Aquensis: A moment of escape at the thermal spa of Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Housed in a magnificent period building that once housed the town's old thermal baths, Aquensis, the Bagnères-de-Bigorre thermal spa is the ideal place to treat yourself to a few hours of well-being. Summer or winter, with your partner, family, friends or alone, here you can take the time to think about yourself, and only yourself. Rich in trace elements such as calcium, magnesium and sulfates, the hot water that springs from the Bagnères-de-Bigorre springs has analgesic, relaxing and decontracting properties.

The relaxation area, two floors of pure well-being

Upon arrival, this immense solid wood frame will catch your eye. It supports the glass roof that brings natural light into the middle of the large 300m² pool at the center of the building.

The large pool and its wooden frame

I head to the changing rooms to put on the soft bathrobe I was given at reception. I step into the pleasantly warm thermal water (between 33 and 35 degrees) and explore the various activities: whirlpools, counter-currents, water curtains and other massage jets.

The counter-current pool

I then head to the Relaxation Pool , nestled in a subdued atmosphere. When you immerse your ears, you can enjoy the jazz music played underwater in the middle of the hydro-massages ; a moment of absolute relaxation...

The hammam, right next door, with its authentic decor of warm colors and geometric patterns, is made up of several vaulted rooms, which will take you, for a moment, to the traditions of the Orient. At the exit, a strange old-style tap delivers a delicious mint tea at will, enough to rehydrate after this detoxifying break.

Authentic self-service mint tea

Now take the elevator up to the terrace on the fourth floor. There, two traditional Finnish saunas await you on either side of a large wooden barrel filled with cold water. Outside, lie down for a few moments on one of the deckchairs on the vast wooden terrace, and enjoy the birdsong and the breathtaking view of the Pyrenees, all without any overlooked views. There's plenty to indulge in for a little nap...

Escape for a personalized treatment

It's time for my personalized massage. I go to the 2nd floor of the building, placing my magnetic bracelet in the designated area of the elevator. Clémentine, a smiling young woman, installs me in a quiet massage room, under very soothing subdued lighting.

To live the experience that suits you best, you can choose the essential oils diffused, the pressure of the massage, and the parts of the body that you want to focus on or avoid. I close my eyes and let myself go to a moment of pure relaxation… When I open them again an hour later, I feel like I’m in cotton wool. Clémentine offers me a hot drink that I enjoy peacefully on a deckchair overlooking the large pool. Next time, I’ll try a duo treatment. Christmas is coming, it’s a great gift idea for one of my loved ones! Whether it’s a romantic whirlpool bath, a makeup session with friends or a moment of mother-daughter bonding, Aquensis has a relaxation package for every situation.

Learn more

Prices and other information:

• Each treatment includes a 2-hour Aquapass, linen rental (bathrobe, bath towel and pair of sandals).
• Find all the entry prices to Aquensis on their website.
• Aquensis is also a gym. Consider signing up !

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Article written by Léa Dürr for the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide