Saint Martin church, has had, since the XIth century, a vivid history. Today, it is a neo-gothic church which, thanks to the Galimard family, was consecrated in 1888. It contains many features of interest among which, the stained glass windows by the Lorin firm in Chartres, an enamelled representation of the Stations of the Cross and three antique paintings: the Entombment, Christ interceding in favour of Madame de Deherain and Mary Magdalene.
The Calvary, damaged during the French Revolution was rebuilt in 1863. From the Calvary the view over the town is spectacular. Around 1732, one Malmazet, a surgeon, vowed to convert to christianity after recovering from an illness and to build in the city a chapel and Stations of the Cross identical to those found in Jerusalem. The Way has just been renovated in a contemporary style by a talented mosaicist: Bernadette Soufflet and a new lighting has been installed to enhance the site.
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The old town is to be found in the vicinity of the church. To get there, follow the paved ways and alleys lined with century old houses. Strolling along these fresh and winding streets, you will come across medieval remains (gates, wall, ruins) which give this area its charm.
The temple was built in 1830 to replace the one destroyed during the Revocation of Edict of Nantes. For a century and a half, protestants gathered, whenever they could, at hamlets in the Vals mountains. Simple and unornamented , reminiscent of the Calvinist sobriety , the dimensions of this building show that the followers were still numerous despite a century long period of imposed underground religious activity.
The Champanhet House, an imposing residence, tells the story of a family, a house, a town and its industries. The scale models, the settings on display, the film showings help you understand crafts and popular know-how of the region and give you a vision of farmers' life in the past. Through this artistic presentation of our local savoir-faire, we ensure the protection of our heritage. In this house, you can feel the true heart of the whole region vibrate. |
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The Casino is situated at the entrance to the town. It was opened on XVIth June 1898. More than a gambling place (slot machines and roulette) it is a leisure centre featuring a restaurant, a bar and a jazz club. The Italian like theatre (seating 600) an exact replica of the Celestins Theatre in Lyon, the convention room, reception room and the two air-conditioned cinemas are part of a cultural centre to be reckoned with in the Ardèche. |
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To discover Vals-les-Bains follow the river's flow
The other asset for which Vals is renowned is the Thermal Establishment that doctor Dupasquier created in 1845. Bought by the hospital from the Saint Jean Mineral Water Company in 1966, it has been operated year-round since 1982. For 50 years the main disease which has been treated in Vals is diabetes. However the resort also welcomes people sufffering from metabolic or nutritional disorders.
Approximately 2,500 curists come yearly to benefit from a three-week treatment. And today, people are offered wellness and spa treatments of their choice at the Thermal Spa which, in addition, can boast a beautiful courtyard featuring the Alexander Spring. At the back of the courtyard we find a great wall in a style 'Belle Epoque' which is heritage listed.
Not far from the Thermal Establishment you can discover Pavillon Saint-Jean. This building is an Art Déco replica of Grecian Rotundas. In summer many visitors come and enjoy a glass of water from the most famous St Jean Spring. Next to the Pavillon there is a playground for young children.
The Vals waters are naturally gaseous and they are commercially sold by the Societé des Eaux Minérales which is situated on the banks of the Volane. This Company became known in the XIXth century. In 1983 the Curinier family took it over developing its market. It was to be bought by the Roxane group in 1997. In 2005, 38 million bottles were sold. |
Parks and gardens
The inhabitants pride themselves on the many green spaces that visitors appreciate. They are well tended and feature many different plant species. They offer verdant havens for tourists and a wide range of sporting activities: outdoor pool, clay tennis courts, crazy golf, and roundabout. They also provide a setting for game festivals, exhibitions, evening markets, displays of vintage cars, horse fairs.....
The most famous garden is the one where the 'Source Intermittente'flows. This spring became active in 1865 after a drilling in the ground and it was named after the engineer, 'puit Firmin'. It flows every six hours and can have an outflow of 775 litres and reach 16 metres in height. There is a strong smell of sulphur that some may find overwhelming.
The spring flows at 5.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 11.30pm in summer and at 4.30am, 10.30am, 4.30pm and 10.30pm in winter.
This extraordinary spring is evidence of the underground activity in Vals. At the beginning of the XXth century, as many as 188 water springs were exploited. Today, about 145 springs are listed and 30 of them are used.
Vals has been a partner in the 'Plus beaux détours de France' since 2002.
To become a member it is necessary to meet 13 quality standards. The role of this association is to put in the limelight and link, thanks to common actions, towns whose population range from 2,000 to 20,000 inhabitants and which are away from the major national highways.
ROUTE DES VILLES D'EAUX AMONG THE MASSIF CENTRAL SPA TOWNS
'Route des Villes d'Eaux du Massif Central'
Relaxed atmosphere, wellness, fitness centres, spas, these are the assets required to be one of the 17 spa towns of the Massif Central. These towns are places to discover, to enjoy their exceptional settings. From a Belle Epoque spa town to verdant villages on river banks ,from a mountain resort to a medieval city, these 17 communes offer a wide range of leisure activities and beautiful scenery. You can get free brochures on spa towns, maps, accommodation, wellness guides |
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