Refuge des Bans sur Le Monetier-Les-Bains

In an exceptional location, a wonderful experience in this magnificent building. I appreciated the place, the many options offered by the baths. The only downside is that, in the interest of punctuality, you often have to glance at the clocks to avoid exceeding your allotted time... Damn QR code! 🙄 Apart from that, it's very good!

The outdoor area is pleasant, but we were disappointed by the lack of power in the jets and current. The hot and cold bath experience is quite a sensory experience.

Excellent experience. On the ground floor, there's a thermal pool with fountains, both indoor and outdoor, plus other pools (Hammam, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Sound Pool, Cold Pool, etc.). The upper section features a spa with saunas and sensory pools. Access is restricted to tight-fitting swimsuits (no beach shorts). If you book the spa, you'll also get slippers, a bathrobe, a towel, and herbal teas. We'll definitely be back!

Yesterday I discovered the spa above the play area, the best spa I've ever been to. Okay, €65 isn't cheap, but four hours outside of time, in the morning, not too crowded, and bright, clean, magical spaces. The 42-degree waterfall, the immersive lap pool. A massage that was absolutely top-notch. We'll be back regularly!!!

The setting remains magnificent, but the services have declined. It's a wonderful experience thanks to the exceptional location, but unfortunately, there has been a noticeable deterioration over the years. Several issues mar the overall impression: ***Excessive crowds: I visited on Thursday, August 20th, and it was far too crowded. Capacity should definitely be limited to ensure a pleasant experience. ***Facilities and hygiene: There's a lack of space to change in the changing rooms and no soap in the showers. Furthermore, basic courtesy isn't always observed. Given the entrance fee, this is the bare minimum to expect! ***Dress code: It's quite paradoxical and questionable that in 2026, swim shorts are still prohibited for men, while other, much more revealing attire is tolerated (such as thongs). Despite this, the location remains unique. We will certainly try the experience again off-season this time, hoping for significant improvements by then.

The place offers a superb view of the surrounding area; it's very relaxing. However, it can get very crowded (less so in summer than in winter). We noticed that even children who were clearly under 15 were entering the hammam, even though access is prohibited for those under 15; furthermore, a child jumped into the water right next to us. It's clear that the rules are not strictly respected and enforced…

It had been a long time since I'd been there, and my opinion of the place has dropped! Despite having a good time with my family, it's a shame that women's swimwear isn't regulated like men's swim shorts... because we don't all want to see your private parts, ladies... A little decency, please!

I regret only giving it three stars because the place is great and the facilities are top-notch. I'm used to going to thermal baths and my goal is always to relax as much as possible since I'm naturally anxious. Unfortunately, this goal wasn't achieved at all. We came on a rainy, stormy day. The baths were overcrowded, and it was very difficult to access the bubbles or the sauna. The outdoor baths were closed for a while (I imagine because of the storms), which made it even more crowded. In addition, there were lots of children jumping, shouting, and diving... it was difficult to relax when a father was roughhousing with his son in the jacuzzi less than a meter away from us. I'm not saying children should be banned, but I'm really disappointed with how the clientele is being managed... Can't the lifeguards create a calmer atmosphere? Unless it's intentional...

The idea is nice. Having already been to Balnea in the Pyrenees, we were really looking forward to it. Quite disappointed, not many different areas... But above all, €25 for entry is fine, child rate up to 13 years old, then full price (but the facilities are off-limits to those under 15!!). This rule wasn't enforced, but there was no staff to supervise. There were designated quiet areas where people were shouting, and again, no staff... Cleanliness was questionable, with papers stuck between the limescale, bandages... In the hot tub room, there was a clearly faulty suction unit that made a horrible noise... On the plus side, there was a swimsuit dryer...

I think it's a bit pricey, and if it's full and you haven't booked, you can just go home 🥲 Despite that, it's worth 5 stars. Top-notch 👍