Rossignoli Passage

Here’s a small, discreet staircase, almost hidden, but rich with history. You’re standing before the Rossignoli Passage, created in the 1880s to connect the town center with the grand palaces that once towered over Aix-les-Bains: the Splendide, the Royal, and the Excelsior. These prestigious hotels belonged to a visionary man, Gaudens-Antoine Rossignoli, a former mountain guide who became a legendary builder. He turned Aix into a showcase of Belle Époque luxury. The hanging plaque you see, recently restored, still bears the names of these three establishments. It once marked the entrance to the Splendide’s private garden, reserved for select guests. If you’re curious, don’t hesitate to take this passage, it gently climbs with stairs, handrails, and decorated walls. At the top, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the old palace façades, now converted into private residences. It’s a chance to discover another side of Aix-les-Bains and take in a beautiful panorama of the surroundings.