Relax and enjoy the present moment, amidst the mountains.
Wellness in Springtime
In spring, life in the mountains is all about relaxing
How about if we took advantage of spring to take a break and recharge our batteries, to just slow down with the mountains as our backdrop? With your feet in water, and your head turned towards the mighty peaks, ski resort spas offer the perfect setting to relax and treat yourself. Why not take a yoga course, bringing yourself back to life in the mountains, just as nature does every spring, or simply find out more about what local produce.
5 Spas with Mountain Views
Balnéa in Peyragudes
Nestled in the heart of one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Hautes-Pyrénées on the shores of Lake Loudenvielle, Balnéa offers "all the baths of the world": Amerindian, Roman, Japanese, Tibetan ... and recently Incan. The wellness areas and the naturally hot water baths, loaded with trace elements, will make young and old travel. We cross cultures and eras over the waters and pools. We slip from one setting and one emotion to another; the intimate is next to the monumental, the exterior follows the interior.
Les Grands Bains du Monêtier à côté de Serre-Chevalier
A true aqua-ludic center at the foot of the mountains, the hot waters of the Grands Bains du Monêtier have been renowned since the dawn of time. The Romans already knew the hot springs at the time. Here, we go from the musical cave to the hot marbles, passing by the outdoor baths to marvel at the panoramic view of the mountains.
Balnéo & Spa Nuxe Durancia in Montgenèvre
In the Hautes-Alpes, it's hard to resist the call of the Balneo & Spa Nuxe Durancia in Montgenèvre and its various experiences to be had at an altitude of 1860m. Facing the mountain, the spa offers a true haven of peace in spring, with nature awakening all around. Whirlpool beds, Jacuzzis, sauna, hammam,... the Balneo area will do a lot of good to those who love to relax. You can drift in the heated outdoor pool with the little ones and head for the spa and the wellness area for a moment of absolute relaxation with your partner or friends.
Le Grand Spa Thermal in Brides les Bains
With its 600m² Aquatic Space, the Grand Spa Thermal de Brides-les-Bains turns a page in its history to become the largest thermal spa in the Alps, and one of the largest thermal spas in France thanks to its vast spaces, its renowned thermal expertise and now its new equipment. This thermal spa is based on the recognized know-how of the Thermes de Brides-les-Bains and combines slimming and resourcing.
Thermasalina in Salins-les-Bains
To take advantage of the benefits of salt, head for the Jura Mountains! The city of Salins-les-Bains owes its fame and power to salt, a true "white gold" that it has been exploiting since the 17th century. At TermaSalina, a huge thermal complex exclusively dedicated to your well-being, you can enjoy different treatment and massage formulas, a spa area and baths in water at 37° C. What to forget stress, backache and other small worries of everyday life!
Try Yoga in the peaks to recharge your batteries
With the sun lightening the skies, warmer days and nature coming back to life, there’s no better setting a yoga retreat. With perfect timing, the Savoyard resort of Les Menuires has their annual Yogiski Week on offer from 11-17 April. What’s on? Yoga, of course, but the week is full of relaxing and calming activities to enjoy.
Take advantage of spring by spending yoga weekends at altitude in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise. The focus is all about the rejuvenation of body and mind by practicing yoga in a calming setting.
Another date to watch out for is from 16-18 April 2022 at the ‘Festival du Bien-être en Montagne’ in Auron.
1001 Reasons to Enjoy Mountain Nature in Spring
The fauna and flora wake up; we see more of the sun; the pastures are green again; hiking and cycling are back…yes, the mountains in spring are a magnificent location to bask in nature.
Hiking is back
As the snow melts, hiking comes back into play. There’s no better way to reconnect with nature as you admire sunsets, watch the wildlife wake up, explore the mountain in search of the first petals of spring, or simply stock up on clean, fresh air.
Spring is the chance for the sun to warm us again with soft rays, to take some time to sample some peace and calm. Mountain refuges start to re-open, offering the chance to walk a circuit or simply enjoy the pleasure of sleeping at altitude, stargazing without any light pollution.
It’s waking-up time for nature
This is the season when our hibernating animals gently wake up. Look out for the marmots peeking out of their homes. Ibex are also more visible and you’ll also see migratory birds return.
Can you identify the first flowers that gently appear from the earth? Crocus, Koch's gentian (Gentiana acauli) and cuckoo flowers (Cardamine pratensis) all paint a colourful picture in spring. Take advantage of this time for some self-care, in the middle of nature.
As the snow melts, the waterfalls start to flow again. Would dare to give your body the chance to refresh itself underneath them.
Spring also sees the return of alpine pastures, with huge expanses of green waiting for the animals who will be brought to graze in the summer. It is a chance to meet those mountain artisans face-to-face who work all year round such as farmers, carpenters and craftsmen.
Spots to discover nature in peace
Lac La Rosière in Courchevel is a real natural gem with multiple hiking opportunities, including a botanical trail and the dramatic Cascade des Poux waterfall.
The Val d'Escreins Nature Reserve in Vars
Daffodils arrive across the meadows of Gérardmer
