Martigny-Les-Bains offers two distinct ways to explore its history: the Pavillon des Sources, a glass-and-metal structure with decorative wrought ironwork, and the Sentier du Haumont, which passes through the former thermal spa town. The difference matters when planning your visit: visits to the pavilion are seasonal, taking place in summer during its opening hours, while the hiking trail has a specified distance and approximate duration. You can therefore decide whether to focus on a seasonal visit or a hike.
Thermal history in the buildings and the town
The Pavillon des Sources was built around 1882 as a glass-and-metal structure with decorative wrought ironwork. It was listed as a historic monument on 18 November 1987, followed by its classification on 27 June 1996. This sequence of dates distinguishes the approximate construction period from two later steps in its heritage designation. The glazing and ironwork provide two concrete points of reference for the architecture: the building’s materials and its decorative finish.
The thermal spa in Martigny-Les-Bains opened in 1860, a year after its springs were recognised for their therapeutic properties. The former spa enjoyed its heyday at the beginning of the 20th century and was nicknamed “Le petit Versailles thermal”. The spa’s opening and its later heyday therefore mark two different periods in the town’s history. The church was also listed as a monument historique by decree of 3 March 1926.
Water features and summer visits
At the Parc Thermal, a stream fed by the Source Savonneuse, a lake, an island and a kiosk form the central water and park landscape. The Source Savonneuse can be accessed from or near the Parc Thermal and is close to the multipurpose hall. The stream connects the spring to the park landscape, while the lake, island and kiosk complete the park’s setting.
The Pavillon des Sources hosts themed exhibitions and water tastings. Individual visits are possible without a guide; guided tours are available on request. Visits to the Parc Thermal and the Pavillon des Sources take place throughout the summer during the pavilion’s opening hours. Check the latest dates before travelling so you can take the seasonal visiting schedule into account when planning your trip.
Hiking and other activities
The easy Sentier du Haumont starts in Martigny-Les-Bains, is 8.9 kilometres long and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route passes through the former thermal spa, which enjoyed its heyday at the beginning of the 20th century and was nicknamed “Le petit Versailles thermal”; at Haumont, it offers a viewpoint. The planning details vary in precision: 8.9 kilometres is the route length, while the duration is explicitly approximate. You can therefore treat the walk as one part of your itinerary without taking the estimated time as a fixed duration.
Vosges Plaine Paramoteur adds an aerial activity to the mix: the provider has a location in Martigny-Les-Bains or Neufchâteau and offers paramotor flights, introductory flights and recreational flights with a qualified flight instructor. Check availability with the provider before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Maurice-Sur-Moselle, Bussang, Le Valtin, Fremontaine, Saint-Pierremont, Thaon-Les-Vosges, Ramonchamp, Bouzemont.
For the regional travel overview: Vosges.
