Balnéa: Relaxation in thermal water for the whole family

The first thermal relaxation and thermal spa complex in the French Pyrenees, Balnéa is a real waking dream... In the Louron Valley, at the foot of Peyragudes, on the shores of the sparkling Loudenvielle-Génos lake, come and enjoy 4000 m2 of thermal water, naturally warm. Open all year round, it is winter that its 3 outdoor pools reveal all their magic, when the snow-capped mountains that surround them form an indescribable panorama to be savored at 37 degrees in a whirlpool bath... Balnéa is also open to children from 9 months, so we go?

Photos of the article © Balnéa

A unique thermal water relaxation complex!

Balnéa came out of the earth in 2000, from the depths of the Earth to be exact, since the thermal water that feeds its 6 pools is naturally hot, collected from 170 to 600m deep. Loaded with trace elements, it provides well-being and relaxation as much by its temperature as its composition. Balnéa is a great success, a large-scale project carried out successfully step by step: 3 relaxation areas were initially available (the Amerindian, Roman and Tibetan area), to these were added in 2011 the creation of the Japanese Baths outside the building, then the Inca Baths in 2015 and very recently in 2019 the Mayan Baths, still outside. Today, it is therefore 4000m ² of aqua / thermo-fun space open to the whole family in summer as well as in winter. To crown its success, in 2012, within the framework of the Rencontres du Tourisme, Balnéa received the Grand Prize for Tourism Engineering and Innovation in the " Well-being " category, the complex is also labeled " Family Plus Mountain ”.

An eco-responsible and committed place

The water collected to supply the pools is naturally hot, but it is still necessary to heat it to bring it to the different pool temperatures, ranging from 33 to 37 degrees for the Japanese Baths. In 2011, Balnéa clearly showed its desire to limit its CO ² emissions and the use of electrical resources, by acquiring a 300kW wood-fired boiler operating with chipped wood chips. Local resources, they come from the surrounding Pyrenean forest communities and the 440 tons used per year (70% of Balnéa's needs), allow the maintenance of the forests and the development of this widely available resource.

In addition, a heat recovery system from wastewater is used: a heat pump recycles heat from showers and basins water and reuses them to raise the temperature of domestic hot water, air in buildings, as well as the water of the Japanese Baths. Two efficient and innovative systems, which unblock the gluttony of outdoor pools and relieve the guilt of the users who bathe there, even in winter when the snow surrounds them!

6 pools, 1 treatment area and 1 restaurant

Balnéa offers the whole family (babies from 9 months old) the opportunity to come and relax in a real Japanese "onsen " and baths which are inspired by seaside traditions from around the world, in eclectic atmospheres, all at the same time. This is delicious... Holidaymakers and locals alike appreciate this place to relax after a day of skiing, thanks to the direct connection to the Skyvall, the valley lift that connects the Peyragudes ski resort to the hot springs complex.

Indoors Native American baths (from 9 months old)

It is one of the first spaces created in 2000, there is an atmosphere inspired by Amerindian traditions. We swim in the happiness of 33-degree water, surrounded by solid wood totem poles, sculpted Douglas-fir pines, underlined by a waterfall, geysers, swimming against the tide, bubble beds... A little away, a jacuzzi immerses you in the pleasure of a whirlpool. It is a place to have fun, energize yourself while enjoying a bright and warm space with a high wooden ceiling.

Indoor Roman baths (for over 12s)

View of the Pyrenees ! Here you are immersed in a Greco-Roman atmosphere, under a very architectural glass dome. Take part in several sensory immersions… First of all, we appreciate the beauty of the place with its infinity lagoon, its stone megaliths which hide several spaces of Roman inspiration… The Caldarium and its 36-degree bath will be followed by a Frigidarium (a bath at 18 degrees) and ended with a passage in the Tepidarium (whirlpool at 33 degrees). To relax, the Hammam with its stone mosaic ceiling awaits you, unless you prefer to slip into the curious wooden dome, the musical bath for absolute relaxation! Swan necks, aquatic massages and heated benches are also on the program.

Japanese outdoor baths (for over 12s)

Here they are, the real “ onsen ” baths, as in the land of the rising sun. Inaugurated in 2011, it is when the snow covers the mountains and the pebbles of the Zen garden around the perimeter of the pools that the Japanese Baths are best appreciated… The pool is divided into 3 successive spaces, where the temperature rises slowly to relax and to clarify the body and the spirit: 33 degrees and 36 degrees… It is the perfect place to relax the muscles after a day of skiing or hiking. It also found the ^1st ice cabin in the Pyrenees, a closed space with a fountain and a wall of ice, all at 8 degrees (for the brave). A 4-season shower relaxes you, it alternates between a rain of hot water, then cold, then lukewarm and a fine mist... Unless you prefer the glass-fronted sauna and its dry heat?

The Inca and Mayan outdoor baths (from 9 months)

The last two pools are also located outside. The Inca Baths extend through a corridor, the water from the Amerindian basins. There is a swimming lane with whirlpool, Jacuzzis and hydromassage jets, benches. In the open air and with the family, accompanied by Peruvian music, it is happiness with water at 34 degrees.

The Mayan Baths are the last to be created in 2019. 100m2 of sumptuous spaces inspired by South America, with a central paddling pool for children, swimming against the current, massage benches and giant swan necks. With water at 33/34 degrees, this pool completes the thermal fun offer of Balnéa, for the whole family!

The Tibetan space, dedicated to care (for over 16s)

The ideal place to let go, the perfect gift during the holidays or at the end of a ski holiday… Make yourself comfortable, have a tea, enjoy the soft light and choose from among the 30 treatments available inspired by the care of the world. The offer is very wide and the treatments range from 20 minutes to 2 hour. You can opt for a pleasure and softness treatment (with Tibetan bowls, hot stones, Ayurvedic, Vahiné, Inca, suction cups etc.), an aesthetic treatment (waxing, exfoliation etc.) or health care (slimming, plantar, etc.). A parenthesis of well-being to do yourself good and leave in great shape. It is necessary to reserve in advance.

Balnéa also offers 5 types of aquagym sessions (in fr) all year round, to tone up, build muscle and enjoy the benefits of hot thermal water. The sessions last 40 minutes and it is possible to participate individually or to take a card of several sessions to use according to the schedule.

The Olympic pool (from 9 months old)

Filled with thermal water, this vast 25-meter pool allows you to swim at your own pace in a privileged setting in the heart of the mountains. Depending on your preferences, you can:

• Swim in the 6 swimming lanes
• Take part in aquagym classes
• Take swimming lessons

Aquatic courses are also offered on certain afternoons for children aged 6 to 14 who can swim. After exercise comes relaxation. Enjoy direct access to the terrace equipped with deckchairs to soak up the sun in summer and take in the breathtaking view of the mountains.

Please note: the Olympic pool is heated to 28°C and is 1.30m to 2m deep, with slides.

Balnéa restaurant, eat well to take care of your body

Balnéa also has its own restaurant, which is located upstairs in the complex. The team promotes a choice of products and recipes for a healthy, natural and balanced diet. You can eat there every lunchtime (by reservation ) and taste dishes that are not dietetic but prepared in a spirit of healthy and healthy eating. Gluttony and balance and at the same time! Salads, light terrines, tapas, vegetable crumbles, vegetarian lasagna, fish and local meats… There are menus (daily menu or vitality, children's menu) and alternatives for vegetarians.

To organize your visit to Balnéa, we recommend that you consult the opening hours, which change according to the period. Look on the Balnéa website (in french). The thermo ludique complex is open every day of the year and we hope to have made you want to go!

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