Lamalou-Les-Bains: Thermal Traditions, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Lamalou-Les-Bains
Lamalou-Les-Bains is located in the Parc Naturel RĂ©gional du Haut-Languedoc. The town combines a long thermal history with woodland paths, historic buildings and cultural attractions. The following places and routes offer practical pointers for planning your visit.
Thermal Traditions and Historic Heritage
The first thermal establishment in Lamalou-Les-Bains was inaugurated in 1709. The town is one of the few French thermal centres where neurological and rheumatological conditions are treated at the same time. If you would like to combine your stay with treatment, check the current information about the range of treatments beforehand, as treatment details may change. Traces of the town’s thermal history can also be found in Parc de l’Usclade, where remains of the former vaporarium can be seen.
Woodland, Walks and Hiking Trails
Parc et forêt de l’Usclade is home to century-old cedars and a Belle Époque music pavilion. Forêt de l’Usclade offers shady walks as well as longer hikes along woodland paths. This means you can choose between a shorter spell in the countryside and a more extensive hike. The GR7 “Traversée du Massif Central par les Parcs” also crosses the forest and leads to the hamlet of Croix des Baussels.
For a shorter route, consider the section of the Voie Verte Passa Païs between Lamalou-Les-Bains and Le Poujol-sur-Orb. It is 1.5 kilometres long, with a gradient of less than 2 per cent. The round trip is 3 kilometres. A longer option is the easy-rated Parcours 7 “La Croix des Baussels” of Espace Trail Montagnes du Caroux: this 9.5-kilometre circular route starts and ends in Lamalou-Les-Bains. The Voie Verte Passa Païs is a former railway line that has been converted for cycling and passes through the town.
Architecture and Culture
Notre-Dame de l’Assomption stands in Villecelle. The church was rebuilt in the 17th century on Romanesque remains and restored after extensive work. Belle Époque villas also contribute to the town’s architectural character. The Théâtre de Lamalou has 600 seats, is designed in the Italian style and has retained its appearance from 1900.
Free guided tours of the Prieuré Saint-Pierre de Rhèdes take place once or twice a month. It is best to confirm the date before your visit. The Festival lyrique de Lamalou-Les-Bains also draws on local cultural history: every summer, it presents operetta performances and continues a long-standing operetta tradition. Check the dates for the current programme in advance.
Market and Getting Around
A traditional market is held in Lamalou-Les-Bains every Tuesday throughout the year. Along with the guided tours and summer festival, it offers another regular point of reference when planning your stay; check the dates of tours and events separately.
The Navette Lamalousienne is available for journeys within the municipality to people over 65 or people with reduced mobility. With advance booking, it also goes to BĂ©darieux railway station on some journeys. If you would like to use this service, arrange your booking in advance and check the timetable and fare.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-De-La-Blaquière, Montblanc, Espondeilhan, Colombières-Sur-Orb, Vendres, Vérargues, Puilacher, Lauroux.
For the main travel overview: HĂ©rault.
