Spa

Spa is a Belgian town, located in the Province of Liège, and is the town which gave its name to every spa in the world. The town of Spa is situated in a valley in the Ardennes Mountains 35 kilometres (22 miles) southeast of Liège and 45 kilometres (28 miles) southwest of Aachen.

In 2006, Spa had a population of 10,543 and an area of 39.85 square kilometres (15.39 square miles), giving a population density of 265 inhabitants per km².

Spa is one of Belgium's main tourist cities. The town of Spa is famous for its several natural mineral springs, and is also the location of mineral water producer Spa, whose mineral water is exported worldwide. Nearby Spa, in the village of Francorchamps, the renowned Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is situated, which hosts the annual Formula One Belgian Grand Prix.

History

As the famed site of healing cold springs, Spa has been frequented as a watering-place since as early as the 14th century. Though other sources of healing mineral springs have become famous throughout the world, it is the town of Spa which has become eponymous with any place having a natural water source that is believed to possess special health-giving properties, as a spa. The Spa town grew at that time, in the oldest iron and steel center of the country of Liege. The ban Spa, was created around 1335 and included two urban concentrations, "vilhe of Creppe" and "vilhe" Spas, two kilometers away. The steel industry prior to the exploitation of mineral water developed lines of communication, which made possible the development of the spa town.

Pliny the Elder, noted "In Tongrie, country of Gaul, there is a famous source, whose water, while sparkling bubbles, a ferruginous taste that is, however, feel that when we finished drinking. This water purges the body, cures fevers and dispels calculous affections."(C lib.XXXI VIII).

In 1559 appeared in the famous work of Gilbert Lymborh "Fountains acids of the Ardennes forest and primarily those located in Spa." It was translated into Latin, Italian and Spanish.

In 1547 already, Agustino, physician to the King of England, Henry VIII, was staying at Spa and helped give knowledge to the world of the value of the Spa water.

In July 1565 the gentry of the provinces met in Spa under the pretext of taking the waters.

It is in the hotel "Aux Armes of England" it was agreed to oppose the edicts of Philip II which were austere and intolerant; this is the history "Compromise of Nobles."

In 1654, the stay of Charles II of England in Spa brought even greater fame.

From 1699, a postal system is set up between Spa and the outside world.

20th Century

In 1918, the German Army established its principal Headquarters in Spa, and it was from here that the delegates set out for the French lines to meet Marshal Foch and sue for peace in the consultations leading up to the Armistice which ended the First World War.

During the Great War of 1914-1918, Spa was an important German convalescent hospital town from 1914 to 1917.

The general headquarters of Kaiser Wilhelm II was, in 1918, the last place where he resided before his removal due to the German surrender.

In July 1920 it hosted the Spa Conference, a meeting of the Supreme Council. German delegates were invited to this to discuss war reparations.

World War II saw Spa reoccupied by the Germans but escaped the Battle of the Bulge in 1945 that stopped, luckily for her, just at its gates.

The Marshall Plan, helped Belgium to recover quickly. 1950 and 1960, gradually led to the development of mass tourism. These are the decades of social tourism as well, with an attendance of more and more Flemish and Dutch customers, while the Walloon went en mass to the Belgian coast in Flanders. Tourism relaxation takes over the thermal aspect of Spa.

May 17, 1983 to mark the 400th anniversary of the export of Spa waters, HM King Baudouin visited the new facilities of the Spa Monopole SA, the Henrijean Hydrology Institute and the Thermal Establishment. A special train Brussels-Spa led the morning delegates and foreign and Belgian journalists. On behalf of the European Association and the European Union Sources of natural mineral water which is headquartered in Paris, Paul Bordier, president at the annual conference of the association, gave, on the train a conference dealing with the European mineral water market. Then, arriving by helicopter, King Baudouin landed in the park fermière Company and visited the city and its tourist facilities and spa.

The years 1980 and 1990, announced the beginning of an infrastructure renewal and Spa radiation. The first Beauty pageant in the world was the Concours de Beauté, held in Spa on 19 September 1888.

In 1994, a new French song festival is created: the "Francofolies"; in 2007, 150,000 spectators attend the festival.

In 1997, the area of Spa-Bérinzenne opens the Education Centre on the environment one of whose specialties is water.

Twenty-first century

In 2005, a new center "thermoludism" was born on the hill of Annette and Lubin with panoramic views of the city. It is directly linked by funicular to the heart of the city and a new Luxury hotel. In late 2006, a new hydrotherapy Center opened on  the Hill of Annette and Lubin with thermal pools, a fitness and Relaxation area and a center of wellness and beauty.  The Spa baths are led by the French group Eurothermes.

In 2007, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit completely renewed its infrastructure to comply with the best international standards, allowing it to continue to host each year, the Formula One Grand Prix 1 in Belgium, in addition to many other sporting events.

Festivals

The Francofolies of Spa, created in 1994 as the ‘Francofolies of La Rochelle’ and following the festival of French song introduced to Spa in the 1970s, brought together more than 175,000 visitors in July 2010. The Francofolies of Spa have become over the years an enterprise generating several permanent jobs as well as temporary jobs for the inhabitants of the region during the period of the festival.  The economic benefits for the municipality are not negligible both in terms of image for hospitality and Spa trade.  The Francofolies of Spa, has more than 250 concerts over five days.  The festival includes the annual Spa Theatre, created in 1959, Autumn music Spa, and classical music festival, established in 1985, and is also held annually.  The Spa Film Festival, created in 2003, continues to grow.

Casinos

Since the 18th century casinos have also been located in the town.

The current casino of Spa, in the sense of game rooms, is the heir to the oldest casino in the world with the deads created at Spa in 1763.  It has been managed since February 2004 by the Circus Belgium s. Group.

The hotel is open 365 days a year and offers: English Roulette, Black Jack, Stud Poker, Cash Games and slot machines.  It also hosts Belgium poker Championship.  The casino is controlled by the Ministry of Justice.  A dress code is required.  The casino has a restaurant and bar and several hotels are located nearby.

Interesting facts

Spa has the oldest casino in the world with the deads, created at Spa in 1763.

The first Beauty pageant in the world was the Concours de Beauté was held in Spa on 19 September 1888.

Tourism

Centers of interest Spa throughout the year, are multiple: to nature lovers for long walks in the high fens, to fans of formula 1, through the Francofolies Festival, lovers or families wishing to enjoy a beautiful holiday in the Ardennes, not to mention a spa fitness break.

The tourism office of Spa, Address: place Royale, 41, occupying the former small-games Pavilion, offers 365 days per year not only tourist details but also a shop, rental equipment for events in its territory and an art gallery

Amenities

The association of hoteliers and restaurateurs of Spa and its surroundings (AHRS Spa) was created in 1905.

The hotel sector has a full range of categories; 2-4 star hotels, guest rooms and charming cottages offer different categories and there is Camping in the Park des Sources.

For sports or cultural events or school holiday periods, it happens regularly that Spa accommodation is close to saturation.  The surrounding communities of Jalhay, Stavelot, Theux and three-Deckers, also fortunately helps to meet demand with a variety of places to stay on offer. 

The restaurant industry follows this wide range of tourists, gourmet restaurants, mainly French and regional cuisine, breweries, six pizzerias, five food stall snack or three Chinese restaurants.  Six hotels have their own restaurants, a dozen pastries and ice cream parlors open their tea room for some sweet treats specific to the region.

Visit

Circuit de Spa Francorchamps

(Belgium Grand Prix)

Well know for its fantastic circuit but many tourists complain at the lack of organisation & facilities and over priced food & beverage, many recommend taking a picnics (No glass Bottles Please).

 Les Theremes de Spa, taking the funicular railway up the hill (3Euros each for a return ticket). With onsite restaurant. 20 Euros each for the Spa, bring your own towels and swimwear or towels, robes, slippers etc. available to buy or hire if needed. You receive a round token which gives you access through the gates - Any food or drink is charged against the token then you pay the difference at a machine in the changing rooms before leaving.
Changing rooms are large and clean (locks are under the benches in the changing rooms) There are plenty of large lockers available too. The spa offers pool facilities, the UV herbes des Alps relaxation room, other relaxation lounges, sauna and steam rooms as well as the outside pool facilities (including lazy river). The 20Euros covers the first 3 hours.

LE MUSEE DE LA VILLE D’EAUX

(The Museum of the city of waters)

 Located in the central wing of the Royal Villa, this museum space includes:

 The Jolités of Spa this permanent exhibit traces the evolution of a typical Spa craftsmanship: the work of the 'Spa wood.  Considered by some antique dealers as one of the peaks of the Walloon know-how in decorative arts (on par with the Val Saint Lambert Crystal), the production of  "boxes " of Spa is attested early in the 17th century. 

This craft has experienced an evolution marked by technical and stylistic changes.  Three hundred boxes (boxes for sewing, tea, quadrille, candy boxes...) and other objects (cases, bellows, screens...) illustrate the metamorphoses of this industry of art.

The temporary exhibition rooms, an exhibition annually carried out, in whole or in part, with the collections of the Museum of the city of water reserves.  It deals with very varied themes, having always a direct relationship with the city of Spa or region. 

Evocation of mineral waters this space, dedicated to the different sources and mineral waters that made the reputation of the city of waters, evokes very superficially different places of cure, treatment and marketing of spadoises mineral waters consumed, even today, worldwide.

Evocation of the Queen Marie-Henriette a few portraits and watercolours, remind Spa of the stay of this unknown Queen, wife of Leopold II, who lived the last seven years of his life in the Royal villa and breathed his last on September 19, 1902.

Entrance: 4 Euro

Pouhon Pierre le Grand      (Tourist information centre)

1Euro entry-fee for seeing the famous Spa source, tasting the water straight from the source, reading about its history in a nice brochure while leaning on the 1717 stone pedestal, while admiring the beautiful architecture of the building.
The water is direct from the source and still includes sulfur, iron and magnesium. So yes, it smells like rotten eggs on a fish market. But it tastes good. Leave your thoughts and inspiration in the guest-book.
Entry is via the tourist information in the center of Spa, at walking distance of the Casino and most everything else. For a few Euro's more, you can enter the Miro and/or Andy Warhol exhibit.

Musée de la lessive

(The laundry and the life of the washerwomen Museum!)

Located in Spa, the Perle of the bulge, our Museum offers a journey through time, from antiquity to our days, exploring the evolution of SOAP, linen laundry techniques, ironing but also of the conditions of life and work of the washerwomen. Open from 2pm-6pm.

Address:   Musée de la lessive, 10 Rue Hanster, 4900 Spa

Skydive Spa

An unforgettable experience. Tandem skydive with a highly qualified instructor

Nature, Walking & Cycling

Lac de Warfaaz  is a lovely lake to have a slow stroll around. You can hire a peddalo for 5 Euros for 30 minutes and enjoyed a little paddle around the lake and fountain.
If you have a license you can fish at the lake.
A lovely place for a stroll with the family or a bike ride. You can make of it what you want with some lovely restaurants on the lake side and nearby. Plentiful parking a short stroll from the lake itself. Recommended if you're in the area and want somewhere to escape it all.

RAVeL was constructed over an old train line and offers an excellent trail with magnificent views, including the race circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. If you like a bike, rent one and go! It is about 15 km from near Lake Warfaaz downhill to Spa. No hiking boots needed, this is a semi-hard path and not a trail.

This route connects Bastogne in the south with Malmedy in the north east, with another route going to Gouvy.
Since it is based on the old rail track, it is not hilly at all -- a great plus in an area where the hills can reduce a cyclist to tears... It is also very smooth, well maintained asphalt: again a major contrast to the regular road network. Also a lot of trees along the way, so some shade.
Just outside of Bastogne, the route passes the St Jacques Woods, scene of a major battle in WWII.

Domaine de Berinzenne Walks both in the FENS (with its observation tower) and in the woods on the heights of Spa.  There are rides for everyone.  Children, elderly, walkers, cyclists.... The Museum of the forest is also an interesting activity on-site.  Nice piece of nature in the middle of the Woods the paths quite accessible and clean for walk or bike.  There is something for everyone with paths marked out and kilometers: choose and take a walk. 

The Tower of Berinzenne which has a beautiful view of 360 degrees and 4 plates of orientation to each floor. In addition next to the entrance of the field, barbecue facilities are provided.

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spa,_Belgium

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