Thalasso and Thermal Spa's

Thermal Spa's normally have natural hot or warm Spring waters, Mineral Salt waters or clays (mud treatments) which hold excellent chemical properties (like the Dax "Peloide" which is reputedly one of the best treatments for Rheumatism and Rheumatoid Arthritis). There are over 30 Thermes or Thalassotherapy establishments between Lourdes, Dax and Hendaye, all with different cures. For example, Dax Thermes are best for Rheumatism as already stated, others have cures or therapy for Bones or even Obesity (Eugenie les Bains), Skin or Asthma (a particular Therme will have natural chemical vapours in the water, which eases Asthma). All have Doctors in attendance to establish your condition first and most speak other languages.
All establishments have 1 week or 2 week programmes or longer, some have short programmes.

 The French people go on pilgrimages in their thousands every year for what is known locally as 'Remise en Forme', Fitness & Health programmes (with a lot of relaxation & pampering) or 'Thalassotherapie', which includes Jacuzzi styled high water pressure jet massages, sea water treatments, mud and seaweed baths which help you to relax and tone up muscles at the same time, plus a lot more, all under medical supervision and often in superb luxury hotels by the Atlantic ocean.