Vals-les-Bains, Thermal spa town in Ardèche, France
Vals-les-Bains is a thermal spa town in Ardèche, situated between the Volane and Voltour rivers at around 427 meters elevation. The surrounding mountain landscape shapes its character, and natural mineral springs form the foundation of its purpose.
A fisherman named Pierre Brun discovered in 1602 that the local waters had healing powers when they cured his kidney stones. This discovery sparked the town's development as a thermal spa destination.
The Neo-Gothic church with its wooden organ pipes and colored glass windows stands as a focal point in town, while the Maison Champanhet displays information about how local farming families lived in the Cévennes region. These places help visitors understand what daily life meant to people who lived here generations ago.
Three marked walking routes guide visitors through town: the water path, the springs path, and the arts path, each focusing on different aspects. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the routes cover varied terrain and elevation changes.
The town has roughly 145 different mineral springs scattered throughout its area, including one with unusual behavior. This particular spring erupts naturally every six hours in the local park, making it a curious feature to witness.
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