Les Bains de St Thomas Open all year round Refresh the body Relax the mind Soothe the soul Combine a day in the mountains, walking or skiing, or simply take some well-deserved time out at the natural hot springs of St. Thomas. Mask must be worn inside and up to the edge of the water (on sale at the baths for 1€) Idées cadeaux Give the gift of serenity and well-being to your nearest and dearest.
For just 21€ the lucky recipient will have 3 entries to the thermal baths. For 43.50€ , they can enjoy the newly-renovated hammam too!
Saint-Thomas les bains, “well-being” at the source… The old spa dates back to 1847 and was renowned for treating skin diseases, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and respiratory tract diseases.
Despite its success, the spa, mainly of a family and private nature, closed in 1981 and remained abandoned until the town hall of Fontpédrouse bought the site in April 1988.
The renovation and reopening of the thermal baths was a real breath of fresh air for the village’s economy, which had been hit hard by the rural exodus.
Today, the majority of customers visiting the baths come to enjoy the warmth of the water, its relaxing properties and the exceptional experience of a warm swim in an outstanding mountain landscape.
This water is sulphurous. This sulphur is a trace element that acts on the skin (acne, eczema, psoriasis…), joint tissues (osteoarthritis) and in the treatment of respiratory diseases (rhinopharyngitis, asthma…)
How to benefit from the qualities of thermal water? Two external shower ramps supplied with pure water directly from the source (cooled by heat exchanger systems without being mixed!) have been installed in the outdoor pools to take full advantage of the water’s virtues.
The vaporarium, or hammam, with sulphurous vapours in the “well-being” space is a room where thermal water circulates in a high channel at a temperature of 58°. The heat is mild and natural, around 35°. You can breathe in the thermal vapours, which are beneficial for both the respiratory tract and the skin.
The pools themselves are filled with thermal water, renewed regularly at a rate of 100 – 300m3/day. This water is disinfected, in accordance with legislation, with a chlorine treatment that slightly deteriorates the qualities of the water but they retain a wealth of healing and relaxation properties.
Care and massage Classic massages, massages from around the world, hot stone massages, seaweed wraps, coconut care… choose from over thirty options! The formulas include unlimited access to both the bathing area and the “well-being” area.
Sylvie and Sarah also offer watsu, that is to say massages in the pool itself. To the rhythm of your breathing, floating weightless in warm water, they work with stretching and Shiatsu acupressure to bring you unparalleled physical and emotional relaxation.
The Autentica bio bath shop offers a range of organic products made with the thermal plankton grown on site. These products are very effective for a range of dermatological problems.
How to get there Head up the N116, direction Andorra, turn left on the CD28 just after Fontpédrouse, and you arrive at the Bains de St Thomas, an oasis of peace and tranquility, where natural hot springs (the warmest in the Pyrénées) make this the ultimate spa to offer natural health and beauty.
If you don’t fancy the drive, take the little yellow train to the SNCF station at Fontpédrouse, just 3km from the spa, and pick up the shuttle bus (book 48 hours in advance).
Find out more here .
Opening Hours
September – June 10am – 7.40pm
July & August 10am – 8.40pm
Did you know? There’s even a tea room! (scones and crumpets not included)
Contact Tel: 04 68 97 03 13
Email: bainsdesaintthomas@orange.fr
Website: www.bains-saint-thomas.fr
Address: 66360 Fontpédrouse
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As featured in P-O Life N° 66 (winter 2019/20) – click the image to read full article
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