Aime: Discover archaeology, churches and hiking trails

Discover Aime through its local and architectural history, as well as trails focused on architecture or landscape. The history of Axima, archaeological evidence, churches and a historic walking route offer tangible points of interest. The Sentier de Grumailly adds a longer hike between the town, vineyards and traditional buildings.

Archaeological history of Aime

In antiquity, Aime was known as Axima. In 21 BC, Axima was the capital of the province of Alpes Graies. The Musée archéologique d’Aime displays archaeological evidence dating from the Neolithic to the modern era and is classified as a “Musée de France.” Its collection therefore spans a period well beyond Roman history. Visits and reception at the Musée archéologique d’Aime are provided jointly with La Plagne Vallée.

Churches and architectural history

The Basilique Saint-Martin dates from the 11th century and was built on the foundations of a Roman civil basilica. Its frescoes date from the late 12th to the early 13th century; the site also includes a crypt and a lapidary museum. Several periods can therefore be distinguished at the church: the Roman foundations, the construction of the basilica and the later frescoes.

The Eglise Notre-Dame reflects a different sequence of periods. It houses a “Vierge allaitant” from the mid-14th century and was enlarged in the late 17th century. The church also features elements of Baroque art. The artwork and the later architectural extension represent different stages in its history. Together with the Basilique Saint-Martin, Notre-Dame offers a comparison between two churches whose surviving details each evoke different periods.

Château Montmayeur and architectural heritage

Château Montmayeur is a tower dating from the 13th century that was remodelled in the 15th century and became the residence of the Sires Montmayeur. The exhibition explores the valley’s traditional architecture through models, drawings and soundscapes. The Château is temporarily closed. If you are planning an indoor visit, check beforehand whether it has reopened.

The Parcours historique d’Aime et ses villages also focuses on Aime’s architectural heritage, but takes a different format: the interactive route can be followed using a smartphone. It is free and available every day year-round. The two offerings thus explore architecture in different ways: the exhibition uses models, drawings and soundscapes, while the route uses an interactive smartphone format.

Hiking and a seasonal guided tour

The Sentier de Grumailly is a balcony trail between the town, vineyards and traditional buildings. This moderately difficult circular hike is 8 kilometres long, has 350 metres of ascent and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route’s availability depends on the weather. For planning, the distance, approximate walking time and elevation gain provide concrete details about the hike’s duration and physical demands, helping distinguish this activity from the cultural offerings.

The guided tour “Les secrets des édifices d’Aime” was scheduled for Tuesdays in summer 2026, led by a Guide du patrimoine.

Discover more destinations: Montmélian, Montsapey, Les Marches, Mâcot-La-Plagne, La Motte-Servolex, Jarsy, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Praranger.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.