the thalasso and spa market | France

1.1 Definition

It is important to distinguish thalassotherapy from spas, as they cover two different activities.

The term thalassotherapy refers to all therapeutic and wellness treatments that can be provided using substances from the marine environment (e.g. seawater, mud). Generally recommended for those suffering from fatigue and arthritis, thalassotherapy should be located by the sea or ocean (English Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean).

A wellness center, on the other hand, does not have such obligations. Synonymous with well-being and luxury, a spa offers the customer a moment of calm through beauty treatments and relaxation sessions. While most of the spas are managed independently, some have been created in luxury hotels.

However, this study will not include balneotherapy, also known as thermal care, which uses thermal water. Bathing stays, unlike those spent in thalassotherapy and spas, can be reimbursed by health insurance under certain conditions.

The health and wellness market in France, estimated at 19.8 billion euros in 2018 according to Euromonitor, is growing more slowly than the global market. Thalassotherapy centres and spas have therefore had to be modernised in order to differentiate themselves from each other, with spas increasingly presenting themselves as a more accessible alternative to thalassos.