It is in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, in the south of France, in an unspoiled natural environment, that this gift of nature, the Avène Thermal Spring Water, springs up. We owe it to ourselves to understand this exceptional water. We must also ensure its permanence and purity, so that it continues to be safe for treating sensitive skin, and respect its environment.
Avène Thermal Spring Water emerges at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, mountain and continental climates, in Occitanie, in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park. The richness of the biodiversity and the low level of human activity create a protective environment. From the impluvium, a natural area for collecting rainwater, a spontaneous and virtuous process begins: travelling from here for more than 50 years, deep through the heart of the Dolomites, the Avène Thermal Spring Water emerges, rich in benefits, at a constant temperature, composition and flow, at the Sainte-Odile source.
The Avène-les-Bains impluvium covers 27 km². This is where the rainwater starts its long journey and feeds the Avène Thermal Spring Water reservoir. The Avène-les-Bains impluvium has a rich biodiversity and 76% of it is made up of forests. Beyond the actions that we set up on the thermal park to preserve it, we are working with the local actors to collectively define a sustainable management plan for this exceptional territory.
The Water Research Center ensures the control and monitoring of Avène Thermal Spring Water, develops knowledge about its origins and ensures its impluvium is protected. The Avène Hydrotherapy Center is the only one in France to benefit from the expertise of a Water Research Center. The centre carries out an average of 40,000 checks per year to guarantee the quality of the thermal spring water. It is accredited by the Cofrac in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for its physical-chemical and microbiological sampling and analysis activities. The Water Laboratory also works with local actors to carry out studies and research on and for the territory and carries out activities in support of the sustainable management of resources. The Water Research Center also spreads knowledge about water and Avène Thermal Spring Water through awareness-raising activities.
For more than 30 years, at the thermal site, we have been making a positive contribution to the challenges of sustainable development to preserve the environment and the resources of Avène-les-Bains. We have an ISO 14001 certified production plant, a thermal park with refuge status from LPO (League for the Protection of Birds), sustainable watering and sustainable forest management. We are implementing actions to minimise our environmental footprint, participate in the economic and social life of the region and enhance the heritage and biodiversity of our sites.
They know the importance of respecting ecosystems, biodiversity, soils and subsoils for maintaining the balance of Avène Thermal Spring Water. They take care to involve themselves in environmental and social issues and to act sustainably on a daily basis. Discover the interview with experts and what they’re doing to preserve the environment and the resources of Avène-les-Bains.
