Saint Swithun’s Church

You’re standing in front of Saint Swithun’s Church, which tells a surprising story about the English who made Aix-les-Bains their second home in the 19th century. Built in 1870, this small Anglican church reflects a time when many British visitors came here to seek relief in the thermal waters.

It even had a very special guest: Queen Victoria herself! During her three stays between 1885 and 1890, she would come to pray in this modest building, and she left behind a beautiful carved wooden altar that you can still see today. Just imagine, the Queen of England finding peace in this humble Savoyard church! Take a close look at the architecture: it blends local materials like regional stone and slate with distinctly English design.

That’s why it looks so different from Catholic churches here, simpler and more stripped-back, with a flat chancel instead of a rounded apse. In 1896, a magnificent organ was installed, brought all the way from London. With its 22 stops, it still fills these historic walls with rich English sounds.

After a century of Anglican worship, the town bought the church in 1976 and converted it into a cultural center. Today, it hosts concerts and celebrations for all faiths. It’s actually the oldest church in Aix-les-Bains still in use, and you’re welcome to visit it before continuing your tour if you like.