Set within a 19th-century palace hotel directly above the shores of Lac d'Annecy, Les Bains de Menthon offers one of the most scenically dramatic spa experiences in the Alps. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains. Savoyard herbal treatments use locally foraged Alpine plants.
Les Bains de Menthon occupies the spa wing of the Hôtel Palace de Menthon, a 19th-century castle-style palace perched directly above the eastern shore of Lac d'Annecy in the village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, some 10 kilometres south of Annecy in Haute-Savoie. The spa is set within a renovated wing of the palace with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame one of the most dramatic panoramas in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: turquoise glacial lake waters ringed by limestone peaks and dense pine forest, with the medieval Château de Menthon visible on the hillside directly above. The visual drama of the setting is itself a central element of the wellness proposition. The treatment menu draws consciously on Alpine heritage. Savoyard herbal wraps use plant extracts and essential oils sourced from herbalists working in the regional tradition, incorporating mountain plants such as gentian, Alpine thyme, and local lavender varieties. The hammam, sized for private or small-group use, functions as a warming gateway treatment before body work. The heated lakeside pool, accessible year-round, allows swimmers to maintain a direct sightline over the water. Deep tissue and sports massage options address the needs of guests returning from hiking or cycling the trails around the lake — the spa team is accustomed to treating athletes completing sections of the Route des Grandes Alpes. Spa therapists hold recognised French professional qualifications, and the property is enrolled in the Savoie Mont Blanc quality tourism programme. Spa access is offered to day visitors as well as hotel guests, though priority is given to in-house guests during the high summer months of July and August. Treatments start from €90 and advance reservation is recommended for day visitors. The spa is accessed through the hotel's main reception. Evening treatments are available until 20:00, making it practical to pair a lakeside walk in the summer light with a restorative massage before dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Treatments
- Lakeside pool
- Hammam
- Savoyard herbal wraps
- Deep tissue massage
- Facial treatments
- Private thermal circuit
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–20:00
Location
665 Route d'Angon, 74290 Menthon-Saint-Bernard
45.8571, 6.1883 View on map
Highlights
- Floor-to-ceiling views over Lac d'Annecy from treatment rooms and the heated lakeside pool
- Savoyard herbal wraps using Alpine plant extracts in a regional balneology tradition
- Private hammam bookable for solo or couple sessions as a pre-treatment warm-up
- 19th-century palace hotel setting above one of France's most scenic Alpine lakes
- Evening treatment slots until 20:00 — combinable with a sunset walk along the lake shore
Tips for visiting
- Book treatments 2–3 weeks ahead in July and August; the spa fills quickly with hotel guests
- Use the lakeside pool before treatments in summer — morning light on Lac d'Annecy is exceptional
- Day visitors should call ahead to confirm availability as hotel guests receive booking priority
- The hammam works best as an opening treatment; starting there before a body massage deepens the effect
- Treatments use fragrance-heavy Alpine herbal products; advise reception in advance of any botanical allergies
Frequently asked questions
Is the spa open to visitors who are not staying at the hotel?
Yes, day visitors are welcome, but hotel guests receive booking priority. Reservations well in advance are strongly advised, particularly in summer.
Does the spa have an outdoor pool?
Yes, the heated lakeside pool is accessible from the spa area and offers views directly over Lac d'Annecy. It is open year-round subject to weather conditions.
What treatments are most popular?
The Savoyard herbal wrap and deep tissue massage are consistently the most requested, particularly among guests returning from outdoor activities around the lake and surrounding Alpine trails.
Are couple treatments available?
Yes, the private hammam and several body treatment packages can be booked for two people simultaneously. Advance booking is required and couple set-up should be requested at the time of reservation.
Is there a minimum spend for spa access without a treatment?
Spa access — pool and hammam — without a treatment booking is available from €60. Individual treatments start from €90 and include access to the spa facilities.