Within the Rhône-Alpes region are 15 stations thermales or thermal spas. Developed from the 17th Century, the spa towns soon attracted the wealthy. Later the advent of mass tourism in the early 20th Century brought about an expansion of the spa towns, with villas and hotels built to accommodate the masses.
Today thermal spas continue to provide relief to sufferers of many ailments, each offering particular benefits. With the current trend for relaxation, well-being and spa treatments the spas are once again providing luxurious escapes from everyday cares and pressures — so now we can all enjoy the benefits they have to offer.
Water: source of bodily harmony
The Rhône-Alpes region welcomes nearly 100,000 people a year to its fifteen thermal spas. They include: Thonon-les-Bains, Evian, Saint-Gervais, Aix-les-Bains (two centres in the same town), Vals les Bains, Saint-Laurent and Neyrac-les-Bains (Ardèche), Allevard (Isère), Montrond-les-Bains (Loire), Montbrun-les-Bains (Drôme) and Divonne-les-Bains (Ain). All the stations are now offering a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments besides the traditional cures.
MountainPassions profiles a selection of thermal spa centres and new spa and fitness suites in and around the mountains.
Brides-les-Bains : Nature by Women
A ski and spa resort, Brides-les-Bains claims to embody all that is feminine in nature. The reputation of the resort is based on the natural benefits of several different and complementary thermal springs. These springs have an acknowledged effect on the metabolism and circulation. As a result, the two recognized therapeutic uses are the treatment of excess weight and its consequences as well as the treatment of painful joints.
The SPA de Brides les Bains, inaugerated in 2005, has a One Thousand and One Nights palace atmosphere and offers hammam, ‘Divana’ (a warm and luxury relaxing room), an oriental area to drink herbal teas, jacuzzi, aroma steam bath, sauna, cold shower & ice fountain, plus ‘experience showers’ with water attractions such as Heavy Rain, Tropical Rain and Mist, with coloured lights underlining the various activities. Visit the SPA website.
With direct access to the Trois Vallées ski domain, Bride-les-Bains offers ski and spa breaks as well as tailor-made breaks to make the most of the spa and other activities the town offers.
Information: Tourist Office Brides Les Bains 0033 (0)4 79 55 20 64
Vist the website: www.brides-les-bains.com
Combine the benefits of the thermal water with a relaxing break in Aix-les-Bains.
Aix-les-Bains : Thermal Therapy
By creating its new Thermal Therapy concept, Aix-les-Bains confirms its image as a recommended spa. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of thermal water for their well-being, both in summer and in winter. Aix-les-Bains offers acces to its facilities and treatments in the Espace Bien-Etre, a unique setting with beautiful, translucent architecture at the Chevalley Thermal Baths.
The Thermal Therapy Centre for well-being offers six or seven-day stays or you can choose your own tailor-made package, combining thermal treatments with the Espace Bien-Etre. Facilities for pure relaxation and regeneration include a swimming pool with variable swirls, a thermal-water indoor pool and a fresh-water outdoor pool, as well as hammams, saunas, a gym and relaxation area.
Information: Aix-les-Bains Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 79 88 68 00
Visit the website: www.thermaix.com
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains : the "Alti-Forme" resort
Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc is the only resort in the Alps to combine the pleasures of snow with those of health and beauty spa treatments. Saint-Gervais is highly respected for its medical spa treatments. Its successes and the quality of the water have enabled the spa to create a health and beauty spa treatment centre.
The Mont Blanc spa water runs naturally at more than 30ºC and is known for its soothing, tonic, relaxing, healing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Warm water treatments and beauty therapies include hydromassage, volcanic clay applications, jet showers, sauna and hammam combining essential oils, aromatic and medicinal plants. Clients can choose a variety of packages to suit their needs.
Information: Saint-Gervais Tourist Office 0033 (0)44 50 47 76 08
Visit the website: www.Thermes-Saint-Gervais.com
A la montagne...
Enjoy a relaxing massage at The Spa Pure Altitude, Fermes de Marie, Megève (see details below)
The Centre Spa & Fitness, Balcons de Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (Savoie)
Heated swimming pool and hammam, sauna and herbal shower, fitness suite and jacuzzi. The centre is part of Les Balcons de Saint-Foy complex offering luxury chalet and apartment lodgings and is situated at the foot of the ski slopes.
Information: 0033 (0)4 79 06 68 47
Visit the website: www.spa-conference.com
The Spa Nuxe, Club Med 4 Tridents, Peisey-Vallandry (Savoie)
This new village, built at 1600m altitude, is encircled by forest and mountain pasture. It combines traditional savoyard style with luxury and modern design. The spa Nuxe has an exceptional decor, both pure and refined. It comprises a private spa, traditional hammam, sauna, aquafitness, relaxation bath, a zen (relaxation) room, and a cardio-muscular training room.
Information: 0033 (0)4 79 04 07 50
Visit the website: www.clubmed.fr
L’Altitude Spa, Tignes (Savoie)
L’Altitude Spa in the hotel Les Campanules offers a sauna, a hammam entirely decorated in mosaic tiles, jacuzzi. The highlight is a heated outdoor pool with a magnificent view of the Grand Motte glacier and the ski runs. Personal treatments are also available such as hydromassage with esential oils, seaweed and chromotherapy, massage etc.
Information: 0033 (0)4 79 06 34 36
Visit the website: www.campanules.com
The Spa Pure Altitude, Fermes de Marie, Megève (Haute Savoie)
Pioneer of the Spa concept in France, Jocelyne Sibuet combines mountain holidays with well-being, relaxation and form. In 2000, the beauty care line Fermes de Marie Beauty was successfully launched into the French market.
The altitude spa was built around the five elements: stone from the glaciers, wood, spring water, fire, and earth. It offers unique plant-based therapies for deep relaxation and restorative action.
Information: 0033 (0)4 50 93 03 10Visit the website: www.fermesdesmarie.com
The Espaces Spa et Beauté at CGH - La Compagnie de Gestion Hôtelière (Savoie et Haute Savoie)
A subsidiary of prestige Savoyard constructor MGM, CGH was created 2005. It opened six four-star residences and launched the “Espaces Spa et Beauté” concept in the mountains: Hameau du Beaufortain at Les Saisies, Orée des Cîmes in Peisey-Vallandry, Fermes de Sainte Foy in Sainte-Foy Tarentaise, Cîmes Blanches at La Rosière, Chalets du Gypse at Saint Martin de Belleville and the Ferme du Val Claret in Tignes. The result is a perfect combination of activities and winter sports with health and wellbeing.
Each residence offers a personalised programme of health and beauty treatments, plus heated pools and fitness salons.
Information: 0 820 300 090
Visit the website: www.cgh-residences.com
Information courtesy of Rhône-Alpes Tourisme.
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