If you’re looking to travel back to a bygone era, then Europe’s spa towns are a good place to start.
Around 2,000 years ago, the Romans built thermal baths on natural hot springs for bathing, socializing and relieving ailments, such as arthritis and gout.
Later, in the 18th century, this idea was revived. Vast sums of money were invested into creating spa towns across Europe, where wealthy aristocrats and the new middle class could soak in the therapeutic waters. This not only included building neoclassical bath houses, but also other architecturally beautiful buildings such as theaters, hotels, villas and casinos.
Today, France boasts over 60 spa towns, ranging from the world-renowned Vichy to hidden gems like Bagnères-de-Luchon.
Read on to discover the top French spa towns for your next vacation—all accessible by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RossHelen. Image Location: Parc des Sources, Vichy, France
What are the Great Spa Towns of Europe?
Unesco protects historic and culturally significant sites across the globe. Their Great Spa Towns of Europe is a list of 11 spa towns across seven European countries that are protected as a single Unesco World Heritage site.
These destinations all center on natural hot springs and offer exceptionally beautiful examples of spa towns. That said, there are hundreds of other spa towns across the continent that don’t feature on this list but are well worth visiting.
Which French spa town is Unesco-protected?
Only one from France made the cut for the Unesco Great Spa Towns of Europe list—and that’s Vichy in central France.
Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Spas’, Vichy is a quintessential example of a spa town. With support from Napoleon III, the city was transformed into a wellness destination in the mid-1800s, complete with lavish thermal baths and Parisian-style boulevards, as well as a network of parks, theaters and grand mansions. Later, it became the founding place of Vichy Laboratories, the famous skincare brand that built its reputation on the town’s healing waters.
Get the train from Paris straight to Vichy (fastest direct train in just under three hours) to explore the town and visit one of two top spas. The Thermes de Vichy offer two-day restorative stays or book a half-day pass at the Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel, where you can use the thermal pool, sauna and hammam. For the ultimate pampered experience, book the Vichy Shower, which involves two people massaging you under a stream of therapeutic Vichy water.
Image Credit: Getty Images, aurelienantoine. Image Location: Abbaye d'Hautecombe, Lac du Bourget, France
Which is the oldest French spa town?
Many of France’s spa towns date back to the Roman era, so it’s hard to pinpoint the oldest one. However, for ancient medieval architecture, head to La Roche-Posay. Not only is it famous for its namesake skincare brand, but it’s a beautiful town in its own right.
Get lost in the labyrinthine streets, passing age-old stone houses with traditional mullioned windows and the turreted 13th-century Bourbon gate. Finish with an obligatory soak at the Centre Thermal La Roche-Posay. Châtellerault is the nearest station, then it’s just a short taxi or bus ride to the town itself.
Where is the prettiest French spa town?
For natural beauty, head to Aix-les-Bains. It’s set on the shores of France’s largest freshwater lake, Lac du Bourget, sandwiched between two magnificent mountains: the Revard and the Mont du Chat. Soak up the spectacular surroundings from the outdoor pool at Chevally Thermal Baths; it’s heated by a natural hot spring that pumps 160°F water from a 7,200ft-deep borehole. Afterwards, take a boat trip across to the Abbaye d'Hautecombe, a 12th-century monastery that was once the burial grounds for French royalty.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Yann Guichaoua-Photos. Image Location: Place des Thermes, Aix-les-Bains, France
Alternatively, for a more off-the-beaten-track destination, visit Bagnères-de-Luchon in the French Pyrenees. Expect tree-lined boulevards dotted with French cafes, fountains and bright blooms in the spring. On the edge of town, you’ll find Thermes de Luchon with its famous sulfur-rich waters that have been used to treat rheumatic and respiratory problems for over 2,000 years. Beyond, there’s a criss-crossed maze of hiking trails, as well as the Superbagnères ski resort, accessible by cable car. Montréjeau station is just a 45-minute bus ride away with regular connections to Toulouse.
Soak in the vibes
Find your way to a warm medicinal bath or a massage in France via a quick and easy train connection. Download the Trainline app and find another reason to relax before you even reach your spa destination. Looking for even more resorts that will leave you melting into bliss? Check out our guide to the best spa hotels in Europe.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, aurelienantoine. Image Location: Esplanade du Lac du Bourget, Aix-les-Bains, France