© Guillaume Hareux

Located between the Touraine and Poitou regions, La Roche-Posay is a charming town in the Vienne region, renowned for its thermal cures and its water with therapeutic properties. A destination to join quickly for a relaxing weekend, and which does not miss activities! A medieval city nestled in a green setting, you should not miss the opportunity to discover its heritage and to explore its surrounding nature. La Roche-Posay is also one of the French cities with an 18-hole golf course, a casino and a racetrack, all of which invite you to have fun with your partner, family or friends around the little white ball, games, without forgetting the horse races. Do you want to feel good and have fun during a weekend in the sun? Here are 5 activities to discover at all costs during a getaway in La Roche-Posay.

1- An afternoon at the casino and an evening at the cabaret

© Casino de La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay has a casino open to the public 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 150 slot machines, English roulette, blackjack, Texas-hold'em Poker and Ultimate Poker where you can test your luck and set up winning strategies. A place with a friendly atmosphere that immerses us in the magical world of games. To end the day in beauty, there is nothing like joining the showroom for a dinner-cabaret in the purest tradition of Parisian revues. Between feathers, sequins, humor and elegance, we taste a tasty cuisine elaborated with fresh and seasonal products to live an unforgettable evening

2- Relaxation and well-being at the Spa Source

© 2022 – Centre Thermal La Roche-Posay

In a natural and sensory atmosphere, the Spa Source is a place to relax, with a thermal water pool, a hammam and a sauna. The Spa Source also offers à la carte treatments, a combination of expertise and well-being (face and body treatments), as well as themed days and stays: detox & balance, anti-stress & relaxation or vitality & renewal. These unique treatment protocols have been developed with a group of experts in dermatology and neuroscience to act on both the body and the mind. Relaxing baths, massages, bathing, we take advantage of the many virtues of "Eau de Velours" of La Roche-Posay to relax, take care of ourselves and let go

3- Discovering the heritage of La Roche-Posay

© Guillaume Hareux

During a weekend in La Roche-Posay, you should take the time to walk around this fortified town in the Middle Ages, of which there are still some superb remains. If the city was accessible by three gates in medieval times, only one of them is visible nowadays, the two others having disappeared. The Bourbon gate, from the 13th century, flanked by two towers, is integrated into the rampart and topped by a machicolation. The Notre-Dame church is another element of the heritage that cannot be ignored. Its 11th century bell tower, its nave, transept, choir and modern stained glass windows dating from 1948 are all elements to be examined in detail. The visit continues with the 12th century keep. 23 m high, it has kept its original narrow stairs. La Roche-Posay can be visited independently along its streets and alleys, but guided tours are also offered, with various themes such as medieval and thermalism.

4- Enjoy nature activities

© Office de tourisme de La Roche-Posay

Starting from downtown La Roche-Posay, several hiking trails crisscross the countryside of La Roche. Through the woods, along paths that run alongside the fields, passing by the banks and valleys of the Creuse River, these walks are an opportunity to connect with the green nature that surrounds the spa. When temperatures rise in the summer, the recreation area "La Baignade" on the banks of the Creuse is a great place to roll out a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the shade of majestic trees. Swimming (unsupervised), petanque, canoeing, relaxation at the water's edge, fixed and ephemeral games, the area is a delight for the whole family. To please the children, you can also go to the natural horse farm Les Grillaults, only 5 minutes from the center of La Roche-Posay. The place offers workshops at the educational farm, carriage rides in the countryside and even individual horse therapy sessions

5- Participate in unusual activities

© Guillaume Hareux

La Roche-Posay never ceases to surprise its visitors with a multitude of unusual activities to participate in during a stay. You can start by taking a ride on a gyropod through the town, the elegant Thermal Park and its French and English gardens, before heading out into the countryside to ride along fields and woods. You can also explore the countryside of La Roche-Posay on an electric scooter, another fun and ecological way to discover the natural environment surrounding La Roche-Posay. Looking for calm and well-being? Check theagenda of the Tourist Office to take part in a nature bath and awaken your senses and connect with the elements to feel their energy. An outing based on well-being where tranquillity reigns. For the amateurs, canoeing and kayaking trips are also available to explore the Anglin and Gartempe valleys, along the water. Finally, let's not leave La Roche-Posay without taking the time to participate in a relaxation workshop with the horse. The meeting with horses and ponies coupled with breathing and relaxation exercises is another way to connect with oneself, with the natural environment and to do good to one's body and mind