The spas of Jonzac, Saujon and Rochefort contribute to the reputation of the Charentes region. Each spa has its own therapeutic focus, thanks to the properties of its mineral waters, which are sources of well-being and harmony.
The Jonzac thermal baths
Since 1985, Haute-Saintonge has been able to boast a new kind of health tourism, closely linked to the thermal waters of Jonzac. And with its monuments dating back to medieval times. As well as the 11th-century château, which was home to Cardinal Mazarin and King Louis XIV, you can admire the pretty little streets and the Carmelite cloister.
At Place du Château in Jonzac, Benoit Christen, Director of the Jonzac and Haute-Saintonge tourist offices, points out that visitors are spoilt for choice here: nature on the Estuary, gastronomy, Charentais wines, pineau, cognac, heritage (Roman churches in the Saintonge region) and spa treatments. This former Huguenot town attracts 18,000 visitors between late February and early December, making it France's 7th-largest spa resort and the 3rd-largest in the Chaîne Thermale du Soleil group.
Troglodytic thermal baths with an intimate atmosphere
The Jonzac thermal baths have been renowned for their beneficial thermal waters for over 30 years. The establishment is located in a unique and soothing setting: the former limestone quarries of Heurtebise: a unique troglodytic setting!
Jonzac thermal spring water was discovered in 1979 during exploratory drilling, and the thermal baths opened in 1985. The water is rich in minerals and trace elements (sulphur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc.) and comes from a water table more than 1,850 metres deep. These hot waters, known as 'hyperthermal' (62°C at source), are rich in minerals and trace elements (sulphur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc.). What makes them special: they have anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing properties.
The establishment is on a single level. It attracts a varied clientele, from active adults seeking treatment for specific infections to the elderly suffering from chronic illnesses. There is a choice of subsidised thermal cures (3 weeks) and mini-cures (6 to 12 days) adapted to a range of pathologies.
For joint and muscle pain (arthritis, sciatica, etc.), choose a rheumatology cure. With a thermal water bath, jet shower, thermal mud applications and underwater massages.
Within a few days, patients will notice a reduction in inflammation and pain and an improvement in mobility.
In the case of chronic respiratory problems (chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, mild asthma, ENT infection), this is a cure for the respiratory tract. The aim is to cleanse the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation. Treatments include thermal steam inhalation, gargling, nasal douches and thermal gas inhalation.
Mini-cures (stays of between 6 and 12 days) are ideal for a rapid effect. You can choose 'joints and rheumatology' (for muscle and joint pain), 'light legs' (for phlebology and circulation), or 'respiratory tracts and immunity' (to boost natural defences). These mini-cures are not reimbursed.
Original, tailored cures
In addition to the 18-day standard cure or the 5-day free cure, there are programmes designed to meet specific objectives: "healthy legs", "toning your back" or "calming your mind". I chose the latter, with a programme including 'storytelling' relaxation (60 mins) designed to tame stress. Lying on a mat, I listened not to the story of Sleeping Beauty but that of a kind Japanese samurai. We've found a peaceful change of scene in the Land of the Rising Sun.
In phlebology, the centre has a vast area with a rounded swimming pool, a walking river and individual treatment rooms.
The spa park is located around a lake, with a leisure centre offering a variety of activities: water sports, swimming, pedal boats, zip lines, archery, climbing, skate park, riding school, media library, etc.
Jonzac thermal baths
Domaine d'Heurtebise . 17500 JONZAC
Tel. 05 46 48 59 59
www.chainethermale.fr/jonzac
www.jonzac-haute-saintonge.
www.thermes.biz
Some addresses
Hotel Les Coteaux de Jonzac****
Residence
3 rue des Caraïbes
17500 Jonzac
Les Côteaux de Jonza websitec
Restaurant Le Coq d'Or
18, place du Château
17500 Jonzac
www.lecoqdor.eu
Les Thermes de Saujon
The Saujon thermal baths are renowned for their specialisation in the treatment of anxiety and psychosomatic disorders. Founded in the 19th century, they have become a benchmark in psychological hydrotherapy, combining thermal treatments with therapeutic support.
10 km from Royan, Saujon, a town of 7,200 inhabitants, is crossed by the Seudre. This peaceful river is lined with carrelets, fishermen's huts perched on stilts. It is also a renowned spa for mental health, ranked No. 1 in Europe for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Founded in the 19th century, the spa has evolved to become a benchmark for psychological hydrotherapy, combining thermal treatments with therapeutic support.
Over 160 years' experience
A bit of history. It all began in 1860 with Dr Louis Dubois, who discovered the soothing properties of Saujon water, rich in trace elements and with recognised sedative properties. This was the first health centre in Saujon, located next to the family home. Twenty years later, his son Stanislas Dubois discovered the source of the Puits Doux in Saujon, at a depth of 200 metres. Its bicarbonate and ferruginous water contains magnesium and lithium, which have soothing properties. In February 1888, the spa was given a facelift, with extensive grounds, gardens and a neoclassical Roman temple façade. It also took on the name of "Hippocrate". Hippocrate ". Tourists flocked.
From 1901 onwards, the spa built chalets and a small hotel, the Villa du Parc, which later became a clinic.
Today, the Saujon spa treats psychosomatic disorders, including anxiety, depression, insomnia and fibromyalgia. There is also a residence for those taking the waters, a swimming pool and the Philae spa.
It's a unique treatment centre in France, with a 3-week spa cure under agreement, as well as shorter stays such as the École Thermale du Stress, an intensive programme combining treatments and behavioural therapies.
How do you get the most out of these treatments? Saujon water, drawn at a temperature of around 37°C, is used in a variety of ways: thermal baths with baths and showers to relax muscles and nerves, bubble baths to improve blood circulation, massages and body treatments.
Les Thermes de Saujon boasts modern facilities: rooms dedicated to the various thermal treatments, equipped to ensure the comfort and effectiveness of the treatments, areas reserved for practical workshops to encourage an environment conducive to learning and relaxation, a Philae Thermal Spa with whirlpool baths, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms.
Facial treatments, body scrubs and massages help guests to relax. You'll be delighted. I choose the 'tranquility' massage, using warm brushes and long, slow strokes. A guaranteed relaxing effect.
Bonus: spa visitors can stay on site in the "Les Thermes" and "La Source" residences, located close to the treatment facilities.
Thermal Stress School in Saujon
Founded in 2012, it combines a psycho-educational approach with a spa treatment. There are 5-day courses to learn how to manage stress. The programmes are designed to complement traditional spa treatments. The mental and physical well-being of the patient is paramount and the teaching areas are as follows:
- Understanding stress: its physical and psychological manifestations. What impact does it have on overall health?
- Stress management techniques: Introduction to various methods of reducing stress, using relaxation, meditation, controlled breathing and other mind-body approaches.
Practical workshops are run by healthcare professionals, with participants sharing their experiences to learn new things and manage stressful situations more effectively.
www.thermes-saujon.fr
Les Thermes de Saujon
Parc des Chalets 17600 SAUJON
Tel. 05 46 23 50 15
Some addresses
Logis-Hotel Le Richelieu***
2, place Richelieu 17600 Saujon
www.hotel-lerichelieu-saujon.com
Restaurant Roselières
2 Place Richelieu
17600 Saujon
www.restaurant-roselieres.com
The Rochefort thermal baths
I knew Rochefort on the Atlantic coast, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, for its naval arsenal founded by Colbert under Louis XIV, the Corderie Royale and Jacques Demy's film "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort".
But I'm a little disappointed: the replica of the Hermione, La Fayette's ship, is no longer there. And I forgot to mention the Transbordeur Bridge, an engineering treasure that crosses the Charente without hindering navigation.
Another Rochefort treasure is the thermal baths, which date back to the 19th century. A number of boreholes were drilled under Napoleon 1 st to find drinking water. Miraculously, in 1866, an aquifer was discovered at a depth of 816 m. Water at over 40°C with mineral properties worthy of thermal use. At the end of the 19th century, exploitation of the "Source de l'Empereur" was interrupted for 70 years, until 1956, when the Thermes de Rochefort were inaugurated.
Various therapeutic approaches
The centre offers a full range of spa treatments adapted to the pathologies treated in the establishment: Rheumatology (treatment of osteoarthritis, lower back pain, tendonitis), phlebology: edema, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, treatment of varicose veins. Not forgetting dermatology: treatment for psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. and oral and lingual mucous membrane disorders (gingivitis, mouth ulcers, etc.).
Naively, I wonder how all this is healed! The Bible says, "Believe and you will be healed"? "That's a bit like it, with additional medical treatment ", says the director of the establishment, mockingly.
Proof of this dynamic approach is provided by this overview of the main treatments offered:
My neighbour is a little reluctant to use the walking lane in the swimming pool. Overcoming her hesitation, I move into a pool of thermal water at 29°C and walk on pebbles. Walking has a mechanical pressure effect on venous and lymphatic stasis, helping to speed up the return circulation. 9 short laps and then off we go. I like it.
This is followed by rheumatology treatment with an individual bath with an immersion shower: the bath is equipped with multiple immersed nozzles diffusing pressurised thermal water. The temperature of the bath, the pressure of the jets and the frequency of the cycles are determined by the prescribing doctor. I feel like I've been transported to another world, I'm floating but I feel fine. Painkillers, muscle relaxants and vasodilators, I'm told. I just love it.
A holistic and regenerating approach
I skip the multiple local poultices, which are supposed to encourage the penetration of trace elements and sulphur ions. And I'm off to the phlebology treatments:
- Aerobaths: Pressurised air is introduced into a single bath via injectors in the walls of the bath, creating a bubbling effect.
- Thermal water compresses: Apply cold, damp compresses soaked in thermal water to the lower limbs. Their action is decongestant and draining.
Here we treat: oedema, varicose veins, varicose ulcers, lymphatic insufficiency, improved blood circulation, treatment of varicose veins and heavy legs.
Treatments include baths, jet showers, massages and pressotherapy.
It should be noted that treatments for oral and lingual mucous membrane disorders are very popular: treatments for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, etc. Gingival shower for oral and lingual mucous membrane disorders, using the properties of thermal water to soothe inflammation and promote healing of lesions.
Today, the Thermes de Rochefort offer spa treatments focusing on several therapeutic areas:
- Rheumatology: treatment of osteoarthritis, lower back pain, tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Treatments: whirlpool baths, thermal showers, mud applications, underwater massages, etc. - Dermatology: care adapted to skin pathologies for psoriasis, eczema, acne, scars, allergies.
- Diseases of the oral and lingual mucosa: treatment of gingivitis, chronic mouth ulcers and the after-effects of oral surgery, with thermal water sprays, local baths, mud wraps, etc.
The Thermes de Rochefort boasts a pleasant setting close to the ocean, ideal for a health and well-being break. Visitors give an average score of 8.5 out of 10 for cleanliness, organisation, staff and quality of treatment.
Several types of cures are available:
- Cure under agreement (18 days): covered by Social Security on medical prescription.
- Mini-cures (6 to 12 days): ideal for a targeted well-being effect.
- Wellness & prevention breaks: specific programmes for relaxation and getting back into shape.
The Rochefort Spa
15 avenue Camille Pelletan 17300 ROCHEFORT
Tel. 05 46 99 08 64
www.thermes-rochefort.com
Some addresses
The Grocery-Restaurant Lotte & Liette: Garden leek, beef tartare with seasonal vegetables and confit potatoes, custard flan
50 rue des 3 ponts
17700 Saint Pierre la Noue
Tel. 05 46 69 27 52
Facebook Lotte & Liette
Restaurant Facing New York
4, Esplanade de Pontaillac
17200 Royan
Facing New York
Restaurant Le Violon d'Ingres
68, rue de la République
17300 Rochefort
Le Violon d'Ingres
Text : Michèle Lasseur
Photos : As mentioned
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Thermal spas, a natural way to heal
"Vive le thermalisme! All those stress-related illnesses - fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia - are a thing of the past. Dr Olivier Dubois, a psychiatrist and director of the Saujon spa, advocates a therapeutic approach based on thermal water, rather than drug treatments with side effects.
Ideal for combating fatigue, depression and fibromyalgia, Thermal treatments allow you to let go and gradually understand the origin of your disorder. Yes, another kind of medicine is possible!
Thermal spas, a natural way to heal
Dr Olivier Dubois
Flammarion, 2018, €18?
I've just come back from Jonzac, a 3-week cure. The site is not recommended for claustrophobics, of which I'm one, as it's a troglodyte site...otherwise the staff are charming, the treatments are serious, and as for the results...you have to wait 1 month to see the effects...so I'm waiting!