This little-known corner of France is the country's best-kept wellness secret

"In France's central region of Auvergne, some 200 volcanoes have shaped the landscape into rolling hills, meadows, lakes and waterfalls. Though dormant, volcanic energy still pulses through the region, and mineral-rich springs have created one of Europe's most distinctive - though overlooked - wellness destinations. France's tradition of thermalism dates back to Roman times, but its tradition of hydrotherapy, known as les cures thermales, is not simply about soaking to relax."

"While many countries around the world swear by the curative properties of their hot springs, France sets itself apart by integrating them into its healthcare system. French doctors can prescribe spa stays in one of the country's one hundred and thirteen thermal spas, which means that those suffering from a series of ailments can take the waters as state-funded guests for three week-long stints. In 2024, over 470,000 French people undertook thermal cures in France, targeting a series of chronic rheumatological, dermatological, or respiratory conditions."

"The Spa Route of the Massif Central runs through 17 spa towns spread across four regions in central France, constituting an important part of France's tourism industry, particularly in the rural and mountainous regions of France's interior. In Auvergne, a rich tradition of thermalism took off in the 19th century, when spas became not only places of medical treatment, but centres of social life, attracting artists, aristocrats, writers and political figures."

Auvergne's approximately 200 dormant volcanoes shaped a landscape of hills, meadows, lakes and waterfalls and produced mineral-rich springs that anchor a distinctive wellness region. Thermalism in France reaches back to Roman times and hydrotherapy, les cures thermales, operates within the healthcare system with physicians able to prescribe spa stays. State-funded three-week cures are available at 113 thermal spas for chronic rheumatological, dermatological, or respiratory conditions, with over 470,000 participants in 2024. The Spa Route of the Massif Central links 17 spa towns across four regions, boosting rural and mountain tourism. Nineteenth-century spas also served as social centres.

Read at CN Traveller