Fully clad in polished concrete to create a soft and cocooning atmosphere, the hammam at the Auberge du Père Bise spa offers a moment of deep relaxation on the shores of Lake Annecy. Its characteristic moist heat, renowned since Antiquity, penetrates the muscles deeply, releases tension, purifies the skin, and calms the mind—enhanced by a raw, minimalist design and a mineral, almost meditative ambiance that encourages total relaxation.
This age-old ritual, inherited from Roman baths and later Eastern traditions, provides multiple physical and mental benefits. With a gentle temperature (40 to 45°C) and nearly 100% humidity, the skin’s pores open, promoting the elimination of toxins, impurities, and oxidative stress. Blood circulation is stimulated, muscle tension is eased, and joint pain is reduced. It’s an ideal practice to enhance recovery after physical activity, relieve soreness, or simply relax the body deeply.
For a Detoxifying and Decongesting Effect
Athletes often include it in their recovery routine, as do those suffering from chronic fatigue, stress, or respiratory discomfort. The warm, humid air of the hammam helps to clear airways and soothe sinuses and bronchial passages—especially useful in winter. At the Auberge du Père Bise, this decongesting effect is enhanced by the use and diffusion of eucalyptus essential oil.
Perfect for unwinding and recharging—before or after a sauna, sensory shower, or Nordic bath—the hammam fits into a full wellness journey, delivering a lasting sense of calm, grounding, and lightness.
To enjoy its full benefits, start with short sessions (around 5 minutes), and gradually increase up to 15 minutes, always listening to your body’s sensations. A lukewarm shower afterward helps rebalance body temperature. It’s also important to hydrate well before and after, and to follow up with a treatment or a moment of rest—on the terrace or in the herbal tea room—to prolong the relaxing effects.