Bagnoles-de-l'Orne

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne is famous for its hydrotherapeutic baths, which are known for their supposed healing powers for rheumatic, gynaecologic and circulatory problems.   It's rather unexpected to find such a tourist attraction right in the middle of farms and orchards.

The legends of how this place came to be are fascinating! 

One local legend tells of the medieval lord, Seigneur Hugues de Tessé.  Believing that his once-glorious horse, "Rapide", was reaching the end of its life, Seigneur Hugues decided to abandon it in the Andaines Forest. He was amazed when the animal returned home some time later, strong and totally revitalized. Without resentment, "Rapide" took its master along to the waters of Bagnoles where he drank and was also rejuvenated. The spa was born.

According to another tale, a very old Franciscan monk who took the waters in Bagnoles found a new astonishing vigour and leapt across the highest rocks above the town, which are still called "Le Saut du Capucin" (The Monk's Leap).

Regardless of the truth of either of these legends, the town is a great way to spend the day.

We started off our tour much like we start most tours: with lunch!  Karl had a flaming orange crêpe and I had the Croque-Monsieur, a ham sandwich with lots of creamy cheese that's been broiled.

The sun was shining through the lattice fence, giving everything an ethereal look.  Then off we went to tour the town!

Art Deco architecture found at the Casino, located on the lake.

Behind the casino, there are "Pédalos" available for rent at 4 euros per 15 minutes.  Karl said he needed the exercise to work off some of those lunch calories.  I sat back and enjoyed the ride!

Pedal faster, Karl!

This floral bridge made us think of the bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland.  (Ok, just a little...)

 

 

 

There is a whole section of town that has architecture from "La Belle Époque".  Many famous and infamous people have lived or holidayed in this area over the years.

 

 

Anecdote of the day:  One thing I did that you would probably think hilarious is that when we were strolling the streets of Bagnoles, I stopped a few moments to look in a store window.  Without looking, I reached out to hook my arm into Karl's elbow and started chatting away.  When I looked at "Karl", I was hooked up to a complete stranger who was looking at me quite amused.  Without missing a beat, I smiled at him and said that this was my way of catching a 2nd husband.  He had a good laugh and quickly related the story to his wife and the couple with her a little further ahead.  They turned back to look at me, we all laughed, and it made for a pleasant moment in a touristy town where no one stops to chat with strangers.