Lamalou-les-Bains

Lamalou-les-Bains in the western Hérault of Languedoc-Roussillon draws from oligomineral springs in a spa town celebrated within a long thermal tradition, in a heritage of well-being focused practice spanning more than a century. The spring water of Lamalou, enjoyed within this long thermal tradition, has attracted visitors including the composer Camille Saint-Saëns, the playwright Victorien Sardou, and the conductor Gustav Mahler to this Hérault valley spa, whose century-old casino, promenade des éclopés, and Belle Époque villas retain the character of a sophisticated nineteenth-century resort that took its thermal mission with exceptional seriousness. The surrounding landscape of the upper Orb valley, the medieval village of Hérépian with its ancient bell foundry, and the dramatic Gorges de l'Orb accessible from Lamalou create a natural and cultural context of considerable richness.