The benefits of sea air have been known since antiquity: cleaned by the wind and rich in trace elements, it encourages capillary expansion and accelerates the exchange between the human body and the marine environment.
The marine climate is only on a narrow coastal strip and plays an essential role in a thalassotherapy stay, provided that you leave the hotel to enjoy the benefits of the beaches and shore.
Characterised by its stable humidity and temperature as well as its exceptional purity, sea air is charged with micro-particles that are natural aerosols that purify and revitalise the airways. Adapting is never hard. At its touch a tired body is naturally recharged in negative ions and its supply of salt minerals. Stress disappears and the body finds maximum energy right from the start. In France thalassotherapy centres benefit from outstanding locations in many coastal regions.
Along the Atlantic coast
“Bracing” climate, with a large temperature difference between south Brittany and the Pyrenees-Atlantiques which is synonymous with escape and the open sea.
The air is very rich in trace elements but you need to know how to use the strength of the wind in moderation and in stages. Exposed to the west it guarantees air purity.
In the Channel
“Bracing” climate, due to the stability of mean air temperature, richness in iodine and trace elements. Particularly beneficial to deficiency and pains.
It was at Roscoff, on the channel, that Dr Louis Bagot created the first thalassotherapy centre in 1899. The climate is characterized by prevailing westerly winds and very high tides. The Gulf Stream plays a moderating role.
In the Mediterranean
"Mild" climate recommended for tired bodies, its exceptional sunshine and mild winters are particularly good for people with rheumatism and joint and muscle pains.
The Mediterranean coast provides high quality thalassotherapy spas, however, because of tides, marine activity is limited. Sea sedimentation and the marine algae’s oxygen release occur at great depth.
It’s up to you
Not all climates, nor all seasons suit all people. A thalassotherapy stay must above all take climatic information into account, especially the seasons, which needs to be considered for the frail, tense or those suffering from cardio-vascular disease.