“ Sleep is one of the pillars of human well-being, along with diet, physical activity, relationships, and spirituality. says Florence Ferron, a holistic coach who just opened Maison La Course in Bordeaux, a charming guesthouse where she welcomes her guests to nurture the idea of self-improvement. However, in 2021, more than 60% of French people said they had sleep problems and more than a quarter suffered from anxiety, according to the CoviPrev study, which examines the impact of the pandemic on mental health.
Different approaches are possible to restore quality sleep and learn to manage stress: drug, behavioral, psychotherapeutic. But the treatment concept can be a valuable alternative or supplement. Hydrotherapy or thalassotherapy, here are five destinations to reconnect with restful nights and restful days.
Sajon in the thermal school of stress
Spa treatment for stress or depression. Often associated with asthma or rheumatism, hydrotherapy is also indicated at any age and in case of psychosomatic complaints. And the Charente resort town of Saujon has made it its specialty… since 1860. With water rich in calcium, lithium and magnesium with soothing and calming properties, Saujon is the only mono-indicator psy spa specializing in management. stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep disorders. In 2012, a Heat Stress School was established there. Psychological courses lasting 3, 5 or 21 days help to “relieve stress” in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapies and heat treatments. Exercise is facilitated by the relaxing atmosphere of this small town of Santong on the banks of the Seudry. Royan and the Côte de Beauté, the estuary of the Gironde, are only a quarter of an hour away to breathe the sea air and complete the benefits of expert treatment.
The resort town of Saujon from €354 for a 3-day ‘Let Go’ stay without accommodation.
In Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a healthy week in the heart of the Pyrenees
Already famous in Roman times and then frequented by Henri IV, Montaigne, Lamartine, George Sand or Marie, the thermal baths of Bagner-de-Bigorre have been reinvented over the centuries. In addition to the three-week treatments, where two pathologies can be treated at the same time with the resort’s three indications: rheumatology, respiratory tract, psychosomatic diseases, Grands Thermes and Aquensis Thermal Spa have launched themed Wellness Weeks. “Stop stress” or “Restore yourself” so target anxiety, sleep disorders, loss of morale. Relaxing and mindful walking sessions, jet showers or mud baths, massages and workshops on stress management, sleep and nutrition allow you to reset the meters and recharge your energy. The analgesic, antispasmodic and muscle relaxant effects of the naturally warm (50°C) sulphated, calcium and magnesium waters are combined with the fresh Pyrenean air of this charming little spa and mountain town. In the distance, the Pic du Midi (still from Bigor), its observatory, the reserve of the starry sky and the 360 panorama of the Pyrenees…
Grands Thermes de Bagnères-de-Bigorre from €299 for a Rejuvenate Yourself Week, excluding accommodation.
Catalan sun and natural sleep in Molitg-les-Bains
Surrounded by mountains in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, Molitg-les-Bains is an ideal nature retreat to recharge your batteries. Specializing in the treatment of rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological conditions, this spa, the first of the Chaîne Thermale du Soleil, also offers mini-treatments, including a dedicated “Natural Sleep”. The stay revolves around thermal treatments that take advantage of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of water rich in sulphur, silicon, fluorine and thermoplankton, as well as classes in Watsu, Reiki, yoga, music and chromotherapy and meditation. Diet and sophrology consultations help identify the causes of chronic insomnia and adopt the correct reflexes daily. And hiking in the sunniest region of France and discovering the beautiful surrounding villages that stand between Canigou and palm trees and firs do the rest…
Molitg-les-Bains spa town. From €460 for a 6-day “Natural Sleep” mini-treatment without accommodation.
In Ile de Ré, two iodized medicines to relax
The ocean air, the invigorating sea spray, the island escape and the usually retiring charm of the little white villages, enveloped in the color of the brambles. On the beautiful Ile de Ré, conditions are created to de-stress and find sleep and relaxation, leaving worries and congestion on the other side of the bridge. At the entrance to the island, Relais Thalasso showcases the modernity of its facilities and rides the wave of relaxation, combining superior care, outdoor activities and inspired design with ocean views from the rooms, but also fabulous new. The Loofah Bar rooftop. The stress and sleep treatment offers 12 sea treatments, 3 massages and 7 activities, from sophrology to hiking, while balancing your diet. L’Atalante restaurant, helmed by chef Christopher Tremin, prides itself on gourmet vegetables and has just been awarded for its switch to eco-responsible cuisine.
Almost at the end of the island, in Ars-en-Rête, Cote Thalasso relies on personalized medical care to maximize the benefits of seawater. The stress-free treatment includes 20 treatments including wraps, hydrojets, sophrology and marine magnesium oil massages. An exclusive innovation from Côté Thalasso, this 100% natural oil is obtained from the concentration of magnesium chloride in seawater, known for stress, nervousness, sleep disorders, as well as joint or muscle pain, detox or anti-aging prevention. A magical active ingredient that perfects the expert treatment that can also be found in the Mediterranean, in Banyuls-sur-Mer.
Relais Thalasso from €1,199 for a 6-day Stress Sleep Program excluding accommodation.
Thalasso side. from €809 for a 5-day stress-free treatment without accommodation.
In Canet-en-Roussillon, an anti-stress remedy in front of the sea
Nine kilometers of fine sand beach, a pond that is classified as a nature reserve, Alberner, which is far from the sea. such is the decor of the hotel-thalasso-spa Les Flamants Roses in Canet-en-Roussillon, a famous seaside resort. Amethyst Coast Resort. As pink as the neighboring flamingos, this recently renovated family resort offers large modern rooms and a luminous 1,200 m² sea spa, as well as excellent breakfasts and a gourmet restaurant. Ideal for the start of the school year when summer visitors depart, the ‘anti-stress treatment’ provides 24 treatments including massages and seawater showers, seaweed wraps, watsu release… Release as you wake up facing the Mediterranean. and enjoying Roussillon’s mild autumn and winter.
Hôtel Thalasso & Spa Les Flamants Roses from €930 for a 6-day treatment excluding accommodation.
Source: Le Figaro