Thermes d'Allevard-les-Bains

Nestled in the heart of the Belledonne massif, the Allevard-les-Bains resort owes its origin to an unusual event: an earthquake in 1790 is said to have revealed the sulphurous spring on the banks of the Bréda. The virtues of this water were medically recognised as early as 1836, marking the start of a long thermal history in the Isère region. In 1849, Dr Bernard Niépce developed the technique of cold inhalations here and gave his name to the historic building of the baths, which then specialised in supporting respiratory conditions, a major public health concern in the 19th century.

Very popular from the early 19th century onward, the resort welcomed figures such as Alphonse Daudet, photographer Nadar, and the Lumière brothers, drawn by the reputation of a place nicknamed "the French thermal resort of the voice," frequented by singers and speakers seeking to look after their vocal cords. The water, particularly rich in sulphur and sulphates, remains associated today with joint and respiratory wellbeing support.