Saint Swithun’s Church

St. Swithun's church, the English heritage of Aix-les-Bains

St. Swithun's church tells an astonishing story: that of the English who adopted Aix-les-Bains in the nineteenth century. This Anglican church testifies to the British presence in the spa town. The Aix-les-Bains audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this cosmopolitan part of the history of the city.

An Anglican church of the nineteenth century

In the nineteenth century, Aix-les-Bains attracted an important British clientele, charmed by its waters and its way of life. St. Swithun's church, of Anglican worship, was built for this English community, then numerous in the spa town. Dedicated to an English saint, it illustrates the cosmopolitanism of the city in the golden age of thermalism and the place held there by foreign visitors.

What to see

Here you discover a church with the style and atmosphere characteristic of Anglican worship, a witness of the British presence in Aix-les-Bains. Its mere existence tells the cosmopolitan history of the spa town in the nineteenth century. It is an original stop for those curious about history and religious heritage, away from the great monuments.

Practical information

St. Swithun's church lies on Rue du Temple, in Aix-les-Bains, reachable on foot. A place of worship and heritage, its access depends on services and possible openings, whose hours vary. It is best to enquire before coming; the façade can be freely admired from the street.

Why is there an Anglican church in Aix-les-Bains?

Because in the nineteenth century, an important British community frequented the spa town; St. Swithun's church was built for this Anglican worship.

Where is St. Swithun's church?

On Rue du Temple, in Aix-les-Bains; it is an Anglican church, a witness of the English presence in the spa town in the nineteenth century.