Vals-les-Bains is water… but not only that.
Imagine a city nestled in a green setting, where volcanic rock filters springs for millennia, before making them gush forth in geysers, fountains, lozenges, and bubbles... All this in a gentle and soothing atmosphere, between healing, culture, and nature. Yes, here, we heal, we breathe, we stroll, we taste, we play, we marvel. And sometimes, we even transform ourselves.
Discover Vals-les-Bains
City of water, city of life
145 mineral springsThis is not an exaggeration. It's even a record. Enough to make Evian blush.
Some are captured for thermal treatments, others arise freely in the wooded park, like the intermittent spring, a real natural spectacle that springs up twice a dayAnd when it is not the springs that sing, it is the rivers – Volane, Voltour, Besorgues and Ardèche – that hum at the foot of the bridges and mossy cliffs.
The water here soothes, tones, hydrates, and inspires. People come to Vals-les-Bains to treat a digestive or rheumatic condition... but they often stay for the pleasure of it. A massage with local oils, a whirlpool bath, or homemade blueberry ice cream.
Little history, big sources
The story begins in 1602. A fisherman named Pierre Brun unknowingly discovered the local liquid gold after a flood: he drank an unknown water and saw his kidney stones magically disappear. A few years later, Claude Expilly, a notable from Grenoble, relied on these healing waters... and lived a long, very long time. Guess why?
Since the 19th century, Vals has become a renowned spa destination. People come here from Lyon, Paris, and sometimes even further afield. The old water mills become water bottlers. Art Deco villas line up, kiosks are adorned with brass bands, and the park becomes the beating heart of the city.
Heritage and mosaics
Vals-les-Bains isn't just about bubbles. It's also about wood, stone, stained glass, and sacred art.
The neo-Gothic church will captivate you with its colorful stained-glass windows, its black and white enameled Stations of the Cross, and its majestic walnut organ. Looking up a little further, you'll see the Calvary, built in 1732 and proudly overlooking the city.
From tradition to theater, there is only one park
Maison Champanhet offers an immersive experience into the daily lives of Ardèche farmers from the last century. Fun, interactive, perfect for children… or curious grown-ups.
But Vals also knows how to live in its time. Three themed routes guide you through the town:
- The water route (bring something to drink, you'll salivate),
- The path of the sources (that's where it boils),
- And the arts journey (unexpected and inspiring).
The park , at the heart of everything, is a veritable open-air living room. It brings together in a single setting:
- La intermittent source,
- Le casino,
- Le Italian theater,
- Le cinema,
- The summer concerts,
- And… benches. Simply for take time.
Vals-les-Bains, flavors side
It would be a crime to leave Vals without having tasted its specialties: The pastilles from the Pastillerie des Thermes , made with Vals water, for a 100% local candy.
And since well-being also comes from good food , we recommend you stroll around the local markets, artisans' shops and restaurants. Ardèche style: it's good, it's simple, and it's generous.
A more than useful detour
Vals-les-Bains isn't just one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France" for show. It's because people stop here to feel better. Better in their bodies, better in their minds. And sometimes even better in their lives.
Things to see and do in Vals-les-Bains
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Garage Sale SPA Les Amandiers -
Exposition : « Mystère et clarté » de Bob Appelmans et Michel Delfosse
Free
August 24 - September 06 , 2026
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Photo 1, © Bob Appelmans -
Photo 2, © Michel Delfosse
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Photo 1, © Anne Valletta -
Photo 2, © Anne Valletta -
Photo 3, © Anne Valletta -
Photo 4
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Photo 1, © Charlotte Boley -
Photo 2, © Charlotte Boley -
Photo 3, © Charlotte Boley -
Photo 4, © Charlotte Boley -
Photo 5, © Charlotte Boley
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Adventure game: Therma, Peril at the Source, © The Company of Legends -
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Photo 1, © Cerdini -
Photo 2, © Cerdini -
Photo 3, © guillaume&laurie -
Photo 4, © guillaume&laurie -
Photo 5, © guillaume&laurie
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L’Apetille Cheffe à domicile
Services
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Photo 1, © L'apétille -
Photo 2, © L'apétille -
Photo 3, © L'apétille -
Photo 4, © L'apétille -
Photo 5, © 2025 melissa crus, all rights reserved.
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Photo 1, © Anne Fashauer -
Photo 2, © Raphaël Dupont -
Photo 3, © Anne Fashauer -
Photo 4, © Raphaël Dupont -
Photo 5, © Anne Fashauer
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Photo 1, © marie-elsa niels -
Photo 2, © marie-elsa niels -
Photo 3, © marie-elsa niels -
Photo 4, © marie-elsa niels -
Photo 5, © marie-elsa niels
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Celtic Lights : Concert de musique celtique éclairé à la lueur des bougies
Bookable online. From €18 per adult.
August 20 , 2026
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Photo 1, © Ensemble Ceiltika -
Photo 2, © ensemble ceiltika -
Photo 3, © ensemble ceiltika -
Photo 4, © Ceiltika ensemble
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Photo 3, © GUILLAUME&LAURIE -
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Exhibition: "Riviera! From Nice to Menton" by Yaume, © Yaume – Vals-les-Bains Cultural Center "Les Quinconces"
Sleeping in Vals-les-Bains
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
Les Galets de la Volane – Basalte
3-star Furnished Accommodation and Cottage
3-star Furnished Accommodation and Cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
3-star Furnished Accommodation and Cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
3-star Furnished Accommodation and Cottage
Furnished rental and holiday cottage
3-star Furnished Accommodation and Cottage
