Résidence Mirabeau

Résidence Mirabeau is a former Belle Époque palace in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, now converted into a residential complex of apartments available for rent. The building stands on Boulevard de Chantemerle, on the first slopes above the thermal town, surrounded by a 24,000 m² park bordered by the Chaudanne river.

What is the history behind this building?

The palace was built in the early 20th century and, at its peak, offered 250 rooms and 100 bathrooms — a scale typical of the grand spa hotels of the era, when Aix-les-Bains drew European aristocracy for thermal cures. During the Second World War the building was requisitioned by the German occupying forces, who set up an infantry school inside. On 21 August 1944, as German troops withdrew from the town, a fire broke out while archives were being burned, damaging part of the property. After the war the building gradually lost its hotel function, and in 1981 it was formally converted into a residential property with private apartments.

How do you get to Résidence Mirabeau?

The residence sits about 400 meters from the center of Aix-les-Bains and just 200 meters from the Chevalley thermal baths, making it a convenient base for both spa-goers and sightseers. Arriving by car is easy thanks to the extensive, enclosed park, which includes parking for residents and guests. On foot, the main attractions — the lakeside promenade on Lac du Bourget, the thermal baths, and the train station — are all within a short walk.

What will you see on site?

The building itself retains the distinctive silhouette and proportions of a Belle Époque palace, even though the interiors have been adapted for residential use. The real highlight is the setting: a large, well-kept landscaped park separates the residence from the bustle of the town center, giving residents and visitors a quiet, green retreat right next to a thermal resort. The Chaudanne river runs along the edge of the property, adding a natural touch to the grounds. Some apartments in the building are offered for short and medium-term tourist rentals, letting visitors experience the atmosphere of the former palace from the inside.

When is the best time to visit?

Aix-les-Bains and the area around Résidence Mirabeau are at their best in spring and summer, when the park surrounding the residence is at its greenest and the thermal baths and Lac du Bourget run their full seasonal program. Autumn suits travelers looking for quieter streets and lower rental prices, while winter brings more activity to the wider town thanks to nearby Savoie ski resorts, even though the residence itself feels calmer at that time of year.

Frequently asked questions

Is Résidence Mirabeau a hotel? No — today it is a residential building with private apartments, though some units are offered as short-term rentals for tourists, echoing the property's earlier life as a luxury palace hotel.

How far is it from the thermal baths and the town center? The Chevalley thermal baths are about 200 meters away, and the center of Aix-les-Bains is roughly 400 meters away — both an easy walk of a few minutes.

What notable event happened at the building during the war? In August 1944, as the German occupying forces — who had installed an infantry school in the palace — withdrew from the town, a fire broke out while archives were being burned, an episode that remains part of the building's history.

Is there parking available at the residence? Yes, the 24,000 m² grounds include an enclosed, landscaped park with parking spaces available for residents and guests.