Publié le : 28 mai 2026
In the heart of Vals-les-Bains, the Grand Hôtel des Bains has upheld a tradition of hospitality and elegance for more than 160 years. A true local institution, this character-filled hotel has belonged to the same family for four generations. Even today, the establishment preserves the spirit of the grand holiday residences that made the spa towns of Ardèche famous in the 19th century.
Built around 1860 during the reign of Napoleon III, the hotel is said to have been constructed to welcome Empress Eugénie de Montijo during her stays in the region. This prestigious history can still be felt today in the building’s architecture, which has retained all the charm and refinement of Victorian style. High ceilings, elegant spaces, a cosy atmosphere and historical character immediately give guests the feeling of staying in a place steeped in history.
But the Grand Hôtel des Bains does not live solely in the memory of its past. The establishment has evolved with the times in order to offer visitors all the modern comfort expected today. The hotel features 65 fully equipped rooms, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning and television. An elevator also provides easy access to all floors, allowing every guest to fully enjoy their stay in the best possible conditions.
The common areas also contribute to the unique experience of the place. The elegant lounge invites guests to relax in a warm and authentic atmosphere, while the large shaded terrace becomes a true haven of peace during sunny days. Between excursions in Ardèche or after a day of sightseeing, visitors can also enjoy a massage cabin located directly within the hotel for a moment of complete relaxation.
The estate is not limited to the historic hotel. It also offers a varied range of accommodations with 12 studio cottages, 5 one-bedroom cottages and 7 two-bedroom cottages, ideal for families, longer stays or travelers seeking greater independence. This vast estate can therefore welcome couples on romantic getaways as well as groups, families and spa guests.
For relaxation, the Grand Hôtel des Bains benefits from particularly appreciated facilities. Guests have access to three swimming pools, including a semi-covered heated pool that can be enjoyed in every season. Just 200 meters from the establishment is the Spa Séquoia Redwood, a renowned wellness center in the region that perfectly complements the hotel’s relaxation offerings.
Staying at the Grand Hôtel des Bains also means discovering one of Ardèche’s emblematic destinations. Vals-les-Bains is a charming spa town located in southeastern Ardèche, in the heart of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Natural Park. Renowned for its thermal waters since the 19th century, the town still retains the elegant atmosphere typical of historic spa resorts.
Crossed by the Volane and Besorgue rivers and bordered by the Ardèche River, Vals-les-Bains offers an exceptional natural setting. Its lively streets, markets, terraces and famous tree-lined park make it a particularly pleasant destination throughout the year. The town has also received several prestigious distinctions, including the “Plus Beaux Détours de France” label and its inclusion in the Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central.
One of the Grand Hôtel des Bains’ greatest assets is its ideal geographical location for discovering all the treasures of Ardèche. From the hotel, visitors can easily explore the famous Ardèche Gorges, a must-see natural site known for its spectacular landscapes, towering cliffs and outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking.
The establishment is also an excellent starting point for exploring southern Ardèche, its picturesque villages, Provençal markets and sun-drenched landscapes. Between scrublands, lavender fields, olive trees and vineyards, this part of the department charms visitors with its distinctly southern atmosphere.
But Ardèche is not limited to its sunny south. From Vals-les-Bains, it is just as easy to reach the Ardèche mountains, locally known as “the plateau.” This wilder and more authentic Ardèche reveals vast pastures, preserved forests, volcanic lakes and breathtaking panoramas. Nature lovers, hikers, cyclists and motorcyclists will find an exceptional playground here in every season.
This diversity of landscapes makes Ardèche a unique destination in France, capable of appealing both to lovers of relaxation and enthusiasts of outdoor activities and heritage. And at the heart of this multifaceted region, the Grand Hôtel des Bains stands as an ideal address to fully experience the Ardèche lifestyle.
Between history, Victorian charm, family tradition and modern comfort, this emblematic establishment continues to uphold the art of hospitality after four generations, in an exceptional natural setting.