In Rennes-les-Bains, the thermal season has resumed since April 8. Within the premises of the establishment, regular spa guests and newcomers meet. The station belonging to the Santé Actions group, responsible for holding the reins of the place alone, manages to get by despite financial difficulties.
In Rennes-les-Bains, a small town of around 200 inhabitants, the thermal spa contributes to the attractiveness of the place. Since April 8, the season has started. In the space of several weeks the first spa guests, whether regulars or newcomers, wander around the La Reine residence, enjoying beauty treatments, massage sessions and other fitness areas.
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Thursday May 2, around thirty visitors took advantage of the site’s various services. This is particularly the case of Jean-Paul who, accompanied by his wife, traveled a long way from Marseille: “This is only the second year that we have come. We find the area very friendly, pleasant to live in. It allows you to really recharge your batteries and these thermal baths do not have a factory feel that we dislike so much. I know that the point of view on the subject will depend on the profiles since it is true that the village does not have a lot of shops. But personally, we plan to stay there for three weeks.
A small structure like ours benefits people
The director of the spa, Catherine Warnier, shares this last observation. Although she admits that access to Rennes-les-Bains can be difficult due to the lack of means of transport and the distance from the largest cities, the manager of the place tempers: “Nevertheless, it is relaxing. Our spa guests come precisely for this aspect. We have had people who have been visiting us for 40 years. In the area, the water is renowned as being exceptional. Furthermore, a small structure like ours benefits humans. The staff are very appreciated there, especially as they invest so much in the people they care for.”
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If the independence of the establishment, acquired in 2010 by the Santé Actions group which holds sole reins, promotes greater freedom of action, unexpected obstacles came to shake things up a few years ago. The repercussions are still felt today.
Catherine Warnier explains: “In 2023, we recorded 665 spa guests, compared to 1,120 if we go back to 2018. The Covid-19 period and the health measures that followed did us a lot of harm, that’s certain. But the flooding within the department six years ago did not help to improve the situation After 2020, we had difficulty returning to our normal level of attendance. The turnover inevitably decreased, leading to our receivership in 2022. On the other hand, we did not go as far as liquidation. I am clarifying this because many thought that we were going to close following this episode. I can say it loud and clear, this will not be the case.
A gradually rising slope
On the contrary, the health of the thermal baths continues to improve over time, according to the director. More treatment sessions were opened thanks to the recruitment of two physiotherapists. Vital Aude was set up allowing the establishment to diversify its activity through the creation of a tourism rental studio. Which was accompanied by a thermal balneotherapy center. “We even added a turpentine shower which allows spa guests to be sprayed with a mixture of hot thermal water and turpentine oil”, added Catherine Warnier. An average of 80 people are expected throughout the season for a total of 700 unique visits over the entire seven months. The peak of attendance occurs in September and October before the doors close on November 2.
