Les Thermes

It is a strange building in the context of a mountain village but I have got used to it.  The thermal treatment centre does have a small gym and relaxation centre but its main purpose is to treat medical referrals from the French health service for those suffering from bronchitis or rheumatism. The state pays 60% of the fees and the top up insurance potentially the rest. There are about 300 curistes at any one time and the centre is open for nine months of the year so it is important economically for the village. People tell me that you need to take the cure for years running for it to really have good effects. I suspect there is a placebo effect but the French state seems happy to pay so maybe it economises on other interventions!