Spa de Ribeauvillé – My opinion on the thermal baths of the Barrière casino
The Ribeauvillé Spa is the spa of the Ribeauvillé Barrière Resort. It is located at the entrance of the village of Ribeauvillé, on the Alsace Wine Route. This Barrière Group complex includes a casino, a hotel and a spa. However, you don't need to stay in the hotel to enjoy them, they are open to everyone. It is a must for spas in Alsace!
Two wellness areas: Diane Barrière baths and spa
This space dedicated to well-being is actually divided into two. The balneo area works like a spa or bath: you buy a package for a few hours or a day that gives you access to all the facilities. The spa itself, called Spa Diane Barrière, offers a variety of treatments that can be purchased independently or in addition to the access to the balneo area. I have not tested these products.
Thermal baths: the balneo area of the Barrière Resort
The Ribeauvillé spa ‘s balneo extends over 3,600m2. It includes:
- the “Lac des Sens” and the “Lac des Cratères”: two large indoor and outdoor pools with a multitude of different water jets (waterfall, jacuzzi, various jets, bubble beds, counter-current river…)
- the “Lake of Silence”: a pool in which it is possible to listen to music under water (very relaxing)
- a sauna, a hammam and a vast solarium covering 300m2
- rest areas
The water temperature is 34°C in the main pool and even hotter in the second one: perfect in my opinion, except of course in the middle of summer if you want to cool down! Note that the Ribeauvillé casino’s balneo and spa area, as well as the hotel, are heated by a bio-methanization unit installed in a nearby farm. A significant ecological plus…
The place is very pleasant, with huge windows overlooking the vineyards, the three castles of Ribeauvillé and the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg. The brightness, the superb view of the surrounding landscape and the beautiful layout of the spa make it a perfect place to relax. I go there regularly and always have a good time!
The only drawback is that it can be quite crowded, especially on Sundays when the weather is not very nice…
A day at the Ribeauvillé spa, in practice
The access to the balneo is without reservation. Access to the Balneo area is open to minors over 1.50 m accompanied by an adult, but they are not allowed to access the Sauna/Hammam area.
On the practical side, the Ribeauvillé spa has individual lockers and lockers. Bathing suits (not shorts, sorry gentlemen!) are mandatory throughout the spa, except in the Sauna and Hammam area where they are prohibited.
However, it is possible to keep a towel on you: the modest ones, of which I am a part, will be able to take advantage of it without any worries! Finally, don’t forget to bring a pair of plastic mules: they are mandatory. If you don’t have any, you can buy some at the entrance (2€50 per pair), as well as renting towels.
Once again, the photos in this article are the official photos of the Resort Barrière Ribeauvillé (credit: Fabrice Rambert) because it is too difficult for me to take pictures in such a space (there are many people and it is impossible to ask everyone if they mind!).
I liked
- Nice and pleasant space with various water games
- Superb view of the vineyard and the castles
- Location on the Alsace Wine Route
I liked less
- Smaller than some German thermal baths like those in Bad Krozingen and more expensive
- Non-thermal water
Photos of the spa at the Barrière Hotel in Ribeauvillé
Practical information
Rates and opening hours
You will find here the rates and opening hours of the Ribeauvillé casino spa.
I opted for a 3-hour package, which is enough to enjoy the whole space quietly. I could have gone on a bit longer without getting bored at all! On the other hand, the 2-hour package is a bit too low in my opinion if you want to enjoy the whole spa.
Access
By car
The address is as follows: Route Départementale 106, 68150 Ribeauvillé. You have to count:
- 17 km from Colmar (about 20 minutes)
- 58 km from Mulhouse (about 40 minutes)
- 63 km from Strasbourg (about 40 minutes)
By public transport
It is not ideal but you can take a bus that drops you off near the Leclerc in Ribeauvillé and then walk (about 20 minutes). Look at your route on Fluo.
Hungry? Restaurants of the Barrière resort
If you are hungry, a restaurant called Le Bélvédère is located on the spa floor. Another restaurant is located on the first floor.