There are well marked out walking routes that take you along part of the river, up on to the old railway bridge giving some great views. There is a nearby riding school, fitness centre and the
river with its man-made beach provides great place to cool off in the height of summer. Yes, this little town is full of
surprises!
Perhaps a more well-known offering of La Roche-Posay
is
its world-famous thermal spa and mineral waters
which have been enjoyed
for over five centuries. It is the source of a thermal spring
that is very rich in selenium, a trace element with
numerous therapeutic and dermatological benefits.
Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, the knight
Bertrand Du Guesclin stopped near the spring to let his
horse drink and to quench his own thirst. The horse, who
suffered from eczema, plunged into the water and came
out cured.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon,
upon his return from Egypt, had a thermal hospital built
at La Roche-Posay to treat the skin diseases of his
soldiers.
