Crossed by the Pique river, which winds its way through the rocks before joining the Garonne, Bagnères-de-Luchon has been a magnet for travelers, writers and royalty for centuries. Louis-Napoléon, Lamartine, Flaubert, Dumas and Rostand all came here to "take the waters" and have immortalized it in their writings. Renowned throughout Europe for its ENT and rheumatology treatments, Luchon is as much an invitation to relax as it is to discover. From the elegant Allées d'Étigny, lined with linden trees and 19th-century hotels, to the Parc des Quinconces, the majestic Chambert spa and its vaporarium - a natural hammam unique in Europe - the town reveals a rich heritage and a singular art of living. What to do and see in Bagnères-de-Luchon? In this article, we take you on a tour of the town's 10 must-sees.
1. Take the little train to visit the town
Ideal for a first discovery of Bagnères-de-Luchon, the little tourist train takes you effortlessly through the town's emblematic sites. From the comfort of your seat, you can wander along the allées d'Étigny, admire Belle Époque facades, skirt lush green parks and catch a glimpse of the Chambert thermal baths, all the while enjoying audio commentaries recounting the rich history of this renowned spa resort. Fun and accessible to all, this little train tour is perfect for getting your bearings as soon as you arrive, especially if you're traveling with the family or want a quiet visit before exploring the town on foot.
2. Follow the allées d'Etigny, lined with lime trees and 19th-century hotels
The backbone of Bagnères-de-Luchon, the allées d'Etigny offer an elegant stroll steeped in history. Lined with lime trees and former 19th-century palaces, they bear witness to the town's splendor in the days when high society came to take the waters. Strolling along this avenue is like stepping back in time, between opulent facades, lively terraces and historic buildings. You'll come across the tourist office, the casino, boutiques and charming cafés where you can take a break. The backdrop of mountains and spa architecture is simply sublime.
3. See the beautiful Chambert thermal baths building and the vaporarium
It's impossible to visit Bagnères-de-Luchon without stopping in front of the Chambert thermal baths, a majestic 19th-century building that embodies the town's spa tradition. Its elegant architecture, a blend of neoclassical style and Belle Époque influences, makes it one of Luchon's most emblematic monuments. But beyond its facade, the building houses a unique feature in Europe: the vaporarium, a natural hammam carved into the rock, where thermal steam flows directly from underground springs. This unique relaxation experience attracts spa-goers and visitors alike to Bagnères-de-Luchon, one of the world's top spa destinations!
4. Stroll through the Parc des Quinconce
Just a stone's throw from the allées d'Étigny, the Parc des Quinconces offers a haven of greenery ideal for a quiet break. Created in the 19th century, this vast wooded area takes its name from the geometric layout of its trees planted in staggered rows, forming beautiful perspectives. Stroll in the shade of the century-old plane trees, sit on a bench to read or watch the mountains, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, often enlivened by cultural events in summer. It's also a great place to stop off for a visit to the thermal baths or to start a walk to the mountains.
To help you organize your stay, take a look at our article What to do and see in Haute-Garonne? The 13 must-sees.
5. What to do in Bagnères-de-Luchon? Visit the Léon Elissalde aeronautical museum
This museum, inaugurated in 1991 shortly before the death of Léon Elissalde, exhibits documents and parts of planes that crashedin the Bagnères-de-Luchon region during the Second World War. It also features a flight simulator. Léon Elissalde, better known as Léon du Blayais, was a flight mechanic during tests at Latécoère. A reserve officer in the French Air Force and a member of the Royal Air Force, he was also a battalion commander in the Forces françaises de l'intérieur (FFI). In 1955, he founded the Aéro-Club de Luchon and the association of Pyrenean mountain pilots.
6. A fun and educational way to discover hydroelectricity
Fed by water from the Lac d'Oô dam, this power station built in 1921 supplies electricity to the equivalent of a town of 30,000 inhabitants. It is also an ideal starting point for hikers, combining nature discovery and industrial heritage. EDF's "Espace EDF" offers a fun and educational visit, providing a better understanding of the workings of hydroelectricity, a renewable, high-powered form of energy. The highlight of the visit is the engine room, where you can get a close-up view of the installations in operation. Temporary exhibitions (photographs, paintings, etc.) enrich the cultural experience.
7. What to do in Bagnères-de-Luchon? Take your first paragliding flight
Want to take to the skies and discover the Pyrenees from above? Soaring is a specialized paragliding school and boutique in Luchon offering first flights that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Accompanied by a qualified instructor, you'll fly over the valley in optimal conditions, chosen according to the weather to guarantee safety and pleasure. Accessible to all, even inexperienced pilots, tandem flights let you experience the first sensations of freedom at altitude, against the backdrop of the Pyrenean peaks. For the more inquisitive, we offer discovery days, progression courses and even trekking and bivouac flights on the GR10 and abroad. Supervised by a team of enthusiasts, this adventure is the ideal opportunity to get a taste of adrenalin while being perfectly accompanied.
8. The Jouéou arboretum, a unique botanical heritage
Founded in 1928 by Professor Henri Gaussen, the Jouéou arboretum is part of the scientific collection of Toulouse's Paul-Sabatier University. It is recognized as a "National Collection" in particular for its remarkable diversity of conifers, representing 250 different taxa. More than a thousand specimens were originally introduced from seeds collected around the world by famous explorers and botanists. The collection is divided into two parts:
- The large arboretum, mainly conifers from North America and Eurasia.
- The "bizarretum", an original section bringing together different races and varieties of the same species, from a variety of origins, enabling invaluable scientific comparisons.
This arboretum represents a unique botanical heritage, which for decades has been a major field of scientific discovery and study.
Read more : What to see and do in the Pyrenees? The 20 most beautiful places to visit
9. Visit Bagnères-de-Luchon church
Built in the mid-19th century by architect Loupot, today's neo-Romanesque historicist church stands on the site of a former Romanesque collegiate church. Among the building's highlights, don't miss the Saint-Béat marble north portal, dated 1541, a precious vestige of the past. Inside, there are a number of eye-catching works: frescoes by Romain Cazes, stained glass windows by Ernest de Nozan, and above all the organ case by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the famous French organ builder.
10. See animals from the Pyrenees in semi-liberty at Aran Park
This animal park offers a delightful stroll to meet the emblematic species of the Pyrenees, in a wooded, unspoilt setting 20 minutes' drive from Bagnères-de-Luchon. The animals evolve in semi-liberty, offering a close and respectful observation of their natural environment. The fully concreted, stroller-accessible trail takes you on a journey of discovery of many species: vultures, herbivores, white wolves, brown bears, Canadian wolves, lynx, capercaillie, hazel grouse, marmots and otters. There's also a mushroom trail, and a mini-farm ideal for the little ones. The tour ends with a museum and souvenir store.
Good to know: In spring, don't miss the chance to meet the park's newborns - a particularly touching moment for young and old alike.
Where to stay in Bagnères-de-Luchon?
Bagnères-de-Luchon offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is a selection of options to help you plan your stay:
- The safe bet: Hotel des Deux Nations
Bookable herethe Hotel des Deux Nations isa traditional family-run hotel with rooms and restaurant inthe heart of Luchon . It's right in the heart of Luchon, close to the market and cable cars, but in a quiet street. The thermal baths are around 600 meters away and the restaurant, open to all, is one of the town's most popular eateries.
- The best location in relation to the thermal baths: Hôtel d'Étigny
Bookable here, the Hôtel d'Étigny is a magnificent 19th-century boutique hotel opposite the Luçon thermal baths , immersing you in an elegant atmosphere with its plush lounges and spacious, cosy rooms that have retained a certain retro style. A nice surprise awaits you in the garden: a heated outdoor swimming pool. We also appreciated the hospitality of the owners.
- The perfect option for travelers with pets: the Alti Hôtel
Bookable right here, hotel Alti is located in the heart of Luchon, right next to the thermal baths and just a hundred meters from the Super-Bagnères gondola lift. The hotel also boasts a heated indoor pool and fitness room. A little extra: pets are allowed and reception is very friendly.
