Wellness and Thermalism in Eastern France
The Grand Est region is renowned for its rich thermal waters and high-quality wellness facilities. The region has become as a leading destination for thermal tourism, thanks to its relaxing setting in all seasons. With its renowned thermal resorts and exceptional spas, the Grand Est region has become a land of opportunity for players in the wellness and thermal tourism sector. (Phoro Credit : ©Juan Algar – stock.adobe.com)
THERMAL TOURISM IN EASTERN FRANCE
9 spa resorts located in main tourist areas :
💼 Municipalities rewarded with a “tourist resort” label (a label recognizing excellent tourism policies in the area)
⛲ 9 spa resorts in the Grand Est region: Coverage of 5 of the 12 spa treatments by the French national Health Insurance System
MAIN THERMAL SPA RESORTS DRIVING THERMAL TOURISM IN EASTERN FRANCE
Among the nine leading resorts in the region, three have become major hubsfor spa tourism in Eastern France. Their popularity is reflected in the growing number of spa visitors, but also in the dynamism of their spa centers. Several recent expansion and modernization announcements confirm this trend.
The Amnéville Thermal Spa
Set in 600 hectares of woodland, the Amnéville Thermal Spa offers high-quality hot spring water for everyone to enjoy. Its spa treatments have helped Amnéville climb into the top 10 French spa resorts, thanks to investment in infrastructure and staff training.
The City Amnéville – Cité des Loisirs
Amnéville stands out for its great amount of leisure activities, led by its iconic Amnéville Zoo, one of the most renowned in Europe. In the heart of the Cité des Loisirs, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of activities: an adventure park, an aquarium, SnowWorld indoor skiing, shows, and relaxation areas. The Cité des Loisirs is situated in a 400-hectare natural environment.
Nancy Thermal
In spring 2023, Nancy inaugurated the largest aquatic and thermal spa facility located in the heart of a major French city. This unique center highlights the city’s thermal heritage, right in the heart of the Art Nouveau district. Naturally rich in minerals, this thermal water was recognized in 2014 by the National Academy of Medicine for its benefits in rheumatology. This Thermal baths has been listed as historic monuments since 2020 and completely has been renovated.
Photo Credit : Stadler / Région Grand Est
Nancy – The City of Stanlislas
Nancy captivates visitors with its rich architectural and cultural heritage, notably the famous Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its many historic monuments and charming old neighborhoods. The city also offers a diverse range of museums: the Museum-Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of the Nancy School, dedicated to the Art Nouveau style for which the city is renowned. With its history, arts, and relaxed lifestyle, Nancy offers a complete and accessible cultural experience.
Photo Credits : Sergey Novikov (SerrNovik) ripicts.com – Stock.Adobe.com
Vittel – Historic Spa City
A historic spa resort set in 650 hectares of parkland, Vittel is renowned for the quality of its mineral waters and its expertise in spa treatments. The site boasts a number of springs (including Hépar, Félicie, etc.), whose complementary properties enable a wide range of treatments to be offered. Treatments also include the use of thermal mud for pain relief and regeneration.
Photo Credit : Stadler / Région Grand Est
Vittel – Historic Spa City
In addition to its thermal spa facilities, Vittel offers a remarkable natural setting with its vast 650-hectare park, ideal for walks, sports activities, and educational discoveries dedicated to the environment. The town is also home to leading cultural venues, such as La Vigie de l’Eau, an interactive space dedicated to discovering the water cycle and environmental issues, and the Heritage Museum, which traces the historical development of the resort. Vittel thus combines nature, culture, and leisure in an elegant and soothing atmosphere.
Photo Credits : Lotharingia – Stock.Adobe.com
THE VOSGES – A CENTRAL REGION FOR THERMAL TOURISM
The Vosges Region
With its four iconic thermal spas, the region has been a benchmark for health and wellness for over a century. This mid-mountain region welcomes nearly 3.8 million tourists each year (36% of whom are foreign tourists), including 17,500 spa guests and 65,000 spa visitors. The thermal waters of the main spa resorts in the Vosges are renowned for their medicinal properties. They cover a wide range of conditions, from rheumatology to cardiovascular diseases, nutrition, and metabolism.
The thermal waters of the main spa resorts in the Vosges are renowned for their medicinal properties. They cover a wide range of conditions, from rheumatology to cardiovascular diseases, nutrition, and metabolism.
Contréville
- World-renowned for its association with health & slimming
- The only post-breast cancer treatment center in France
- Thermal spa with 9,000 visitors annually and innovative programs
Photo Crédit : Yves Chevallier – Stock.adobe.com
Plombières-les-Bains
- 40 hot springs used since Roman times
- One of only two French resorts whose waters have therapeutic properties for IBD, including Crohn’s disease
Photo Credit : ©PIXATERRA-stock.adobe_.com
Vittel
- Renowned for its treatments in rheumatology, urinary disorders, and metabolic diseases
- 652-hectare thermal park and modernized facilities
- Vittel Palmarium: largest wellness center in Eastern France (scheduled to open in 2027)
Bains-les-Bains
- One of four French resorts specializing in cardiovascular diseases
- Distinguished by complementary programs focused on active health (cardio training, music therapy, aqua stretching)
Photo Credit : BODEZ / Région Grand Est
The Vosges – An exceptional natural territory
- An exceptional natural setting: wooded areas, numerous lakes, and majestic mountains make it a popular destination for nature lovers
- The diversity of tourist activities attracts a varied clientele throughout the year: spas, casinos, hotels, renowned restaurants, winter sports, hiking, historical heritage discovery, and more
- A pool of skilled local employees: renowned training centers located throughout the region
- At the crossroads of Europe: excellent accessibility via road, rail, and air networks
- Sustainable and responsible tourism: a region committed to preserving its natural heritage
THE GRAND EST REGION SUPPORTS THE THERMAL & WELLNESS SECTOR
The Grand Est Region invests in infrastructures connecting thermal Hubs
NOVA 14 – A TRAIN LINE CONNECTING EASTERN FRANCE THERMAL HUBS
Announced in May 2024, the Nancy–Contrexéville railway line will efficiently connect the main spa resorts in the Grand Est region by December 2027. Travel times will be reduced compared to those of the bus line currently in service. Nancy will thus be directly connected to Vittel (1 hour journey) and Contrexéville (1 hour 10 minutes journey). There will be 30 return trips per day (i.e., 2 trains per hour in each direction). Nearly 500,000 passengers are expected to use this line when it opens in 2028.
Grand Est Tourism Agency (ART GE) – A Strong Support for Tourism Players
The Grand Est Regional Tourism Agency is a major institutional player in the development and promotion of the thermalism and wellness sector in the region. Its main activities consist of:
Promoting the wellness sector
Building on the themed offerings featured on the Explore Grand Est platform, it carries out communication campaigns in France and abroad to showcase the region’s strengths and attract visitors looking for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Supporting professionals in the sector
The agency provides thermal establishments, spas and accommodation providers with guidance to help them develop their skills, strengthen their offerings, diversify their services and improve their market positioning, so they can better meet the growing expectations of visitors.
©-JUNG / Région Grand Est
Market monitoring and trend analysis
Market studies are carried out to identify consumer expectations and anticipate developments in the sector, enabling professionals to adapt and innovate.
©Juan Algar – stock.adobe.com
Explore Grand Est
Targeted support for stakeholders in the thermal and wellness sector
The Grand Est Region actively supports the thermal and wellness sector. Financial aid is available to help professionals strengthen and develop their offerings.
If you are planning a project related to thermalism or wellness, you may benefit from regional support covering up to 20% of eligible expenses.
You are eligible for this support if you are:
- an SME as defined by the European Union,
- an association, a local authority, or a public institution.
And if your project involves:
- construction, expansion or renovation work on thermal establishments,
- construction, expansion or renovation of wellness areas within thermal establishments to diversify their activities,
- rehabilitation, modernisation or extension of furnished tourist accommodation — or the creation of such accommodation within an existing building — located near a thermal resort.
TOURISM IN THE GRAND EST – A HIGH‑QUALITY DESTINATION IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
With 87 million overnight stays in 2024, the Grand Est is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It is also among the French regions that welcome the highest number of international visitors, thanks to its exceptional geographical location.
Its rich historical and gastronomic heritage has earned it recent recognition as one of the most beautiful destinations by Lonely Planet and Airbnb travelers, and it was ranked the No. 1 wine‑tourism destination in France.
