The Old Mills of Aix-les-Bains

The old mills of Aix-les-Bains, a little-known past

On the Montée des Moulins, a history-laden place testifies to a little-known aspect of Aix-les-Bains. Beneath the feet of the passers-by flows a stream that once powered mills. The Aix-les-Bains audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this artisanal past, far from the thermal image of the city.

Six mills on a stream

In the eighteenth century, several mills were present in the territory of Aix-les-Bains, powered by a stream that today flows partly under the Montée des Moulins. These mills, some of which dated back to the Middle Ages, testify to the artisanal activity of the city before its thermal rise. Sold then gradually disappeared, they have left their name to this memory-laden place.

What to see

Here you discover the Montée des Moulins and the traces of this artisanal past, evoked by the name of the place and the stream that flows nearby. The area reveals a little-known facet of Aix-les-Bains, far from the thermal baths and the palaces. It is a stop for those curious about local history, during a walk in the centre.

Practical information

The old mills are discovered on the Montée des Moulins, in the heart of Aix-les-Bains, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public area, to be walked on foot; the climb has a slope, to be taken into account. The place is discovered during a walk in the historic centre.

What do the old mills of Aix-les-Bains evoke?

They recall the artisanal past of the city: in the eighteenth century, several mills were powered by a stream, before the thermal rise of Aix-les-Bains.

Where can you see the traces of the old mills?

On the Montée des Moulins, in the heart of Aix-les-Bains, where the stream that powered them still partly flows.