The thermal road
The thermalism took part in the development and the opening up of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Indeed, from the end of the 17th century to the 19th century, the thermal stake pushes to the construction then to the maintenance of carriage roads. The reason ? During a passage of the Emperor, Napoleon III, to Saint-Sauveur in the summer 1859, the project of the thermal roads is born. The Paris-Tarbes rail link, recently completed, saw the region welcome a new, more affluent clientele. The different spa centres allowed the different "patients" to be distributed. It is thanks to the construction of sections of roads going from one valley to the other and crossing the passes that the thermalism becomes more important. The persons taking the waters can thus go to the centres in full safety, which was not necessarily the case before.
On the six projects in waiting at the time, four are programmed by imperial decision of May 6th, 1860 : Arudy-Escot by the Marie-Blanque pass, Argelès - Les Eaux Bonnes by the Soulor and the Aubisque, Bagnères-de-Bigorre - Barèges by the Tourmalet, Bagnères-de-Bigorre - Bagnères-de-Luchon by the Aspin and then the Peyresourde. These four projects will see the light of day while other links will only be "improved". The Hautes-Pyrénées have largely benefited from these infrastructures to notably establish a thermal tourism which treats the pathologies of the ORL sphere, of the respiratory tracts, of the metabolic diseases, of the digestive system, of the urinary system, of the psychosomatic affections, of the gynaecology... and to attract people likely to fall in love with the landscapes and the nature of the department. The thermalism is so at the origin of the historical, architectural, economic and tourist development of some communes.
The blue gold flows from the source
No mountain range in the world offers a wealth of hydrominerals comparable to that of the Hautes-Pyrénées. With 2,000 years of thermal baths behind it, the department has a large number of springs that have been known since Roman times and are full of a thousand benefits, whatever the spa treatment you are looking for. The fine reputation of the waters of the Hautes-Pyrénées has been built up thanks to the successive visits of great people to the department to take the waters. We can mention Victor Hugo, Alphonse de Lamartine, George Sand or the Empress Eugénie. All these celebrities were pleased with their visit to the various thermal baths in Bigorre, the most famous of which are in Barèges, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Argelès-Gazost, Beaucens, Capvern-les-Bains, Saint-Lary and Cauterets. Sulphurated, carbonated, sodic or alkaline, hot or cold, these thermal waters are all a source of well-being. Even if the use of the virtues of these waters is the same, it is necessary to distinguish the public bathing establishment which were the ancient " thermal baths ", become today fitness centres, from the thermal establishments with therapeutic aim, intended to treat and cure certain diseases. The thermoludism, a sector which mixes well-being and relaxation, ensures a revival for these waters with exceptional virtues and many centres throw themselves into the bath of leisure!
The Hautes-Pyrénées is the leading department in France in terms of the number of spas
Most often located in medium-sized or even small towns, the spa establishments often represent the only lever of the local economy.
Between the Spanish border and the Pyrenees National Park, the guarantee of an unforgettable stay is assured. "Pyrenees Mountains, you are my love" sang the old people. The Hautes-Pyrénées is even the first destination in France with eight balneotherapy centres supplied with thermal water. In addition to their benefits for the body and mind, these places dedicated to health and well-being also offer fitness stays and spa treatments for all profiles. Under vaults studded with stars, an open sky or masterful wooden structures, the baths follow one another, enhanced by lagoons, jets or irresistible waterfalls. Spa, hammam, jacuzzis and body treatments form a wellness menu from which you can choose according to your desires. What more could you want?
Balneotherapy centres
Aquensis in Bagnères-de-Bigorre
The spa with its masterly wooden vault, famous for its pool, has redesigned its wellness area to offer a wider range of treatments for two, including a new Ying-Yang bath with a hydromassage treatment with essential oils. The thermal waters of the resort, which have been used to treat illnesses since ancient times, are rich in trace elements, particularly magnesium, calcium and sulphates
The Jardin des Bains in Argelès-Gazost
It offers a journey through time and space, marked by different atmospheres, plant, floral and mineral.
Cieléo in Barèges
Its starry vault and glass dome have made it famous, with ultra-equipped pools, it includes fun activities and absolute well-being. The wellness area offers massages corresponding to the traditional rituals of different cultures.
Sensoria in Saint-Lary-Soulan
Three areas mark this complete site with a canyon atmosphere which offers bathing areas as well as treatment and fitness areas. In Peyragudes, a second establishment, Spassio, has been added at the foot of the pistes, ideal for families.
Luzéa in Luz-Saint-Sauveur
The architecture, made up of marble, glass and mosaics, is a jewel case that welcomes you for a magical moment of relaxation and well-being treatments. On site, everyone can enjoy the benefits of thermal water and also many individual services dedicated to your well-being.
Les Bains du rocher in Cauterets
Its refined world has opted for originality with jade floors and here again, treatments, baths and well-being are the order of the day.
Balnéa in Loudenvielle
It marks the event by opening the first ice cabin in the Pyrenees in the Japanese pavilion which is now dedicated to Cryo-Tonic with even an ice fountain. At 8°C, the sensations are absolute! The two saunas have also been refurbished.
