Town Hall

Here you are in front of Aix-les-Bains’Town Hall… but in reality, you’re looking at a former seigneurial castle! Long before it housed the offices of the local administration, this was the residence of an influential family: the Marquises of Aix. Its story begins in the 13th century, with towers and thick walls built to defend the site. Then, in 1400, the main residential wing, the heart of the castle, was added, and you can still see the original ceiling beams today.

Over the centuries, the château grew more refined. In the 16th century, the Seyssel family gave it a touch of palatial elegance, and Isabeau de la Roche Andry left her mark with its most spectacular feature: a magnificent Renaissance-style ceremonial staircase, entirely carved from stone, leading to a tiny chapel perched at the very top. This staircase was so remarkable that in 1890 it became the very first part of the building to be listed as a Historic Monument.

The château continued to evolve until 1866, when the town purchased it for 45,000 francs and transformed it into the Town Hall. Two years later, the former noble residence became the administrative heart of this spa city. Today, behind this storied façade, civic life carries on, weddings in the grand reception hall, official gatherings, everyday municipal affairs. The former Château of the Seyssel family now serves all the people of Aix, a fine example of living heritage where history is still being written every day.