The Gallo-Romans discovered the therapeutic virtues of spa water. They worshipped the god of hot springs, Borvo, and his companion, the goddess Damona. The gateway and outbuildings of the 16th-century fortress can still be seen in the park surrounding the Town Hall. The present house, dating from the 18th century, was a gift to the town from Chevandier de Valdrome, in gratitude for the benefits of the spa water.
The 12th-century church underwent a series of major alterations, especially as a result of the fire which raged through the town in 1717. It contains an outstanding marble statue of the Madonna and Child.
France's first military spa hospital was built in Bourbonne les Bains in 1730. It was this hospital that made the spa town famous.
The spa town, tourist resort and leisure centre of Bourbonne-les-Bains, the only spa town in Champagne-Ardenne, lies in lush unspoilt countryside. Get back into shape and gain a sense of well-being thanks to the benefits of spa water. In addition to the traditional course of treatment best-known for helping rheumatism, calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, arthritis and respiratory disease, the spa complex is developing its fitness programme with water aerobics, beauty treatment and massages etc.
There are tours of the town and a free town plan is available at the Tourist Office.Looking for excitement? Try the Emeraude Casino, a gaming and entertainment complex that welcomes visitors in convivial, modern surroundings. Slot machines, gaming tables, bar, restaurant, cinema, tea dances, disco, shows, cabaret dinners etc.
Sightseeing: museum in the grounds of the Château. It contains Gallo-Roman remains linked to spa treatment, works by local artists, a taxidermy collection of 250 species of birds and temporary exhibitions etc.Set in unspoilt countryside, La Bannie wildlife park has forest walks and an opportunity to observe animals in enclosures or in semi-liberty (roe and fallow deer, stags, wild boar etc.), and see birds in aviaries etc. Also worth a visit, the arboretum in Montmorency.
Bourbonne-les-Bains Tourist Office Places des Bains - BP 34
52400 BOURBONNE-LES-BAINS
The tourist office is open daily during the spa season, at the Centre Borvo and in Clocheton. It offers a varied programme of entertainment, exhibitions and shows.
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Langres - BP16 - 52201 Langres cedex - Tél : 03 25 87 67 67 - Fax : 03 25 87 73 33
The town: a few historical notes :
Looking for excitement? Try the Emeraude Casino, a gaming and entertainment complex that welcomes visitors in convivial, modern surroundings. Slot machines, gaming tables, bar, restaurant, cinema, tea dances, disco, shows, cabaret dinners etc.
Set in unspoilt countryside, La Bannie wildlife park has forest walks and an opportunity to observe animals in enclosures or in semi-liberty (roe and fallow deer, stags, wild boar etc.), and see birds in aviaries etc. Also worth a visit, the arboretum in Montmorency.
