Forty years after its creation, the Thermalies show confirms its position as a privileged observatory of changes in well-being. The 2026 edition, which will be held soon, marks a strategic turning point with the launch of a unique Longevity Center and increased attention to mental health, designated Great National Cause 2025. In a context where 95% of French people say they feel stress or anxiety on a daily basis according to Ifop, hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy are emerging as concrete responses to contemporary aspirations: preserving one’s vitality, slowing down, aging better.
Longevity, a new obsession with well-being
The global healthy aging market now exceeds $600 billion and is experiencing double-digit annual growth. In France, more than 70% of the population regularly seeks advice to preserve their vitality. Faced with this growing demand, French thermal establishments are deploying complementary and innovative approaches.
In Concarneau, longevity is embodied in a functional vision where mobility and movement become central. The Sofitel Quiberon adopts a more scientific reading, integrating epigenetics and cellular regeneration. In Douarnenez, the Valdys group is exploring bio-hacking, combining scientific innovations and marine traditions. At Thalazur or at the Grand Hotel Trieste & Victoria in Abano Terme, the structuring approach favors epigenetics, nutrition and detox as the pillars of long-term longevity capital.
Mental health, from taboo to therapeutic imperative
With one in four people affected by a psychological disorder during their lifetime and 13 million French people experiencing an episode of psychological suffering each year, mental health is emerging as a major issue. French hydrotherapy now fully integrates this dimension, developing specialized cures and structured support programs.
At the Saujon Thermal Baths, the expertise goes back a century: the new cures are aimed at states of exhaustion, anxiety and incipient burn-out, combining thermal care and psychological support. In Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the programs distinguish between chronic stress and established burn-out, integrating psychoeducation and reestablishment of a healthy rhythm. In Vals-les-Bains and Digne-les-Bains, dedicated mini-thermal treatments demonstrate a major evolution: shorter and accessible, but structured formats, capable of responding to a growing demand for emotional regulation.
Slowing down as a survival strategy
In a daily life saturated with constant demands, 82% of French people aspire to a slower pace of life according to Ifop. Those involved in hydrotherapy are redefining their approaches by making inner calm and mental recovery real therapeutic axes.
At Sofitel Quiberon, stress management takes a hormonal approach with programs focused on cortisol regulation. In Anglet, the return to calm is more sensory, mixing contemporary relaxation techniques and Asian influences. On the Pink Granite Coast, Roz Marine favors short and immersive formats, focused on reconnecting with oneself. Everywhere, water becomes an essential mediator between body, mind and emotion.
The tailor-made revolution
Thalassotherapy is evolving from a logic of standardized protocols towards a highly personalized approach. Vitality assessments, sleep analyses, mental coaching and adjusted nutrition are becoming key tools for tailor-made well-being.
In Trouville, the Cures Marines offer real epigenetic assessments. At Sofitel Quiberon, the programs are based on in-depth biological assessments. At Alliance Pornic, the holistic approach is based on comprehensive diagnoses and multidisciplinary support capable of adjusting care on a daily basis. This personalization marks a profound transformation: from a logic of protocol to a culture of individual attention, where the sea adapts to everyone.
Thermal spas 2026
Meet in Lyon from January 16 to 18 at the Cité Internationale de Lyon
Meet in Paris from January 22 to 25, 2026 at the Carrousel du Louvre