Aime was also known as Axima in its history: in 21 BC, Axima was the capital of the province of Alpes Graies. The town’s attractions range from archaeological evidence, frescoes and architectural history to vineyards and traditional buildings along the Sentier de Grumailly. If you would like to combine culture with activity, you can explore these highlights separately: the museum and churches provide the historical focus, while the circular route adds a designated hiking option.
Archaeological Evidence Spanning Broad Periods
The Musée archéologique d'Aime is classified as a “Musée de France” and presents archaeological evidence from the Neolithic to the modern era. Its broad time span makes it a point of reference for anyone who does not want to limit archaeological history to a single period. Visits and visitor reception at the Musée archéologique d'Aime are provided jointly with La Plagne Vallée. This connects a historical perspective on Aime with a concrete visitor offering.
Churches: Architectural History and Art
The Basilique Saint-Martin dates from the 11th century; its frescoes date from the late 12th to the early 13th century. The building also includes a crypt and a lapidary museum. The Basilique Saint-Martin was built on the foundations of a Roman civic basilica. This brings together the history of an ancient predecessor and the architectural history of the medieval basilica in a single theme.
The Eglise Notre-Dame offers a different historical focus: it houses a “Vierge allaitant” from the mid-14th century and was extended at the end of the 17th century. It also displays features of Baroque art. In comparison, the frescoes, crypt and Roman foundations take centre stage at Saint-Martin; at Notre-Dame, the focus is on the image of the Virgin Mary, the later extension and the Baroque features. This allows you to consider the two churches in terms of their distinct artistic and architectural themes.
Explore Circular Routes and Architecture
The Sentier de Grumailly offers a scenic perspective: this balcony path runs between the town, vineyards and traditional buildings. The moderately difficult circular hike covers 8 km; the estimated walking time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with 350 m of ascent. These figures help you assess the hike as a separate item in your itinerary. The route’s availability depends on the weather, so take conditions into account when planning.
The Parcours historique d'Aime et ses villages also offers a way to explore the architectural heritage: an interactive walking tour that can be used on a smartphone. It is free and available daily year-round. You can therefore choose between an architecture-focused walk and a designated hike with distance, time and elevation figures. The two formats offer different emphases, and neither requires you to follow a particular order.
Château Montmayeur
Château Montmayeur expands the historical perspective with a tower dating from the 13th century, which was altered in the 15th century and became the residence of the Sires Montmayeur. The exhibition explains the valley’s traditional architecture using models, drawings and soundscapes. The château is temporarily closed. If you are planning an indoor visit, please check in advance when it will reopen.
Discover more destinations: Montricher-Albanne, Albens, Sainte-Hélène-Sur-Isère, Peisey-Nancroix, Bessans, Valloire, Grésy-Sur-Isère, Les Avanchers Valmorel
For the wider travel overview: Savoie.
