He said he had seen my article written in English last year and had understood the gist of it. He then explained that a traditional “spa” was a more lucrative enterprise for which he could find an investor. But thermal baths were a more expensive proposition.

While the number of those seeking thermal cures in France had declined, mostly due to Covid, according to recent data, there has been a resurgence with the French seeking out their preferred mode of wellness - engrained in their DNA.  Despite the doom and gloom of past years that “thermalise” would not be supported by social security, this has not happened. Thermal towns continue to flourish, providing good business opportunities - with the combination of casinos and cultural activities. 

So, I pursued my suggestion of a year ago, to work on a partnership between the private sector, the Mayor’s office and regional/central government support.  It’s time for the citizenry to pull up our socks and help our overworked Mayor in his efforts. If his office would put together a petition to the recently appointed Prime Minister of France, Michel Barnier, who hails from this region, we would guarantee thousands of signatures from Divonne, the Pays de Gex - and indeed from neighbouring Switzerland.

Imagine losing a valuable resource, curative waters, which have been available, without interruption, since 1849!

M. Scattolin has done a great job of keeping Divonne beautiful, the swans well fed and happy, all contributing to its attractiveness. All we need now is to have our Thermes back - to build back our health.

Confidently, he said he would have a solution in a year. A year? We heard that same song a year ago! So let’s pull together and help him to move forward right now!

I suggested he learn to dance in the coming year. Too stressed, he said, for that.

Nothing like dancing to reduce stress, would you agree?!

Renu Chahil-Graf

Divonne (minus les-Bains, for now)

28 October 2024