The thermal baths, hot and miraculous springs in the Landes region

Today, let's talk about the Landes region and water. Not the ocean water that borders our shores, but rather the water that springs from the ground, bringing us the benefits of the minerals it has accumulated over thousands of years. The Landes is a land of thermal spas. People come here to heal, relax, and unwind. The gloomy weather outside is surely making you want to cozy up indoors? Read our article to find the perfect spot for your next wellness weekend in the Landes thermal baths !

The major thermal spa areas of the Landes region

The Landes department is the leading spa region in France, with the town of Dax as its top destination. Legend (not a very funny one) tells the story of how it all began with a dog. In Roman times, a legionary, unable to bear seeing his animal suffer from rheumatism any longer, decided to drown it by throwing it into the waters of the Adour River. Upon returning from his mission, he found his dog in perfect health, invigorated by the waters. Thus, since antiquity, the virtues of the Nèhe spring have been known in Dax, symbolized by a "Hot Fountain" in the heart of the town, on the very spot where ancient Roman baths once stood.

Over 70,000 spa-goers visit the Landes region each year for short breaks or complete 18-day treatments. The thermal spas in the department are of high quality, offering a wide range of treatments for a variety of ailments. The five main spa destinations in the area are:

• Grand Dax, meaning Dax and Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, together boasts 17 establishments. It is the local clay, contained in the soil, that enriches the region's waters with beneficial minerals, waters renowned for centuries for their positive effects on rheumatism and venous problems.

• In the Tursan, a beautiful wine-growing region, Eugénie-les-Bains is a charming destination imbued with elegance and the refined lifestyle of the Landes region. Gastronomy is at the heart of this town, where local flavors are prepared with exquisite skill. The thermal spas focus on addressing weight management and nutritional rebalancing, as well as digestive issues, blood chemistry (cholesterol, diabetes), and metabolic disorders.

• In Préchacq-les-Bains, you get closer to the Basque Country, while heading inland. Chalosse is a surprisingly hilly region, and it is on the banks of the Adour that the spa resort has been established, with natural springs and a forest atmosphere that is particularly beneficial for respiratory problems.
• Saubusse is a small resort in a picturesque village. It's the perfect place to "get away from it all." You'll pamper yourself in a simple yet high-quality environment where treatments have been provided for 95 years. Come and discover the unique Landes massage…

Treatments are for everyone!

Thermal spa treatments are rejuvenating their image. Having seen steady growth for years, they offer long-term health benefits that appeal to an increasingly younger clientele. Traditionally, medically supervised spa treatments have been prescribed to those suffering from conditions requiring intensive and lengthy treatments (rheumatism, ENT problems, allergies, or skin conditions), the frequency and intensity of which decrease after the treatment. The latest trend in recent years has been the rise of mini-spa treatments, designed for well-being and operating outside the realm of medical prescriptions.

Looking to treat yourself? Thermal spas are opening their doors and offering all-inclusive stays or packages combined with tourist offers to attract guests seeking well-being and preventative healthcare. Far from the image of mud baths and green beans, the thermal establishments of the Landes region cater to all tastes: reimagined cuisine, highlighting the landscape and natural riches of the area…

By the way, do you know the difference between thermal cures, thalassotherapy and spa treatments ?

• Thermal spa treatments, also known as balneotherapy, use spring water, which is fresh water. This type of treatment is prescribed and reimbursed by social security and private health insurance companies.
• Thalassotherapy harnesses the benefits of seawater (and mud and algae) to revitalize, thanks to the trace elements naturally present in the marine environment. Thalassotherapy treatments are considered wellness and relaxation rather than medical care, which is why they do not require a prescription.
• A spa is about well-being through water, meaning not necessarily seawater, not necessarily spring water with special properties. It's the pleasure of water, in a jacuzzi, a hammam, with jets and often combined with body massages using ointments and expert hands!

Sources of devotion and healing in the Landes region

One last thing to tell you about water in the Landes region. Did you know that throughout the department there are numerous miraculous fountains and springs, places of prayer? Who hasn't seen fountains where coins are thrown, often accompanied by a wish? In the Landes, people tie handkerchiefs together, attributing fabulous and mystical virtues to the waters. Is this folklore persisting, perhaps in these times of uncertainty and doubt, or simply for the beauty of the gesture and out of habit? The Fontaine Chaude (Hot Fountain) in Dax, which we mentioned earlier, is a perfect example. Another well-known fountain is " Notre-Dame-des-Douleurs " (Our Lady of Sorrows) in Garosse.

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