The charming little spa resort of Vals-les-Bains, in Ardèche, produces the famous Eau de Vals, a sparkling mineral water which is rich in bicarbonates, enjoyed both for its taste and its digestive properties.
Nestling in the heart of the verdant countryside of the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, on the banks of the Volane, Vals-les-Bains has a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. The spa quarter, built in the style of the Belle Époque, is especially good for relaxation, with its riverside parks full of different plant species and footbridges across the Volane. In the Intermittente Park near the Thermal Baths, you should see the famous Intermittente spring, where the geyser spouts up every six hours: at 5.30 am, 11.30 am, 5.30 pm, 11.30 pm in summer, and 4.30 am, 10.30 am, 4.30 pm, and 10.30 pm in winter.
Vals-les-Bains is also a place for leisure activities, with its casino, theatre, cinema, municipal swimming pool, mini-golf, the surrounding countryside (good for hiking and mountain biking), its summer events and night-time markets in July and August. The thermal baths, as well as specialising in treating digestive ailments, diabetes and obesity, also offer courses of treatment to promote well-being, and help you get back into shape. Their spa, with a Jacuzzi, swimming-pool, aquajets, Turkish baths and face and body treatments, has everything to delight those looking for relaxation!
Vals-les-Bains is a beautiful little town of about 3500 inhabitants whose built and natural heritage has been influenced by the development of hydrotherapy for two centuries.
City of water par excellence with a thousand years of history, it is at the confluence of three rivers: the Ardèche, the Voltour and the Volane. Here, blue gold is everywhere. Alternately, it can be fun (pleasures of water in the rivers or in the Olympic swimming pool) or sports for fishing enthusiasts. Lovers of wide open spaces, hiking, fitness, will appreciate the many possibilities offered on this territory. Between idleness at the water's edge and discovery of volcanic sites (Aizac Volcano Cup, Ray Pic waterfall...) or Romanesque heritage, castles..., Vals-les-Bains is the ideal starting point for a multitude of excursions. On hikes, by bike, by car... the valleys and mountains are available to lovers of nature and the singularities of the territory!
Shaded park, singing fountains, intermittent spring, Champanhet House-Museum... are so many treasures to discover in the very heart of the city.
This spa resort, whose reputation is second to none for the treatment of diabetes, digestive ailments and, since 2021, rheumatology, also aims to be a wellness resort. The new Spa-Séquoiai Redwood offers a sensory journey (swimming pool, aquajets, sauna, hammam...) and a whole range of treatments in bright and warm spaces.
Its casino, theatre, cinema and park make Vals a lively, warm and festive place: Festival's du Jeu, music terraces, night markets (Tuesday and Thursday) in season, Christmas market, cultural season at theatre, cinema… everything contributes to making this Ardèche spa town a cultural and leisure city in all seasons.
