GRÉOUX-LES-BAINS
Region:Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Spa season: March-December per year
Official website:https://www.greoux-les-bains.com/
HOW TO GET THERE
By Car: From Paris, take the A7 highway and exit at Aix-en-Provence, then the A51 highway to take the exit no.17: Vinon-sur-Verdon/ Gréoux-les-bains or exit no.18: Manosque.
By Train: The nearest TGV stations are Aix-en-Provence TGV station and Marseille Saint Charles station.
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As the third largest spa and wellness center in France, the name Groux-les bains is actually derived from the "Gresilium" in the Celtic language, meaning "illness" and "water for treating diseases". The town is located in the beautiful French province of Provence-Alpes, the original inhabitants of the Romans, so since the Gallic period, the underground hot springs have been developed and utilized. The town’s baths are famous, and the town is named after Les Bains. These are one of the highest baths in the world, situated at 400m above sea level.
Hidden between the Alps in southern France is a charming village of 2000 inhabitants, Gréoux-les-bains. Located in the center of the Provence region, this village has plenty to offer and is an ideal place to set base for a long trip. Spend a day, walking through the stone-paved alleys, bathing in the warm sunshine of south France, blowing the humid sea breeze on the Cote d'Azur, is a comfortable choice.
The seemingly mini spa town preserves many historical monuments: the magnificent Château des Templiers, the lovely museum-La maison de Pauline, the square, the colorful streets and cottages … … whether it is the natural scenery, the charming spa center, the characteristics of Provence or the kind and simple folk style, are a beautiful landscape. The wear and tear during the centuries have not taken its toll on the city. Its buildings still radiate with a colorful gleam, especially on a bright sunny day.
RUE GRANDE
Nowadays, Gréoux-les-bains is known for its rich cultural heritage and instagram-worthy charm. The village's main street, Rue Grande, turns into a busy attraction during the day, luring bedazzled tourists in with homey cafes and cute shops. And by night, the village calmness returns and casts a romantic spell.
Notre-Dame-des-Ormeaux
One of the main attractions is the gothic style Notre-Dame-des-Ormeaux church. Its name comes from the eucalyptus planted near the church. The oldest part of the church was built in the 12th to 13th century.
LA CAVERNE
It’s a happy thing to taste local food while traveling to a place. The LA CAVERNE restaurant in the heart of the city offers signature Provencal cuisine. It is said that this is the number one French restaurant in the town! Special dishes recommended: Fish soup (Poissons / Soupe de poissons), Fish pot (Marmite de poissons), Fried shrimp (Poê lé e de gambas), Handmade smoked salmon (Saumon fumé par nos soins), Caramelized foie gras (Crème brûlée au foie gras) and Rosemary lamb intestines (Crépinette d'agneau au romarin)
Address:17 Rue Grande, 04800 Gréoux-les-Bains
Opening hours: 12:00-13:30, 19:00-21:00 (closed on Monday and Tuesdays)
Website: http://www.restaurant-lacaverne.com/
Email: [email protected] (strongly recommended to book in advance)
HÔTEL RESTAURANT SPA & INSTITUTDE BEAUTÉ-LES ALPES-
After the end of the day, experience the local hot spring spa is certainly unmissable. The LES ALPES Clubhouse is one such place dedicated to providing guests with a range of customized treatments. After relaxing, there will be a more memorable experience.
Address:19, Avenue des Alpes, 04800, GREOUX LES BAINS
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00 daily
Price: 20€/person/hour (only accepted)
Official website: http://www.institut-beaute-lesalpes.fr/
Booking:+33 (0)4 92 74 24 24
The Lavender fields blooming all throughout July to August is only a 30 minute drive away from Gréoux-les-bains. The sorbet is also recommended for the #foodie travelers.
Click Here to check out our article about the Lavender Fields.
Written by Pierre Ieong & Lexi Wang
Photographed by Pierre Ieong