Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
64 mi2 mi
History and Relaxation at Salines Les Bains
Today you will be exploring some of France's fascinating history that is related to one of the most precious commodities since human existence - salt. Also known as "white gold" the town of Salines Les Bains is one of the oldest salt mines in France and Europe. First, you will stop off at a 12th century castle, that was used as a lookout point to monitor the 'salt road' coming from the Salines.
You will dive into the history of salt extraction and production by visiting the famous salt mine at Salines Les Bains. Here you will enjoy a history tour through it's underground process and be amazed at the evolution of this precious and much needed substance for humans. Finally, you will be able to experience for yourself the healing waters that this town offers by visiting the local spa and experience its therapeutic benefits.
You will dive into the history of salt extraction and production by visiting the famous salt mine at Salines Les Bains. Here you will enjoy a history tour through it's underground process and be amazed at the evolution of this precious and much needed substance for humans. Finally, you will be able to experience for yourself the healing waters that this town offers by visiting the local spa and experience its therapeutic benefits.
22.5 mi
40 min
09:1530 min
Réserve Écologique des Maillys
Park
Open Details
Stop of for a breather at this ecological reserve where you can observe a variety of wildlife on the lake, especially interesting birds. Bring binoculars for a better view.
36 mi
1 hr 10 min
11:001 hr
Château de Vaulgrenant
Landmark
Open Details
Arrive at your first visit, that houses the remains of a medieval 12th century castle that was once used as a monitoring tower to overlook the salt and water road from the Salins.
The castle is looked after by a group of volunteers who gather at least four times per year and create camps for other volunteers to join and carry out development work to maintain and preserve the castle and its remains.
Spend some time learning and exploring the past of this region and what the locals are doing in order to preserve this important part of the French history.
To get there take the municipal road to the hamlet of Vaulgrenant and its car park. The other closest carpark is in the town of Mouchard.
The castle is looked after by a group of volunteers who gather at least four times per year and create camps for other volunteers to join and carry out development work to maintain and preserve the castle and its remains.
Spend some time learning and exploring the past of this region and what the locals are doing in order to preserve this important part of the French history.
To get there take the municipal road to the hamlet of Vaulgrenant and its car park. The other closest carpark is in the town of Mouchard.
5.5 mi
15 min
12:155 min
Parking autocars
Parking
Open Details
You will be spending the remainder of your day at Salines Les Bains. Park your car here, to enjoy the day on foot.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:251 hr 30 min
Restaurant Pizzeria des Salines
Restaurant
Open Details
Stop of at this great pizzeria place, that is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Offering a range local dishes and delicious pizzas, it's a great way to recharge for the rest of the day.
Open Hours: Friday-Wednesday: 12:00-13:30; 19:00-20:30 Thursday: closed
Open Hours: Friday-Wednesday: 12:00-13:30; 19:00-20:30 Thursday: closed
0.1 mi
5 min
14:001 hr 30 min
Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains
Landmark
Open Details
The Salt Museum has made this town one of the most important in all of France. Grande Saline have existed since the 8th century, where the natural salty waters from the underground had been used to extract salt, that has been a prized commodity also known as "white gold", because it is essential for all human life. Spend the afternoon learning about how our ancestors had been producing this precious substance and see the evolution of this World Heritage site.
Open Hours: Dec-March: Everyday: 10:00-12:00; 14:00-17:30 April, May, June, Sep, Oct: Everyday: 09:30-18:30 July - August: Everyday: 09:30-19:00
There are also guided tours in English every day. For the full schedule visit here
Open Hours: Dec-March: Everyday: 10:00-12:00; 14:00-17:30 April, May, June, Sep, Oct: Everyday: 09:30-18:30 July - August: Everyday: 09:30-19:00
There are also guided tours in English every day. For the full schedule visit here
0.7 mi
15 min
15:452 hrs 30 min
ThermaSalina
Spa
Open Details
Experience the healing waters of the Salines at this popular spa. Due to the natural properties of the water in this area, being rich in mineral composition, the thermal water of the Salines contains many therapeutic benefits sought after by people who want to improve their health the natural way. Some of the benefits are said to improve sleep and lower stress levels. Spend the last part of your day here to unwind and allow the natural water to replenish your body.
The spa also has a number of different treatments that can be combined with the use of the spa and must be booked in advance here
Open Hours: Monday-Saturday: 14:30-18.30 Sunday: 09:30-11:45; 14:00-17:30
The spa also has a number of different treatments that can be combined with the use of the spa and must be booked in advance here
Open Hours: Monday-Saturday: 14:30-18.30 Sunday: 09:30-11:45; 14:00-17:30
0.5 mi
10 min
18:3030 min
Chapelle Notre-Dame-Libératrice de Salins-les-Bains
Church
Open Details
Built in the 17th century, this chapel was created to thank the Virgin Liberator for protecting the city from years of war and famine. It features a beautiful oval plan structure and dome covered with glazed tiles. Spend time absorbing the energy of this sacred place and learning more about the history of the town here.
0.3 mi
10 min
19:1045 min
Salins-les-Bains
Landmark
Open Details
This lookout point provides great views of Salines town and the beautiful mountains around it. Spend some time here to enjoy the peace and quite of the region.
0.3 mi
10 min
20:101 hr 30 min
Restaurant Chez Karine à Salins-les-Bains
Restaurant
Open Details
Dine in at one of the town’s best family-run restaurants. Chez Karine offers a vast range of local cuisine made up of delicious french dishes for a very good price. You can enjoy the view from the terrace as you eat and absorb the the atmosphere of this special place.
Open Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:00-21:00 Saturday: 06:00-23:00 Sunday: closed
Book your place in advance, to avoid disappointment. Visit here
Open Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:00-21:00 Saturday: 06:00-23:00 Sunday: closed
Book your place in advance, to avoid disappointment. Visit here
0.5 mi
10 min
22:0010 hrsHotels
Logis Grand Hôtel Des Bains
8.2
Check in at this wonderful hotel for the evening, which is just minutes away from the centre and main attractions of the town. They also offer a number of facilities such as gym, indoor pool and a sauna, should you want to continue your relaxing experience for the day.