
History of the Avène Les Bains Hydrotherapy Center
Avène, a historical village and thermal spa resort in a preserved environment.
The Avène Hydrotherapy Center has a spa dedicated to dermatology and to the treatment of skin disorders (eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichtyosis, burns) as well as to post-cancer burn and scar therapy.
The worldwide renown of the high quality and effectiveness of the local spring water and its skin treatments is rooted in history: the center has been state-approved since 1874. Here are the key dates of its history.
DISCOVERY OF THE THERMAL SPRING
The medical properties of the Saint Odile spring in fighting against dermatosis was discovered when the Marquis de Rocozel’s horse was healed after swimming in the water.


CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST THERMAL SPA
Built over the spring, the first thermal spa brought increased recognition of the healing properties of Avène spring water by doctors and the spa's first patients, in addition to promoting knowledge of this water's exceptional properties at the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier.
AVÈNE THERMAL SPRING WATER EXPORTED
Avène thermal spring water was exported to Chicago to treat the victims of the great fire.


AVENE THERMAL WATER OFFICIALLY STATE-APPROVED
The French Academy of medicine declared the Sainte Odile spring to be of "Public Benefit" and the water's properties were officially state-approved.
RENOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE HYDROTHERAPY CENTER
After being used for many different purposes, the spa was bought by Laboratoires Pierre Fabre and began offering scientific hydrotherapy treatments…


NEW HYDROTHERAPY CENTER
A new Hydrotherapy Center was built, equipped with modern and innovative facilities, leading the way to a new trend in the field: the practice of hydrotherapy treatments needs to be updated and requires scientific backing.
EXPANSION OF THE HYDROTHERAPY CENTER
As the number of patients at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center was rapidly rising each year, the establishment was expanded, adding on a spacious and convivial treatment unit with a human dimension.


RESEARCH LABORATORY
Creation of the Water Research Center on the thermal site. Its missions: control and monitor the quality of the water, scientific research and evaluation, communication and training on Avène Thermal Spring Water.
AQUACERT HACCP CERTIFICATION
Avène is the first hydrotherapy center dedicated to dermatology that obtained Aquacert HACCP Thermalisme® certification. The compliance of the Avène Hydrotherapy Center with this first standard created in 2010 by and for the spa industry, is proof of the commitment to quality that Avène has shown for years.
