The Luchon thermal baths take you on a journey through two thousand years of history. The motto engraved on the façade “Balneum Lixonense post Neapolitense primum” proves it: the Luchon baths are the first after those in Naples.
The first thermal baths were built in Roman times, when Luchon was known as ILIXON (goddess of the waters). But with the fall of the Roman Empire, they fell into oblivion and were only used by the local population.
In the 1760s, Baron d’Etigny worked to develop Bagnères de Luchon and its baths. In 1761, he set up a complete medical service with a surgeon, a doctor and an apothecary, all 3 of whom were responsible for the care and hygiene of the spa-goers. In 1766, following scientific research, a thermal spring was discovered. This prompted King Louis XV to finance improvements to the existing baths. The Baron’s posthumous wish to build a spa at the end of the Allées d’Etigny was about to come true. Work began in 1785 under the direction of his successor, Intendant Fournier de Lachapelle, but was soon halted due to a lack of funding. In 1848, architect Edmond Chambert restarted work on the site of the Roman baths. The new establishment was inaugurated on 20 July 1857, measuring 97 m long by 53 m wide, and its façade was embellished with 28 monolithic columns in white Saint Béat marble. From 1860 onwards, care and facilities evolved, and treatment of the respiratory tract was stepped up.
In 1867, the Prince Imperial, son of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, stayed in Luchon. He was treated in a small wooden building reserved for him. Luchon’s reputation continued to grow.
In 1929, the Radio Vaporarium, the only one of its kind in Europe, was opened. This was a natural steam bath made up of 1,200 m of galleries dug into the rock.
In 1954, the Prince Imperial Pavilion was built on the site of the small wooden building. Architect Artigala supervised the work. It now houses the refreshment rooms and medical cabins.
In 1969, to ensure the development and promotion of the Vaporarium, a new building with large glass surfaces was constructed, under the direction of Paul de Noyers.
In order to open up the Vaporarium to non-curists and develop wellness treatments, Vitaline was created in 1985. It was the very first centre to offer this type of service. Since then, the centre has gone from strength to strength.
Thanks to the quality of the treatments on offer, the Thermes de Luchon have welcomed many artists, actors and singers to treat and maintain their voices, including Daniel Sorrano and André Dassary.
Managed since 2022 by the Arénadour group, the Thermes have just been completely renovated to meet today’s expectations. A new area dedicated entirely to thermoludism opened its doors in summer 2024.
Today, the Spa is one of the busiest in the Occitan region. Rich in history, but with its sights firmly set on the future, the spa is constantly evolving.
