The origins of thermal spa treatments Historic Village

Draw near to the springs and let the mountain tell you its story through the water. Here, every drop has journeyed deep underground before rising to the surface, imbued with healing properties, legends and centuries of therapeutic tradition. As you wander through the spa district, you enter a place where sulphurous vapours, tales of illustrious spa-goers and the murmur of waterfalls combine to create a unique atmosphere. It is an invitation to feel, understand and experience the spa tradition right where it truly began.

Thermal water And its health benefits

Heated deep within the earth and drawn from a depth of 30 metres beneath the establishment, the thermal water of Saint-Sauveur retains all its properties as it resurfaces unaltered as a hot spring at 33°. Rich in sulphur and barégine, it soothes, heals and regenerates the skin and mucous membranes. Sulphurous waters have been shown to have a beneficial effect on respiratory and ENT conditions, venous and lymphatic disorders, and gynaecological pain.

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Saint-Sauveur Thermal Baths A bit of history...

A will dating from 1504 mentions the sanctuary of Sent Saubador deu Banh, meaning ‘Saint Saviour of the Baths’, comprising an oratory dedicated to the Saviour and a bath built near the spring, covered by a vault partially hewn out of the rock. In 1572, a small, makeshift structure was erected over this spring on the initiative of the Bishop of Tarbes. The waters of Saint-Sauveur were officially recognised as a state-designated spring in 1730.

Saint-Sauveur experienced a new boom around 1750 when Abbé Bézégua, having been cured of digestive ailments by the spring, preached its virtues for years and built a guest house for spa visitors adjacent to the communal bathing area. The resort’s reputation at the end of the 18th century was also due to the effectiveness of the treatments for women’s ailments. At that time, the neighbourhood saw the construction of several hotels, new baths and a chapel. In 1794, a proposal was put forward to build a proper spa complex by combining the existing buildings with a few adjoining houses.

In the 19th century, as the thermal baths enjoyed their golden age, they underwent successive extensions and major improvements to meet the demands of a clientele comprising wealthy foreigners, dignitaries and royalty. The Duchesses of Berry and Angoulême came here on holiday for the romantic atmosphere of the place, the picturesque landscapes and the bucolic walks that promoted good health – symbols of the new fashionable pastimes associated with spa culture.

In 1859, Saint-Sauveur earned its reputation thanks to a visit by the imperial couple, Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo, who planned the construction of sumptuous buildings and endowed the neighbourhood with a priceless heritage.

In 1996, an extension enabled the establishment of the department’s first balneotherapy centre. The treatment areas were equipped with state-of-the-art technology: a thalaxion machine for drainage, chromotherapy to stimulate venous activity…

Today, the sulphur-rich thermal water of Luz-Saint-Sauveur resurfaces as a hot spring at 33°. Thanks to its soothing, healing and regenerative properties, it offers a natural and effective alternative to drug-based and surgical treatments in phlebology, gynaecology, or for treating respiratory conditions.

Portico entrance with columns (former main façade)
Engraved inscription: “Vos haurieris aquas de Fontibus Salvatoris: You shall drink the waters from the Fountain of the Saviour – or of Salvation.”

Spa hall (free entry from 3 pm to 7 pm except on Sundays) Replica of Eugénie’s bath, bathing cubicles and gallery.

The thermal baths

The History of La Hountalade Sur and its sulphurous waters

Situated at the start of the Promenade des Cascades on the hills above the spa district, a small historic establishment conceals a spring that gushes forth just a few steps from the current thermal baths: the Hountalade. The sodium-sulphur waters of Saint-Sauveur originate from the Cauterets granite massif. The water seeps into the fissures in the granite of the Ardiden region and, after flowing at a depth of 5 km, rises to the surface, passing through ancient limestone beds along the major faults.

Waterfall Loop Idea for a walk

Starting from the spa district (with your back to the thermal baths, at the third pedestrian crossing on the right along the Chemin de la Hountalade), near its source, a path through the peaceful Agnouède forest leads you to the great Mensongé waterfall. After just a few hairpin bends at the start of the route, you’ll find yourself overlooking Luz-Saint-Sauveur from a splendid viewpoint.

1-hour loop — slippery surface (not recommended in winter)

The guide

The Golden Age of Spa Tourism 2 columns in memory...

Monument to the Duchess of Angoulême

A symbol of the seaside and spa culture of the early 19th century, Marie-Thérèse of France, Duchess of Angoulême, came to take the waters in Saint-Sauveur between June and July 1823. Following the grand celebrations held in her honour by the towns through which she passed, a marble column was erected by the Barège Valley Trade Union Committee, at the instigation of the local residents, just a stone’s throw from the thermal baths, opposite the guesthouse where she had stayed.

Monument to the Duchess of Berry

In 1828, the Duchess of Berry stayed for a month and a half at the Brauhauban house to take the waters and go on excursions around the spa town, as attested by a commemorative plaque on the façade. The local people, who had enthusiastically celebrated her arrival, were touched by her acts of charity and her warmth towards the locals. They decided to dedicate a memorial to her in the form of an impressive column, the surroundings of which have recently been beautified.