The common Brides-les-Bains is located in the valley of the Doron de Bozel tributary of the Isère. Belonging to the Tarentaise valley, the town is located 6 miles southeast of Moutiers and 13 km north of Meribel.
Joint formed by the merger of the municipalities of Brides and Bains February 6, 1847, under decision of Charles Albert retired to the town of La Saulce. Bride name used until 1664, and then until 1847 Brides. The term comes from the Gallic Briva meaning "bridge".
Since ancient times, the site is known for the virtues of its waters.
The 16th and 17th centuries, the archbishops of Moûtiers enjoy the thermal waters of the hamlet of Bains. Doses are prescribed by the amazing doctors: 50 to 60 glasses per day.
During the 19th century, the spa water is primarily used to treat all kinds of diseases and its virtues in the treatment of obesity are identified. In the late 1870s, the first dietary regimens suitable are thus established by the hotels. The station, which is developing its infrastructure, sees influx of internationally renowned personalities such as Queen Elizabeth of Spain, Princess of Croy, Princess Bonaparte, Prince Orloff, the Marquise de Freycinet, the Countess of Montgomery, Baron Rothschild, Baroness du Petit-Thouars, Baroness Koussoff, Minister Rambaud, publisher Hachette, as well as family members of French, British, Italian, Russian, American, aristocracy and business.
With the guide of the Tarentaise Dr. Laissus, we know the main building of the resort hotel in 1894: The big hotel the spa, the hotel bathers and many charming villas of hosts, including the Villa des Roses and Villa Laissus. The casino plays a leading role, it includes "reading rooms, conversations, games' personalities come to play their" fortune or hear, besides the beautiful ballroom orchestras, opera comic. "
In 1927, the casino has changed considerably and was inaugurated in 1928 by Jean Moulin, then sub-prefect in Albertville with Lady Chamberlain, married the future British Prime Minister.
In the 1950s, a ski original, the "Derby of the Saulire" allows the first downhill skiing on the slopes of Allues, arriving in Brides, 2000 meters below. Some customers of the new resort of Méribel sometimes descend to the village.
In 1992, Brides-les-Bains is chosen as Olympic Village. The station saw the adventure Albertville Olympics and offers a gateway to the largest ski area in the world: the 3 Valleys. The Olympe gondola now connects directly to the village slopes in Meribel, enabling the development of a new activity.
In the 1990s, the spa becomes Brides-les-Bains leader in France for the treatment of obesity.
Since 2000, the station became part of the association of the 3 Valleys, alongside Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and St Martin.
In 2005, the Spa opens to the public, with 1500 m² dedicated to the care and well-being.
In 2008, the Spa has grown to 600 m², becoming the Grand Spa includes treatment rooms, individual sports coaching room, solarium, beach and outdoor jacuzzis several summer / winter.
In 2012, the film of Charlotte, gosh! tribute to the city.
