Ranked as one of the world's top spa resorts, Bagnoles de l'Orne boasts the only natural mineral spring in north-western France. Water that soothes and heals.
It's true that you wouldn't really expect to find a spa in the Normandy hinterland, renowned for its cheeses, ciders and verdant landscapes. And so it is in an ultra-green region that this nugget nestles. In the Orne department to be precise, in the heart of the Normandie-Maine regional nature park.
Rest and harmony
It's as if crossing the Andaines forest, one of the largest in Normandy, has opened up another dimension. Here, time seems suspended. Slow down, take a deep breath. Every moment becomes an opportunity for serenity. The lush green setting is the perfect setting for walks, outdoor activities and reconnecting with yourself. The clean air, calm surroundings and local biodiversity all contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to letting go. What's more, the little town is an architectural gem, with its Belle Époque villas, with its flower-filled gardens and peaceful lake. Everything is designed to promote rest and harmony, far from pollution.
Photo D. Commenchal
400 years of thermalism
The first records of a thermal spa date back to the 17th century, when only a hut of branches protected the spring. A certain Hélie De Cerny constructed the first building to house three basins into which the water is successively poured. The first was reserved for men, the second for women and the third for the poor. In 1812, Alexandre Lemachois bought the establishment and restored it with the help of an Italian patron of the arts, the Marquis de Sommariva. He planted a forty-hectare park around it. Later, the buildings were converted into a hospital for Napoleon 1's soldiers.er.
After several disposals, in which the establishment was refurbished and supplemented by a travelers' hotel, Alexis Duparchy bought the thermal baths and built the first casino.
It was only at this time that scientific studies attested to the effectiveness of Bagnoles waters in treating blood circulation disorders and phlebitis. The arrival of the railroads brought a new dynamism to the town. Wealthy Parisians and even Americans came to spend their vacations in the resort. Les Thermes becomes «the place to be» and between 1920 and 1935, the elitist patronage of kings and politicians ensured worldwide reputation in Bagnoles de l'Orne.
Historic district
Heritage is another of Bagnoles' assets. In 1886, under the impetus of Albert Christophle, a native of the region who went on to become a lawyer, politician and businessman, a resort development was sketched out on a 43-hectare plot of land in the Andaines forest, located between the railroad line and the spa. Each new building in this district had to meet very strict specifications. which laid down the conditions and deadlines for building. The regulations called for the use of local and natural materials (wood, stone, enamel, iron), volumes (bow-windows, balconies, canopies, perrons, perpendicular planes, turrets, etc.) and colors evoking natural elements (blue for water, yellow for air, green for nature and red for earth).
The architectural unity of this Belle Epoque district is one of the symbols of Bagnoles' radiance. Protected since 1991, even today it's impossible to build a house without respecting the specifications!
Little has changed since then, and Bagnoles de l'Orne is now a logical member of european association of historic spa towns (EHTTA). Created in Brussels in 2009, this network brings together 40 spa towns in 15 European countries. Each is distinguished by its emblematic architectural heritage and, of course, by the curative properties of its mineral waters.
To immerse yourself in the history of this Belle Epoque district, head to the Tourist Office to pick up a booklet or sign up for a guided tour!
24.3 degrees year-round
Bagnoles natural mineral water has a naturally constant flow, whatever the season or weather conditions. Low in mineral content and ultra-pure, it is aquamarine in color and remains at a constant temperature of 24.3 degrees. So it guarantees the same benefits in every season. Qualities it has retained after centuries of journey through deep rock.
Its acid pH promotes optimal skin exchanges. Anti-oxidant, remineralizing and plumping, it promises gentle, soothing days. On a medical level, it is recognized for relieving circulatory disorders, joint pain and muscular tension. But beyond these benefits, travelers can treat themselves to a genuine wellness experience at a number of addresses.
A complete wellness offer
There are several places where you can enjoy the benefits of thermal waters. Le B'O Spa Thermal offers thermal treatments that can be highly original, such as hydromassage baths with organic apple extracts from Normandy, thermal mud wraps, massages, hammams with essential oils and rest areas bathed in light. There's also yoga, meditation and mindfulness walking in the forest, for a deep reconnection with nature. A menu of specific programs is also available: detox, anti-stress, revitalization, slimming or sleep stays. www.bo-resort.com.
Visit Spa du Béryl, Located on the lakefront, on the second floor of the hotel of the same name, the team offers a full range of body treatments. The relaxation area features an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and hammam. www.hotel-bagnoles.com.
A different atmosphere at Spa du Roc du Chien whose spa is immersed in a tropical environment. Apaizonia, as it is called, is a universe imagined as an invitation to travel, like a cocoon designed to awaken the 5 senses and allow you to escape at your own pace and according to your own desires. The spa is entirely private, with an infrared sauna, hydrojets, Jacuzzi and thermal massage table. https://hotel-spa-bagnoles-de-lorne.brithotel.fr.
Find out more: www.bagnolesdelorne.com.
Photo Fred Langereau
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