Well-being in the Hautes-Pyrénées

The department of Hautes-Pyrénées is the premier area in France for the number of thermal spas that it has. It is a true mecca for those interested in wellbeing and nature. All of these health resorts are open to the public and now have a variety on offer that gives real choice to the consumer. Not only are the facilities in the spas first-class, but the natural surroundings of the mountains with their healthy air, abundance of activities and fantastic scenery add to the wellness experience.

Four of the resorts have now developed wellness centres that are independent of the thermal baths and that have mineral water from natural springs, top-notch recreational material such as waterfalls, bubbling baths, counter-current walks, musical baths, etc and access to most of the facilities without medical consultation.

Aquensis at Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Balnea at Genos-Loudenvielle, Luzea at Luz Saint-Saveur and Sensoria at Saint-Lary give a new dimension to wellness in this region, and are complemented by the thermal resorts of Argeles-Gazost, Bareges- Barzun and Cauterets that offer short stays and medical cures as well as specific wellness programmes for men.

Example : wellness centre Aquensis – La Cite des Eaux

This is the premier thermal resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées situated close to the Pic du Midi. The spa is set in a magnificent nineteenth century building and beautiful natural materials such as wood, marble and glass have been used inside and are enhanced by the natural light. There is a vast bathing area whose warm thermal waters are rich in oligo-elements. Another large pool offers a subaquatic music system and hydro-massage, then visit the hammam which is like a trip to the Orient and even offers mint tea to drink!

Relax on the solarium with fantastic views over the peaks of the Pyrénées and enjoy the several Jacuzzis. Aquensis has the largest number of treatments of any spa in France plus the Oriental cures offered in the hammam.

Package example: Zen Experience

Three nights – four days – from 541 euros (432.8 GBP) per person including three Aqua passes with three treatments per day for three days, a welcome gift, and three nights in a two-star hotel on half-board.

Treatments include

Aqua Detox (peeling and derma life), massage, bath, mud on a water bed…
Example : thermal spa – Cauterets
In the heart of the Pyrenean National Park at 1000m above sea-level, Cauterets has developed its facilities for thermalism, winter sports and tourism whilst retaining the authentic feel of the region. Cauterets is renowned for its treatment of respitory problems and rheumatism and the waters are considered ideal for the gentle treatment of most ailments.

The laboratory of Galenic here in the town offers for the first time at a thermal resort a new face and body treatment which rides on the success of their slimming brand ‘Cauterets’ – anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, remodelling, restructuring, hydration and revitalising treatments are now available.

Package example - Zen Experience

Three nights and four days from 239 euros (191.2 GBP) per person including eight treatments over two days plus use of the sauna and relax centre plus three nights in a two star hotel on half-board. Treatments include air baths, hydro massage, mud application, jet or sprinkle showers, massage with essential oils, hydro jets, aqua gym, beauty treatments…

Example : short stays – Argeles-Gazost

Short stay treatments are all geared to prevention rather than cure and are normally of a week or ten days duration. The treatments medically supervised and set to combat the onset of heavy legs, obesity, pulmonary capacity problems, articulatory pain and so on.

Package example - Striding Out!

Six nights and seven days on a half-board basis in a two star hotel for 605 euros (484 GBP) per person including medical examination prescribed treatments for heavy legs and two walking excursions into the mountains with a qualified guide.

The variety and quality of the wellness offer in Hautes- Pyrénées is very impressive – and easily accessible from the UK making the area a popular choice for a short wellness break. Flights are possible from the UK into Pau, Tarbes or Toulouse.

For more information, visit Tourisme-hautes-pyrenees.com.