The thermal baths of Ussat les Bains

Just a short distance (less than a kilometer) from the Ariège Evasion campsite, you'll find the Ussat-les-Bains thermal baths and their spa park, a place steeped in history, seemingly suspended in time, where a tranquility reigns—a precious respite in our modern world. In the shade of centuries-old trees, it's the perfect place to find respite from the summer heat, and it's also a renowned spa center, famous for its waters and their beneficial properties, recognized for centuries.

The history of thermalism in Ussat les Bains

Some authors believe that the Gallo-Roman populations have exploited thermal baths at this location of the Ariège valley there is no vestige. The first written documents which attest to an attendance at the premises for therapeutic purposes come back 15th century by Dr. Ourgaud, thermal doctor and historian. He wrote in 1860: "In the 15th century we threw a few shelters of planks on the pond and gradually dug a certain number of tanks lined with slate blades". 

The thermal baths entered the annals of history in 1807 when Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, King of Holland (brother of Napoleon Iand father of Napoleon III), came take the waters to Ussat-les-Bains. Suffering from a "serious illness that prevented him from walking," he left cured. Thanks to this distinguished visit, expansion work was undertaken, increasing the number of bathtubs from 18 to 26.

The thermal baths of Ussat les Bains at the heyday.

The thermal baths of Ussat les Bains at the heyday.

However, in the 1830s, the spa's success was hampered by problems supplying the establishment with thermal water. The flow rate was too low for the number of spa-goers who came for treatment. In 1840, a scientific commission composed of doctors, mining engineers, and the Mayor of Pamiers, who was also President of the Hospices (the site's owners), embarked on the construction of a new facility. This is how the " Fraxine Thermal Baths ," still visible today, came into being. Construction took no less than fifteen years!

Then began a long period of lethargy for the thermal establishment. The station still hosted a large number of summer visitors, from June to September. They came to enjoy its pure air, its animations and the freshness of the thermal park. Despite everything, the hospices of Pamiers decided to get rid of it, and it was sold in 1981 during auctions "at the candle" ...

Throughout its history, the thermal station has experienced multiple setbacks, but it has always ended up overcoming them thanks to the exceptional quality of its waters, and the benefit that the sick have been drawing for so long.

The virtues of Ussat Les Bains Thermo-Mineral Water

Due to the complexity of the Pyrenean subsoil, the thermal mineral water ofUssat Les Bains possesses unique physicochemical characteristics. Its mineral content and thermal temperature (59°C) originate from the deep geological layers it traverses over a journey of tens of thousands of years.

waterUssat is "sulfate-rich, calcium-rich, and magnesium-rich." These chemical elements predominate in its composition. It also contains silicate and numerous trace elements such as lithium. Centuries of thermal practice in Ussat-les-Bains have demonstrated that this water is antispasmodic, sedative, balancing, remineralizing, and healing.

Physico-chemical composition of water

  • Emergence temperature: 59 ° C
  • PH: 6.9 / Conductivity: 2060
  • Bicarbonates: 126 mg/l
  • Chlorides: 53 mg/L
  • Sulfates: 1050 mg/L
  • Nitrates: inf. at 1 mg/l
  • Calcium: 400 mg/
  • Magnesium: 63 mg/L
  • Sodium: 44 mg/L
  • Silica: 40.5 mg/L
  • Potassium: 9.2 mg/L
  • Stontium: 5.9 mg/L
  • Lithium: 0.12 mg/L
  • Fluor: 0.73 mg/L

The thermal baths of Ussat the Bains today

Today led by a dynamic team The station is reborn from its ashes and offers many health and well -being formulas that are a real success with a clientele who is looking for a hydration on a human dimension.

The Ussat les bains thermal baths welcome you from the end of March to the end of November and offer a whole range of treatments for neurological, psychosomatic, gynecological and rheumatological conditions.

If you are accompanying someone or on holiday, you can also enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters of Ussat-les-Bains. A wide range of wellness and relaxation treatments is available, from aquagym and relaxation massages to beauty treatments.

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