feel the isolation of this site, chosen by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century to found their monastery. Built in the troubadour Gothic style and listed as a historic monument since 1875, the building overlooking the lake is one of the most visited sites in Savoie Mont Blanc.
Cistercian and then Benedictine monks lived here until 1992.
Since then, the Chemin Neuf Community has perpetuated the abbey's vocation as a place of welcome and prayer for the Hautecombe Foundation, welcoming young people from all over the world every year for training courses lasting from a few weeks to several months.
11 kms - 20 minutes
4 - Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes
Considered to be one of the oldest towns in Savoie and renowned for its warm waters, Aix-les-Bains is France's second-largest spa resort.
Dedicated to well-being, the resort, pleasantly situated between lake and mountains, is also a town with many attractions. Aix-les-Bains has everything to satisfy both visitors and spa-goers, including Roman remains, museums, a sumptuous casino, pedestrian shopping streets, balneotherapy centres and beautiful Belle Époque hotels that bear witness to the spa town's prestigious past. As for nature, there's a sandy beach and a pleasant esplanade lined with plane trees on the shores of Lac du Bourget, where you can stroll, take your time, live life at a different pace and reconnect.
24 kms - 35 minutes
5 - Annecy, Little Venice of the Alps
When you think of Annecy, you think of its lake, renowned for its purity, its canals through which the Thiou winds its way, its beaches and its many water sports activities. The old town, nicknamed the Little Venice of the Alps, is also home to some superb buildings, and the maze of narrow streets and passageways lined with arcaded houses gives it a singular charm.
Annecy's medieval historic centre is an invitation to stroll and discover. With its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and emblematic edifices, Annecy is a city rich in heritage.
Lake Annecy is one of the purest in Europe. From the shores of the lake to the turquoise waters so dear to Cézanne, via La Tournette, Le Roc de chère and Le Semnoz, the enchanting scenery is all there for the taking.
43 kms - 1 hour
More than just a means of getting around, gentle roaming embodies a true art of living, and this is at the heart of the Shana Hôtel's approach, thanks to its ideal location between the lake, the Via Rhôna and the Chemin de Saint-Jacques.
