Wikipedia
Aix-les-Bains ( French: ) [] (, ), locally called Aix, is a commune in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
Rising from the shores of the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France, the Lac du Bourget, this resort is one of the important French spa towns, and has the largest fresh water marina in France. It is the second largest Savoy town in terms of population, having 28,585 inhabitants at the last census and is part of its own urban area: The .
A leading town of the Belle Époque, of international renown, Aix-les-Bains was a place of vacation for princely families and wealthy people. Although the thermal baths are no longer the main activity of Aix, the area continues to be important for water sports and activities. The town has partially compensated for the loss of visitors coming for spa treatments by developing tourism; the town, between the lake and mountains, has many strengths in this area. It hosts up to 200,000 general visitors, people wanting thermal treatment or tourists per year.
Aix-les-Bains shines on a national scale through a number of assets such as the national thermal baths, tourism and the national festival. Also, with several labels including Touristic Resort, Flowery City with Four Flowers and a Golden Flower (exceptional), City of Art and History, a 5@ (five-star or top-grade equivalent) , and . However, Aix is also an industrial town, with a few large companies such as Alstom, the headquarters of the Léon Grosse companies, ABB Cellier, Aixam, and a high-quality leather goods factory.