Spa Tourist Information

The little town of Spa with a population of less thanVilla de la Reine Marie-Henriette (wife of Leopold II,
11000 is a city of many distinctions. It is located inBelgium's second king). The villa now houses the
the Belgian province of Liège. People who live inpolice station, the court and two museums. One of
Spa are proud of their little town because it has beenthe museum display horses. The horse incidentally
acknowledged with many "firsts" in the world. It iswas the most important animal during those times on
Europe's oldest health resort. It is the world's firstwhich aristocrats and eminent people would come to
casino. No prizes for guessing that the word "spa" invisit Spa. The second museum "Musée de la
English originates from this place in Belgium.Ville d'Eaux" houses painted wooden objects that
The thermal springs in Spa, well known by the 16thserve as souvenirs of Spa. Interesting the word
century came to be the pride of the upper class bysouvenir has found its origins in Spa.
the late 18th century. Kings and people of highTo get a slice of history, especially the World War,
esteem like Tsar Peter of Russia, King Leopold II ofyou should visit the Hôtel Brittanique. Once upon
Belgium, Emperor Joseph II of Austria and writers likea time, the headquarters of the German Kaiser during
Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo came to take thethe occupation of the First World War, it is now a
waters of Spa. With a fascinating and lengthy history,boarding school. The evenings can be spent in grand
Spa was nicknamed as "The Cafe of Europe" due tostyle in idyllic surroundings as you take a walk along
its remarkable flow of visitors who came from nearthe Seven O' Clock Park. It is also known as the Park
and far to get treated by the natural waters of Spa.Royale. By the way, you also cannot afford to miss
Today the town has become eponymous with anyother delights like a ride in the sight seeing train and
place having a natural source of water, believed tovisiting the Sunday flea market.
have therapeutic and health boosting properties.Food and Drink:
Though Spa does not attract as many importantYou have heard it all along that Belgians take to beer
personalities and celebrities now, its bottled minerallike fish to water. However the fact is a bit
water "Spa" is one of the major sellers in Benelux,overrated because Belgians like healthy drinks and
Denmark and the UK. Spa boasts of a fabulousbeer is a favorite of many. However nobody can
countryside. Renting a mountain bike is common heredeny that there is no substitute in the world to the
as is cross-county skiing and ice-skating in winter. Spahealthiest drink in the world-water! Spa is the proud
is also well known for the Circuit demanufacturer of one of the most famous brands of
Spa-Francorchamps, which hosts the annual Formulamineral water in the world, called SPA. There is
One Belgian Grand Prix. A pride of Belgium, this townanother famous brand of mineral water called
is also known as the "Pearl of the Ardennes.""Chaudfontaine", named after the adjoining town of
Places of interest:the same name.
Thermes de Spa is a famous Spa center that canThe SPA water was already being exported in the
pamper you and cast your worries and stress away16th century and one of the chief patrons was the
as you surrender yourself to the peace and pleasureking of France, Henry III. A water exporting
of the elaborate Turkish baths, the royal Jacuzzi, thecompany called SPA-MONOPOLE was formed just
grand swimming pools and the mud baths to toneprior to the First World War. It still commands a
your face and improve your complexion. Indulgingmonopoly as the only exporting company of quality
yourself in the Spa will not only relax you and calmand healthy spa water.
those nerves but you will also feel healthy becausePeople in Spa actually like to drink to their health (no
the natural water has therapeutic properties to curepun intended) whether it is mineral water or beer. As
you of illnesses like swelling joints, blood pressure andfar as dishes are concerned, the citizens patronize
rheumatism.the regular Belgian variety. They love their fries with
The famous Leopold II gallery is a typical late 19thmussels, eel in green sauce, rabbit with plums and
century gallery that can be found in most healthmeat balls with "rabbit sauce."
resorts. There are a total of 160 columns to supportHotel and Accommodation:
the metal roof with a wooden ceiling. Initially, it wasRadisson SAS Balmoral
wonderfully decorated and lit with gas lanterns.Radisson SAS Palace Hotel
The Laundry museum consists of 25 rooms whichHotel le Relais
depicts the evolution of washing machines fromHotel Villa des Fleurs
Antiquity to the present era. You will be amazed toHotel La Heid des Pairs
see the functionality of ancient washing machines,Entertainment:
the ironing method and the processes involved withThe Grand Prix of Belgium enlivens the three 'e's in
washing clothes during the ancient times. You alsothe minds of people-excitement, emotion and
get to learn about the history of the soap and theentertainment. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit comes
laundry industry.alive as the stirring of the F1 cars echoes through the
The parc de sept heures (The seven o' Clock Park)Valley of Ardennes. It is not just a sporting event,
is quite famous for tourists as it is an age oldbut it is a time for great vacation as people from
attraction. For more than three hundred years, therenear and far flock to Spa to watch the thrill unfold. In
have been visitors who have come here for theirfact the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the last
evening walks past sunset.true natural circuits for F1 races with some part of
There are numerous famous 'pouhons' in SPA. Athe track making use of the public highway. The
'pouhon' is the native word for 'water well'. Two oflatest information however, is that the local
the famous wells are the 'Pouhonauthorities are performing some maintenance and
Prince-de-Condé' and 'Pouhon Pierre Le Grand'.repair work in Spa Francorchamps. Hence, the Belgian
The second one was named after the Russian TsarGrand Prix will not feature this year in the Formula
Peter the Great, who had visited Spa to take theOne World Championship. However the race is very
waters of the Spa to his place.much expected to be there in the year 2007
Things to do:Another entertaining event in Spa is the Francofolies
The old-fashioned town offers the tourists a lot ofde Spa. This is the most important musical event of
leisurely pursuits. The abundant landscape and thethe French speaking populace in Belgium. It is a fun
charming beauty of the city is a treat to the visitors.filled event which calls for family and friendly
Interesting restaurants and shops offer things whichgatherings. There is a sense of euphoria and
surprise tourists pleasantly. If you are taking a tourwell-being as smiles and pleasantries are exchanged in
to watch the Pouhon Pierre Le Grand, then you maySpa, in the whole of summer.
as well go inside and look at the large painting whichWho can forget the casino of spa? For the gambling
shows the pictures of the guests which were thereaficionados, this is the casino to be, to play in the
during the time of Tsar Peter the Great.oldest casino in the world. The prince-bishop of Liege
You can also come to the Bath House for healing andstarted this casino in the 18th century. If you are a
curing baths. There are baths in water containingshopping fanatic, then you can head off to the flea
carbonic acid which is therapeutic and there are alsomarket of the Leopold Gallery on Sunday morning.
different kinds of beauty treatments and healthThey are open up to 2 pm in the afternoon. Spa is a
massage given for to relax the tension in differenttown which promises an environment fostering
parts of the body. You can also take a stroll to theenthusiasm and exhilaration.