Esplanade du Lac, Lakeside public space in Aix-les-Bains, France.

Esplanade du Lac spreads across several hectares along the shores of Lac du Bourget, with views toward the surrounding mountains. The space combines green areas with sections dedicated to different leisure and activity options.

The esplanade grew from the commercial shipping ports that surrounded it, expanding from the 18th century onward. The town of Aix-les-Bains carried out an enlargement between 1880 and 1886. In the 20th century the site turned toward tourism, the ports became marinas and commercial traffic disappeared entirely.

The esplanade's name comes from the French for a broad open promenade, and its northern section becomes the site of the Musilac national music festival each summer. Car rallies and a funfair are also held there, mainly in the summer season.

The esplanade runs along the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget, with the lake on one side and the town on the other. Aqualis, the lake interpretation centre, sits at the southern end, while the northern part becomes the Musilac festival zone. The lawn is broad and flat, crossed by a path lined with a row of trees where people sit and walk.

The esplanade grew through commercial shipping and its surrounding ports from the 18th century; the town extended it between 1880 and 1886. In the 20th century the ports became marinas and trade disappeared entirely, leaving the waterfront to tourism and events.