AIX Les Bains, Savoie

   

In modern Russia, it is difficult to find a man who did not serve in France. Nature, climate, cuisine and architecture of the country has long attracted the Russians. In 18-20 centuries, nobles and aristocrats for months here lived, coming to work, rest or treatment, and the French language came in first place in colloquial speech. The French real estate market was represented at all times of great interest. Even minor Russian nobility in the 19th century tried if not to buy then to rent for a long time some housing in a prestigious location. Well, since the “Belle Epoque” and fashion to ride on the water, the cost of real estate in the resort cities of France jumped in a few times.

Unique architecture, forests and parks, lakes and mountains in our time continues to entice more and more foreign investors. The Americans and British have become an integral part of the country. They bought and buy a lot of real estate. Most often, ruins, old farms, monuments, castles and palaces. Putting the soul, heart and a sense of beauty, give a second breath turned into a true miracle. There are towns and villages, where the mayor-English speaking. For Example, The Dordogne.
We want to revive this tradition for the Russians to open France not only from the point of view of tourist country, but also as a country comfortable for living. After all, France is not only the Cote d’azur and Paris. Each region and Department is distinguished by its cuisine, history and architecture. This is one of the most picturesque corners of the world. Easygoing and friendly neighbors, excellent medical and social welfare, free education in public schools and universities, high quality food, climate…… It is difficult to enumerate all the advantages of life in France.

One of the departments by the British – Savoie. Every day dozens of flights from Britain take the airports of Geneva and Chambery. Small Savoie Chambery airport receives flights from Moscow.
Savoie, one of the most beautiful corners of the region rhône-Alpes, but also all of France. This sparkling white snow-capped peaks, green lush valleys, mirror-like pristine lakes. Rumor has it, that the three Savoie lakes (United Ablett, Bourget and Annecy) is the three angels tears shed in the moment of parting with their favorite area.

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 The lake and hautecombe Abbey (abbaye Hautecombe)

Bourget ( Lac du Bourget ) is the largest natural lake of France (44,5 m2), stretching 18 km from the town of Bourget-du-Lac( le Bourget-du-Lac), to Lie, tying him with Ron and vineyards. These places have inspired artists, writers, poets, romantics. They described in Balzac’s “Shagreen Skin” and the poet-diplomat and politician Lamartine devoted to lake Bourget, one of the most famous poems – “the Lake” in memory of the brief moment of happiness . Grotto of Lamartine, place dates with the beloved, Julie Charles, and you can see down from the castle Burdo along the path to the shore. Alexander Dumas -the father is also not remained indifferent to the beauty and elegance of these places. George sand invited by the owners of the castle Burdo on vacation, even the beginning of his novel Mademoiselle La Quintin (Mademoiselle La Quintinie, 1863). In 1880 purchased by the St. Petersburg jeweler Alexei Gigot de Wilhelm . In 2010 sold to heirs.

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Castle Burdo

 

On the Eastern shore of this fabulous lake is situated the city of AIX-Les-Bains (Aix-les-Bains) is one of the best thermal resorts of France, famous for its sulphur springs, contribute to the effective treatment of rheumatism and respiratory diseases. AIX-Les-Bains is the oldest town of Savoy. It is situated at altitude 265 m above sea level, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. Beautiful view of the lake and the city is revealed from the plateau of Mont Revard and Dant du Sha ( Tooth of the cat). Rene Jarry – Delos – known French astronomer-Amateur, enthusiast for Mars exploration, on the plateau Mont Revard in 1907 created the Observatory for observations of the planets.

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View of AIX-Les-Bains and Tresserve with a plateau Revard

 

AIX-Les-Bains as a resort town, has its origins in the distant past. The first thermal springs on the territory of the city discovered, according to the Chronicles, in 400 BC were discovered allobrogum, the first settlers on the territory of the city, and already the Romans in the 1 century BC, was brought to life by the healing properties of springs, building of the baths with warm thermal water. Preserved to the present day.

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Roman thermal baths in the city centre

Members of the Savoy and French houses were frequent guests of the resort until it became a favorite place of the family Bonaparte ( after 1860 Savoia came into the possession of France). Napoleon III, who accompanied his mother Hortense. It should be noted that Napoleon III had invested a lot of money and effort in the development of thermal resorts in France. Starting from 1850 to 1930, the city experienced a period of luxury and holidays. Every holiday season AIX-Les-Bains took the whole color of the European nobility led by many of the monarchs who came in the fashion of the time “on the water”.For so many crowned heads ( each came with an entourage of 30 to 60 people) in the city built the Palace hotels. .

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Palace-hotel “splendid “

Here are the names of just a few of the famous guests of the hotel splendid: emperors of Brazilii, Tunisia and Vietnam, Charles I (king of württemberg), George I (king of Greece). Came regularly from 1888 to 1912. Nicholas (Prince of Greece and Danish).The young man spent his holidays between AIX-Les-Bains and Denmark. The kings of Morocco and India,the Belgian kings Leopold II and albert I, Elizabeth,Empress of Austria, nicknamed Sisi. Came at the invitation of Belgian king Leopold II after the tragic death of Rodolphe,only son of the Empress and son-in-law of Leopold II. Elizabeth II, Queen of Spain and Ranavalona III, the last Queen of Madagascar. Charlotte, Princess of Belgium, of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha dynasty after the marriage the Empress consort of Mexico.Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan IIIc wife Andre Jose. 7 Dec 1929, civil marriage was registered in AIX-Les-Bains.Prince Aly Khan with his wife, Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth. Jordan’s King Faisal. The Emir Of Qatar. King Umberto of Italy 2 with his wife, Queen Mary-Jose.
Duke Edward David Windsor( Edward 7) , the former king of England. Well-known socialite Marquise Anna Casati Stampa, the wife of the Marquis of Camellia Casati Stampa, primeras residents of the hotel for those that skipped leopard on a Golden chain, and the bike wheel was adorned with diamonds.

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Palace hotel

The Russian aristocracy so well liked is a colorful place. Countess Daria Fiodorovna Fikelmon (in the light of known by the name of Dolly Fikelmon), wife of Austrian diplomat and politician K. L. Pickelman, opened AIX-Les-Bains in the early 19th century, coming with her daughter and grandchildren. The representative of one of the most ancient Russian noble families, Prince Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov , the famous politician of Russia, Minister of the Provisional government of 1917, he lived and died in AIX-Les-Bains. The city’s Russian Boulevard, and the Park district, the Central part of the city, a beautiful Russian Villa. Built in 1891 by the Russian Minister of education Prince Mikhail Casparini.

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Photo Russian Villa

Queen Victoria, even though its already quite advanced age, came to AIX-Les-Bains three times. Learned about the existence of aleusa sources from daughter, Princess Beatrice, who was treated on waters in 1883. From 1885 по1890 Queen Victoria visited the town under the alias Contessa Balmoral. Stayed at the hotel Europe with his entourage of 40 to 60 people. Looking for land in the neighborhood of AIX-Les-Bains, the town of Tresserve for the construction of the Palace. It opened the thermal station for the English aristocracy. Came a surprising number of British, that even had to open the Anglican Church in the city centre.

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 Photo Of Queen Victoria

After 1930, the “beautiful era” gradually has gone down in history. Of the palaces-hotels great former times, today there is only one, “Astoria”, the rest such as “splendid”, “Excelsior”, “panoramic”, “Royal” and others were sold door-to-door. Today, you can rent an apartment or buy in these buildings, many of which have kept the interior of the era and are of architectural value. These apartments are sort of the palaces in palaces with well-preserved furniture and luxurious decoration. The real estate market are more expensive than apartments in standard houses.

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Apartments in a former hotel splendid Palace.

Wealthy French,British and Swiss, after retirement, chose and prefer to buy a Villa or in the city on the banks of the lake Bourget,or in the palaces in the center. And he can really boast of the most elegant and luxurious architecture Bel art. Palaces,villas and castles rise majestically above the city center.

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Another of the hotels – palaces

Casino “Big Circle” founded in 1850 by the king of Piedmont, and later the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. With since been the focus of high society of Europe. Hollywood movie stars, Opera singers . the composers were frequent guests of the casino. Its luxury can only bet with the casino in Monaco. Sarah Bernhardt and Edith Piaf, George sand and Baroness Anna de Stael, Saint-saëns and Sergei Rachmaninov…… The list is very large.

Casino

With great skill and sophistication-made dome in the games room and a wall of stained glass in 1883. Or mosaic dome in 300 sq. m. of shells San Jacques. Was designed by artist Salvati with Charles Garnier who designed the Paris Opera house and the Opera in Monte Carlo.

Mosaic

 

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Coming out of the casino, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of beautiful villas and palaces in the city centre. Beautiful streets surrounded by flowers and green one. beautiful plants, Small shops , cafes and restaurants are waiting for customers. I should add that AIX-Les-Bains, and some 5 km from the town there are a number of star gastronomic restaurants. Children in the evening also are welcome. For them I try to prepare meals tastier and more colorful. If you are allergic to any product-you should warn the chief. You will be cooked a delicious gastronomic dish, but without the products that can spoil the evening. Wine connoisseurs can visit the wine cellar offers excellent wines.

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City Park with centuries-old oaks and pine trees located in the city centre, next to beautiful villas and palaces. Summer on the open ground in the orchestra. There in the Park in the form of a music kiosk is very nice and cozy cafe. The architecture of the Central part of the cities absorbed luxury and gentility. In summer, the city life is bustling with events and holidays. Jazz festival, flower festival, a parade of vintage yachts and art week (music,theatre and operetta), carnival. On the terraces of the many restaurants and cafes, residents and guests slowly drink coffee, hot chocolate, freshly squeezed fruit cocktails.

AIX-Les-Bains, came in first place for thermal tourism and is today the capital of outdoor sports, recognized as the first family resort in France. The large number of hot springs and mild climate, the rapid development of the resort, the construction of new modern hotels – all this attracts millions of tourists in AIX-Les-Bains.

The waters of lake Bourget, warms up to +26°C, a bathing — beaches (public and private) are drawn from Burdo in the West, all along the East coast. Water stations offer a variety of activities: water skiing, Windsurfing, jet skiing and Biking, sailing. You can rent a boat or go to the water Park, which is located on the shore of the lake, near the Lido beach.

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water Park

To services of fans of parachutes, hang-gliders, gliders, starting from mount Revard, experienced instructors offer to fly over the lake to see the magic of the region from the height of bird flight. Racecourse of AIX-Les-Bains, in addition to the regular runs, offers horseback riding in the area for prepared or introduction to the basics of riding for the “uninitiated”, and the kids can always enjoy a pony ride. Around the city there are several riding schools. In 1904, a group of wealthy Britons decided to organize a neighborhood race course and Golf. For the past 10 years, the area was expanded and in 1914 came into possession of the city. Benefits can both adults and children. There is a school for children from 5 years of age.As the climate in winter is very mild,and if snow falls,it melts quickly,so Golf is open almost all 12 months of the year.

Golf

In winter, the life of the city continues. Lovers of summer sports give way to winter, dieters, lovers of water treatment procedures warm thermal waters, hunting. Only 15 minutes from the city and you ski a Great Revard, known since 1908.

In the spring, walking in the morning along the lake shore and enjoy a Cup of fragrant coffee, and enjoying the lapping water and the gentle spring sun, have a great opportunity in a few minutes to be in the winter, even if the court of the APR. You should not forget skis and overalls.

Ski station “Big Revar”

 

And so, as AIX-Les-Bains is today the capital of beauty in the city there are many beauty salons, massage, shops with organic products and cosmetics. Swimming pool with sulphur thermal water open to all comers. The city’s two hospitals c the latest medical equipment and beauty clinic “Lake”. Qualified medical personnel of the city 24 hours a day at your service

The sulphur pool

 

Prefer romance-climbing in the mountains. It sells many varieties of cheese, famous Savoy cows, butter,bread and milk right on the farm. In the small town of Mary,which is located 10 km from AIX-Les-Bains, you can participate in making their own cheese or peanut butter in Shahnaz. Like fresh poultry, and eggs -there are such services. Savoie produces its own apples, grapes, raspberries (and all kinds of red berries), peaches and pears, vegetables. If you prefer a really family atmosphere, you can always use the services of shops with goods straight from the manufacturer.

 

The city has many sports clubs, schools of art, classical and modern dance, music, private and public secondary schools. A few kilometers international scale bilingual with French and English teaching staff. Colleges and universities are within a few km. from the city. In nearby AIX-Les-Bains, Le Berge du Lac ( Le Bourget-du-Lac ) Savoy University, commercial Institute, scientific-research Institute of new energy, Technolac. 3500 thousand people working in the area of science and technology.

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Technolac, Le Bourget du Lac and runway Chambery airport. On the right are the cities of AIX-Les-Bains, Tresserve……

AIX-Les-Bains has a very convenient location.You can get there with 4 airports of Lyon and Geneva 50 minutes, and Chambery 15 minutes,Monaco -4 hours, 39 minutes, Turin( Italy) is 2 hours and 18 minutes and Paris from 3 hours.

® Oksana Brisar. Savoia. tel: +33 602343438