Thermalism in France
France, great country for tourism, enjoys an exceptional natural heritage, including an abundance of hot springs. Over 1200 are listed throughout the country.
During the Second Empire, the cities water began to be fashionable thanks to the craze of the imperial family for this activity and, probably also due to the Romantic movement which drove people to discover these cities.
The peak of thermalism occurred in the twentieth century, during the "Belle Epoque" and the "Roaring Twenties".
During this period, the spas were visited by the wealthy French aristocrats. All this wealth drove the spa to beautify and build places of care, accommodation and entertainment ever more beautiful. Fabulous scenery covered the walls, majestic fountains decorated squares and art deco invited itself in the spas.
The casino business in spas also began at this time. In 1806, the State decided to limit the creation of casino licenses. They were authorized only in resorts, and in "places where there are mineral waters." Casinos spa towns were now becoming very popular places for spa guests. The Enghien-les-Bains casino became the first casino in France in terms of revenue.
Today the spa treatments are no longer reserved for the elite and are accessible to all thanks to medical prescriptions. Although the atmosphere has changed, spas still offer a wide range of activities and are places to rest and receive care.
Throughout France, you will find spas offering wellness centers but also care centers specialized in digestive diseases of the digestive, metabolic diseases, in rheumatology, musculoskeletal injuries or respiratory diseases...
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