A day at the spa, Les Grands Bains de Monêtier

Les Grands Bains de Monêtier spa and leisure centre opened its doors in 2008, but it was in 1999 that the commune of Monêtier decided to re-exploit its thermal penchant to differentiate Serre Chevalier from other all-ski destinations and to be less dependent on reduced snowfall. From the 18th century until 1960, two hot springs made the village famous, and even before that, Caesar's troops had noted the benefits of these waters. In 1884, the train arrived in Briançon and the railway company wanted to buy the baths in exchange for extending the line to Monêtier. The commune refused in order to preserve the mountain, and even though Monestier-de-Briançon was renamed Monêtier les Bains, the activity gradually ceased. Only the villagers still took advantage of the hot springs.

In the early 2000s, a first facility was created, "Les Petits Bains", with an 80 m2 pool, followed by the current 4500 m2 aqualudic centre in 2008, which receives 180,000 visitors every year. The spring supplies the centre with filtered, iron-free water at 44°C, cooled to 37°C.

In a beautiful building with a larch wood structure, you can enjoy two bathing areas to ease your back, relax your legs and unwind.

Large baths area

• The Roman Trilogy, comprising a frigidarium to tone the body, a tepidarium to relax and warm up, and a very hot caldarium for absolute relaxation.
• The Hammam purifies the body.
• Mists rich in mineral salts to help retain water in the skin and improve hydration.
• The Amphora Basin with tempered water.
• The Musical Grotto, which combines music, colours and warm water for an experience you'll never forget. All you have to do is lie on your back with the water over your ears.
• The mineral pool with hydromassage jets.
• Warm marbles to release energy points, improve blood circulation and combat water retention. Perfect after a day of sport.
• The outdoor pool to enjoy the panoramic view of the Parc des Ecrins, immersed in warm water with snow all around in winter. There are also jacuzzis, an aquabed and a counter-current river.

Espace Romano Irlandais This area is reserved for adults for deep relaxation of body and mind. It has 3 saunas, two steam rooms, a Vaucluse waterfall with water at 44°C for shoulder relaxation, and an outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace.

The Rotonde, also known as the drinkers' pavilion, is a building built around the spring to treat digestive and urinary problems. There was also a bath and shower area to treat rheumatism and skin problems.

Free guided tours are organised on the theme of water with heritage guide Renaud Philippe.

📍⏰ Location and times:

Every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm. Meeting point in front of Monêtier-les-Bains town hall.