How to choose the right spa treatment and nearby campsite

Grande salle des thermes de Vichy © iStock

Heavy legs, venous insufficiency, breathing difficulties, digestive problems... Every year, thousands of French people choose spa treatments to provide lasting relief from their ailments. These medical stays, supervised by health professionals, take place in approved spa establishments.

What is a spa treatment?

A spa treatment is a medical procedure prescribed to treat various chronic conditions using the therapeutic properties of naturally warm mineral waters. For 18 days, patients follow a personalised programme under the supervision of medical teams. As well as being clinically effective, the cure includes well-being treatments such as massages, mud baths, revitalising showers and adapted water sports.

How do you choose a spa cure?

The right choice depends first and foremost on your pathology: each spa has its own medical specialities (dermatology, gynaecology, etc.). The advice of your doctor is essential, as is the possibility of reimbursement by the Health Insurance. Don't forget the setting, climate and accessibility of the resort: you're going to be spending several weeks there, so you might as well feel good.

Below are the leading spas by speciality:

Thermal cures specialising in rheumatology and phlebology: the best resorts in France to relieve your aches and pains

The thermal baths of Dax© iStock

Thermal cures in rheumatology and phlebology are the most common in France, ideal for soothing joint pain and venous disorders.

Vichy, the queen of waters for a complete spa treatment

Vichy, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is famous for its mineral waters, which treat rheumatism and digestive disorders. Its spa centre combines tradition and modernity in an elegant setting. Discover the campsites near Vichy for accommodation close to the thermal baths.

Dax, France's rheumatic spa capital

Dax is France's leading spa resort in terms of the number of people taking the waters, specialising in rheumatology and phlebology with its unique thermal mud. See the campsites in Dax for a pleasant stay.

Aix-les-Bains, the charm of the lake for your health

Aix-les-Bains is one of France's largest spa resorts, specialising in rheumatology and respiratory diseases. It offers an exceptional setting between the lake and the mountains. See the campsites in Aix-les-Bains.

Balaruc-les-Bains, the must-visit Mediterranean resort

Balaruc-les-Bains is renowned for its rheumatological and venous treatments, with a privileged location on the Etang de Thau. Check out the campsites in Balaruc-les-Bains for a stay close to the treatments.

Jonzac, the modern spa in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

Jonzac offers innovative treatments for rheumatism and venous disorders, with mineral-rich thermal waters. Discover the Jonzac campsites.

Rochefort, marine mud to relieve rheumatism and fatigue

The benefits of mud baths© iStock

Rochefort specialises in marine mud cures, which are highly effective in rheumatology and phlebology. See campsites in Rochefort.

Barbotan-les-Thermes, well-being and nature at your fingertips

This peaceful resort offers rheumatology and phlebology spa treatments in a natural volcanic setting. Discover the Cazaubon campsites.

Luxeuil-les-Bains, history and health in the heart of Haute-Saône

Luxeuil-les-Bains is an ancient spa renowned for its mineral-rich waters, ideal for rheumatology and circulatory treatments. Discover the campsites near Luxeuil-les-Bains.

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, the spa town of the North

Located in the Nord region, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is known for its thermal waters, which are effective against rheumatism and venous disorders. See campsites in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, nature and spa in Normandy

Hôtel des thermes in Bagnoles de l'Orne, Normandy© iStock

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne combines Norman charm and thermal waters with rheumatological and circulatory benefits. Consult the campsites in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.

Plombières-les-Bains, thermal elegance past and present

Plombières-les-Bains is famous for its architecture and its rheumatology and phlebology spa treatments. Discover the Plombières-les-Bains campsites.

Amélie-les-Bains, the sulphurous waters of the Catalan Pyrenees

Amélie-les-Bains offers rheumatology and respiratory cures in an unspoilt natural setting. See campsites in Amélie-les-Bains.

Cambo-les-Bains thermal baths: gentle Basque atmosphere and renowned spa treatments

The Cambo-les-Bains thermal baths offer rheumatology treatments in a soothing Basque environment. Discover the campsites in Cambo-les-Bains.

Allevard-les-Bains, a small spa at the foot of the Alps

Allevard-les-Bains, nestling in the Alps, is a family resort offering rheumatology and respiratory cures. Consult the campsites in Allevard.

Respiratory and ENT spa treatments: where to take an effective cure in France?

Cauterets thermal spa© iStock

Thermal cures specialising in the respiratory and ENT tracts are recommended for bronchial ailments, asthma and allergies.

Cauterets, the pure breath of the Hautes-Pyrénées

Cauterets, nestling in the Pyrenees, offers respiratory spa treatments in an exceptional natural setting, ideal for soothing ENT problems. See the campsites in Cauterets.

Luz-Saint-Sauveur, mountains and spa treatments in harmony

Luz-Saint-Sauveur combines thermal waters and pure mountain air to provide effective treatment for respiratory ailments. Discover the campsites in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Gréoux-les-Bains, the Provence spa that provides gentle treatment

Gréoux-les-Bains is a resort renowned for its rheumatology and respiratory cures, in a Provencal environment. See the campsites in Gréoux-les-Bains.

Cambo-les-bains, the gentle Basque region and a renowned spa resort

The Cambo-les-Bains thermal baths also treat respiratory ailments, in a soothing setting in the heart of the Basque Country.

Bagnères-de-Luchon, Pyrenean steam at the heart of its treatments

Bagnères-de-Luchon offers respiratory and relaxing spa treatments in a rejuvenating mountain setting. See campsites in Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Amélie-les-Bains, sulphur waters in the Catalan Pyrenees

Amélie-les-Bains treats also the respiratory tract thanks to its sulphur waters, in an unspoilt natural environment.

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, a spa resort in the Nord department

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux is also known for its thermal treatments, which are effective against respiratory and circulatory problems.

Allevard-les-Bains, a spa town at the foot of the Alps

Allevard-les-Bains offers cures for respiratory ailments in a natural alpine setting.

Thermal dermatology and post-cancer care: spas specialising in sensitive skin

Some spas are renowned for their dermatological treatments, particularly for eczema, psoriasis, the after-effects of burns and post-cancer treatments.

La Roche-Posay, a world reference in spa dermatology

Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, La Roche-Posay is renowned for its selenium-rich waters, ideal for eczema and irritated skin. Discover the La Roche-Posay campsites.

Avène, the water that soothes sensitive skin

Avène, in the Hérault region, specialises in dermatological spa treatments, particularly for atopic, sensitive or damaged skin. See campsites around Avène.

Amélie-les-Bains, spa town in the Catalan Pyrenees

In addition to rheumatological and respiratory ailments, Amélie-les-Bains offers recognised dermatological treatments.

Anxiety disorders and psychological well-being: spa treatments adapted to modern spa-goers

Spa treatments can also help people suffering from stress, anxiety or sleep disorders.

Saujon, spas for mental well-being

Located in Charente-Maritime, the Saujon spa specialises in anxiety disorders, stress and mild depression. A unique reference point for spa visitors in search of balance. See the campsites in Saujon.

Metabolic, digestive and gynaecological disorders: spa treatments to choose from

Some spas are renowned for their treatment of digestive, metabolic (diabetes, overweight) and gynaecological disorders.

Vichy, a complete spa treatment

Vichy also treats digestive, liver and metabolic disorders, in addition to rheumatology. Its modern facilities make it a very complete resort.

Contrexéville, the slimming waters of the Vosges

Contrexéville specialises in metabolic (excess weight, diabetes) and digestive cures, thanks to the mineral composition of its waters. See the campsites in Contrexéville.

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, spa in Normandy

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne also offers metabolic and gynaecological cures in a unique forest environment.

Plombières-les-Bains, thermal elegance in the Vosges

Plombières-les-Bains offers treatments for digestive and gynaecological disorders in addition to rheumatological cures.

Luxeuil-les-Bains, a spa town in the heart of Haute-Saône

Luxeuil-les-Bains also specialises in gynaecological and digestive treatments.

Luz-Saint-Sauveur, a spa cure in the mountains

As well as respiratory treatments, Luz-Saint-Sauveur offers digestive and gynaecological cures in a mountain setting.

Why choose a campsite for your spa break?

Choosing a campsite close to the thermal baths means combining comfort, freedom and savings. You'll enjoy practical accommodation, often in the heart of nature, ideal for relaxing between treatments. Whether you're on your own, a couple or a family, camping is a flexible way to enjoy your spa treatment at your own pace while discovering the region.

Some campsites even offer 'special spa treatment' rates or free shuttles to the thermal baths, such as L'Adour**** in the Hautes-Pyrénées and La Pinède**** in Gréoux-les-Bains.