Take advantage of your vacation in Arcachon to visit the Ville de Printemps, famous for its Pereire beach, the Moulleau district and… the Source des Abatilles. For a century, this pure, light natural mineral water has been recognized for its therapeutic virtues. Discover it!
A story that’s been flowing for 100 years
The Abatilles spring was discovered by chance in 1923 by engineer Louis Lemariè, while drilling for oil in the Arcachon basin. Surprisingly, at a depth of 472 metres, a column of sulphurous hot water at 25°C gushed out at a height of seven metres, at a rate of 70,000 liters per hour! As the discoverer was from Brittany, he named the spring Sainte Anne, in homage to the last Duchess of Brittany. The spring was exploited in 1925, and the mineral water was marketed under the brand name “Abatilles Sainte Anne”.
A unique natural heritage
Before it was a mineral industry, the Source Sainte Anne des Abatilles was a rare resource in the natural heritage of the Bay of Arcachon. Every drop comes from the rains of the Massif Central, which seep through the soil, travelling a kilometer every 300 years! Les Abatilles natural mineral water travels a long way through rock, sand and clay, where it becomes enriched with minerals.
Water full of life
Recognized early on by the medical profession for its therapeutic properties,Eau des Abatilles was awarded the title of “Eau de Santé” by the Bordeaux Academy of Medicine in 1925. At the time, the famous Arcachon water was sold in bottles in pharmacies to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatism, kidney failure, urinary stones and hypertension.
Low in mineral content, rich in silicon and low in calcium, Abatilles natural water is appreciated for its neutral taste, as well as its draining and detoxifying properties. It facilitates the elimination of toxins without any metabolic effort for the body. The Société Thermale des Abatilles was born in 1925.
Société Thermale des Abatilles
Inaugurated on April 12, 1926, the Société Thermale des Abatilles was a great success until 1939. The thermal establishment, its kiosk and landscaped grounds attracted curists from all over the world, as well as celebrities from all walks of life who came to Arcachon to treat themselves and party! The refreshment bar, still open today, is always busy. The spa closed its doors in 1964 to concentrate on the production of drinking water. Today, almost 50 million bottles of still and sparkling water leave the Source des Abatilles factory every year. Its original packaging reflects the codes of Bordeaux wines.
Guided tour of the spring
Looking for an original way to spend your camping vacation in Arcachon? Just a stone’s throw from the Abatilles beach and Arcachon’s pretty villas, the Abatilles factory can be visited all year round. A unique outing open to all, to discover the drilling site, the production workshop, the small historical museum and the photo exhibition retracing the saga of Les Abatilles. Bonus: a tasting of the famous sparkling water, straight from the source. Drink without moderation!
Practical info: Guided tour every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 11:30am, €7 per person, free for children under 12, booking through Arcachon Tourist Office (05 57 52 97 97), address: 157 boulevard de la Côte d’Argent, 33120 Arcachon. Further information: www.sourcedesabatilles.com