Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget Aix-les-Bains
Cruise the largest natural lake in France, offering stunning Alpine views, historic abbey visits, and relaxing onboard experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget Aix-les-Bains
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cruise the largest natural lake in France, offering stunning Alpine views, historic abbey visits, and relaxing onboard experiences.
"Incredible trip with magnificent views and really nice food served on board."
🎯 Book Ahead for Abbey Trips
Essential to book your trip to Hautecombe Abbey in advance, especially if you're a foot passenger. They handle bookings by phone.
☀️ Rooftop Deck Views
Don't miss the chance to go up to the rooftop for incredible 360-degree views of the lake and mountains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hautecombe Abbey Cruise
Lake Bourget
Sail to the historic Hautecombe Abbey, a stunning Cistercian monastery perched on the lake's edge. Enjoy the scenic journey and the abbey's serene beauty.
Panoramic Lake Views
Onboard the boat
Experience 360-degree views of the vast Lake Bourget and surrounding Alps from the boat's rooftop deck. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Sunset Cruises
Lake Bourget
Witness the magical transformation of the lake as the sun sets, painting the sky and water with vibrant colors. An unforgettable romantic or peaceful experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Lake Cruise in Advance
Embrace the Scenic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Abbey Trips
Essential to book your trip to Hautecombe Abbey in advance, especially if you're a foot passenger. They handle bookings by phone.
☀️ Rooftop Deck Views
Don't miss the chance to go up to the rooftop for incredible 360-degree views of the lake and mountains.
🗣️ Multilingual Captains
Captains often provide commentary about the lake and its surroundings, sometimes even in English. +1
🚲 Cyclist Friendly
The boat service is also great for cyclists, offering a convenient way to explore the lake's shores.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Abbey Trips
Essential to book your trip to Hautecombe Abbey in advance, especially if you're a foot passenger. They handle bookings by phone.
☀️ Rooftop Deck Views
Don't miss the chance to go up to the rooftop for incredible 360-degree views of the lake and mountains.
🗣️ Multilingual Captains
Captains often provide commentary about the lake and its surroundings, sometimes even in English. +1
🚲 Cyclist Friendly
The boat service is also great for cyclists, offering a convenient way to explore the lake's shores.
📸 Sunset Spectacle
Aim for a late afternoon cruise to catch the breathtaking sunset over Lake Bourget. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget for its magnificent views and enjoyable onboard experience, with many highlighting the food and captain's commentary. However, some have encountered issues with booking systems and capacity management, leading to disappointment for those who didn't secure a spot.
"Incredible trip. Such magnificent views. Really nice food served on board of this 2 hour trip around the lake.
Comments from the captain along the route and between courses.
To finish in style we could go up to the roof top and enjoy 360 degree views. Merci beaucoup!"
Clément GONNET
"A fabulous boat service for foot passengers but for cyclists as well. Us being the daft English people forgot to pre book (required by phone call and they speak many languages) and the very kind captain called the office and made a return booking for us. The cruise down to Aix Le Bains took 1hr and is very nice with amazing views. A great company providing a really great service. Thank you"
Benjamin Collins
"Booked to leave for the abbey at 13:30 and come back at 15:30. By 15:30 a boat arrives but it turns out it wasn’t ours that was fine and the staff were helpful. 5 minutes later our boat arrives and and we are refused on because there was not enough room for us even though we booked for that time. I understand there’s people coming and going but they could respect the times which customers have booked for. The only people who this benefits are people who push in that the staff don’t bother to do anything about. Do better next time and use an actual booking system to prevent disappointing your customers"
Joseph Atkinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The departure point is typically at the Grand Port in Aix-les-Bains. You can reach it by car, taxi, or even by bike from the Aix-les-Bains train station. Some TikToks suggest cycling to the port before boarding.
Yes, the Grand Port area is generally accessible. If you're arriving by train, it's a pleasant bike ride or a short taxi journey.
Absolutely! The Compagnie des Bateaux du Lac du Bourget is very cyclist-friendly, making it a great option for exploring the lake's perimeter.
Yes, just a short drive from Aix-les-Bains are places like the Gorges du Sierroz, offering easy and free nature walks. +1
Besides boat trips, consider exploring the town itself, visiting spas like Spa la Paranthese, or enjoying easy hikes in the surrounding natural areas. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bookings are typically made via phone call. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for trips to Hautecombe Abbey, to secure your spot.
While sometimes possible, it's not guaranteed, especially during peak times or for specific destinations like Hautecombe Abbey. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
Yes, options range from scenic cruises around the lake to specific excursions like the trip to Hautecombe Abbey. Some trips may include meals.
Pricing varies depending on the duration and destination of the trip. It's best to contact the company directly for current rates and package details.
Yes, booking a specific time slot is crucial, especially for the Hautecombe Abbey trip. Be aware that sometimes boats may not adhere strictly to schedules, leading to potential issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect beautiful scenery of Lake Bourget and the surrounding Alps. Many trips offer commentary from the captain about the history and geography of the area. +1
Some longer trips, particularly those that include dinner, offer food onboard. Reviews mention good food served on board.
Yes, many of the boats have a rooftop deck that offers fantastic 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for photos.
The boat trips are generally family-friendly, offering a relaxed way to see the sights. Some spas in Aix-les-Bains also cater to families.
Late afternoon cruises are highly recommended to catch the stunning sunset over the lake, creating a magical atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop deck offers unparalleled 360-degree views. Also, keep an eye out for the Abbey of Hautecombe and the picturesque shores as you cruise.
The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset provides the most dramatic and beautiful light for capturing the lake and mountains.
Besides the boat, viewpoints like the Belvédère de la Chambotte offer panoramic vistas of the entire lake.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, and architectural photography of the Hautecombe Abbey are very popular. Watercolor artists also find inspiration here.
While some promotional videos use drones, be aware of local regulations regarding drone usage near natural sites and historical monuments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Consider a dinner cruise for an extra special evening. 🚴 Cyclists & Active Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Bourget by Boat
Popular routes include trips to the historic Hautecombe Abbey, a serene Cistercian monastery nestled on the lake's western shore. These excursions often include commentary from the captain, providing insights into the lake's history, geography, and surrounding natural environment. Some longer trips even offer dining options, with reviews praising the quality of food served onboard. The company is also accommodating to cyclists, making it a versatile option for different travel styles.
When planning your trip, it's crucial to book in advance, especially for the Hautecombe Abbey route, as spots can fill up quickly. While the company aims to adhere to schedules, occasional delays can occur, so a bit of flexibility is helpful. The experience is particularly magical during the late afternoon, when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the water, creating unforgettable sunset views.
+1Beyond the Lake: Nature and Relaxation in Aix-les-Bains
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, Aix-les-Bains boasts renowned spa facilities. The Spa la Paranthese is frequently mentioned as a top-tier spa experience in the region, featuring multiple pools, saunas, hammams, and relaxation areas. It's an ideal way to unwind after a day of exploring the lake or the surrounding natural parks.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the lake and town, the Savoie region offers numerous easy hiking trails within a 30-minute drive of Aix-les-Bains. These trails provide opportunities to discover lesser-known natural spots, perfect for a refreshing break with friends or family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit