Wellness Trip in the French Alps

In the world-class spa town of Aix-les-Bains, once the favorite destination of Queen Victoria and other celebrities, Valerie and Jackie have created a 8 day-tour designed to offer you the best of relaxation "a la francaise" and delightful sightseeing. You will alternate days dedicated to relaxation with your choice of French style spa treatments, golf or tennis and days exploring the magnificent French Alps, escorted at all times by your tour leader, Jackie.

You will stay in the heart of Aix les Bains, in a beautiful Belle Epoque hotel, within walking distance to the casino, restaurants and parks. Breakfasts and dinners will be served in the gracious Art Nouveau restaurant of the hotel. Located near the romantic Bourget Lake, you will always be able to opt for a day by the lake - playing golf or tennis on clay courts.

Day 1: Welcome Reception

Upon your arrival at your amazingly restored 1903 French hotel, you will have time to comfortably settle in your room and then enjoy a cocktail reception with finger foods and drinks, before savoring your first French gourmet dinner.

Day 2: The Spa Town of Aix-les-Bains After a wonderful breakfast that can be served in your room, Jackie and Valerie will give you a walking tour of Aix where the spirit of the flamboyant 1900s still prevails in the casino, the thermal baths and the palace hotels.

In the pastoral landscape of Mount Granier region, lost in the vineyard, you will discover the paper mill of the Tourne river. During this unique visit, you will have a chance to attend the demonstration of papermaking like it was made 500 years ago. The rag paper made with a form is still handmade. It will charm all lovers of graphic arts.

On our way back to Aix, we will stop for some wine tasting. Savoie wine is very famous in France and you will have a chance to taste different types of wine like red and pink Gamay, Roussette, Abymes, Apremont...

Options: Golf and Tennis On any day, you will have the opportunity to opt out from the activity to either play golf at the 18-hole golf course nearby, play tennis on clay courts, explore the town or take the public transportation (we will give you a pass) to go to the Bourget lake. The 18 hole golf course (5535 m, PAR 70) is a traditional course with excellent fairways and greens, which are well kept and stylish. It is hilly with forest and some water-hazards.

If we have a group of golfers, we can go and play to different golf courses as well, like the beautiful golf course (PAR 72) in Chamonix with the breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.

If we have a group of tennis players, we can arrange to play singles or doubles and play as many times as the group wishes. We will play either on outside courts or inside courts.

Day 3: "Relaxation" Spa Treatment

In the morning, you can choose to sleep in or to work out in the fitness room at the hotel. If you prefer, you will join us on a gentle hike though the picturesque fields and woods in Aix les Bains to take advantage of the peacefulness and the view of the Bourget lake.

© Les Thermes Nationaux Aix les Bains

In the afternoon, you will enjoy and relax in the Aix thermal bath, located atop the majestic hills of the town. You will have access to all the spa center facilities: naturally warm indoor and outdoor thermal water pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths, gym and relaxation areas, bar and patios. You will also be able to attend several aqua gym sessions.

Our relaxation day will be completed by a 3-hour session including mud therapy, hydrotherapy, hydro-massage pool, hand and leg steam treatments, and a hydrotherapic walk. Mud applications are done with clay soaked in thermal water. It's properties give a soothing and relaxing effect. You will then enjoy your evening in the most relaxed mood!

© Les Thermes Nationaux Aix les Bains

Day 4: The Alps and the Beautiful Geneva Lake Today, we will be going to Lake Geneva. We will first discover Mont Saleve by taking a cable car, which brings you from the foot of the mountain to its flat top within five minutes. It offers an incomparable view of Lake Geneva, the Alps with the Mont Blanc and the Jura in the background.

Our next stop will be Yvoire, a medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva. This little town is listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Today the traffic free old part of town is a charming little lakeside hamlet, which still reflects its feudal past. Yvoire is considered a 'Five Flower Town' because of it's beautifully flower laden cobblestone streets.

Day 5: "Regeneration" Spa Treament In the morning, you will experience the colorful market in the heart of Aix-les-Bains. This market is still talking place in the “halles” like in the medieval times.

© J.Hagan

In the afternoon, you will have access once again to all the spa center facilities and activities. On that day, your afternoon 3-hour treatment will focus on revitalizing your skin, joints and muscles.

© Les Thermes Nationaux Aix les Bains

Day 6: Annecy or the "Little Venice" of the Alps

You will stroll the medieval narrow streets to admire the renaissance houses along the canal as well as the famous old prison, one of the most photographed monuments in France!

In the afternoon, we will enjoy Annecy lake, the cleanest lake in Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains. Why not rent an electrical or paddle boat? If you prefer, there is a beautiful walk in the park by the lake.

Day 7: "Vitality" Spa Treatment In the morning, we will visit a farm: you will learn everything about the agriculture in France, how to make cheese and how to milk a cow.

In the afternoon, your last spa treatment will combine pleasure and energizing care. Whether you exercise at the aqua-gym lesson or you choose to do a lower key activity, your last day at the spa center will give you a load of positive energy at the end of your stay.

© Les Thermes Nationaux Aix les Bains

Combined with the usual daylong access to all the facilities, the final treatments will include a personalized hot tub session with a massage, hand and leg steam treatments, and a hydrotherapic walk.

Day 8: Departure After your last French breakfast in Aix, we will drive you to the Aix-les-Bains TGV station in plenty of time to catch your train.

Accommodations

Dates

Sept 7-14, 2008(women only)

Oct 20-27, 2008(women only)

If you are forming your group of 8 (doesn't have to be women only), we can arrange a different date as well.

Rate

$2,890 per person (land cost) +$350 for single room
Special in 2008: Get a free trip if you form your own group!!

Includes