Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The ancient thermal baths of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, located in the Haute-Savoie department, form a remarkable Gallo-Roman thermal complex. Composed of about thirty rooms spread over about 900 m2, the site comprises two distinct groups: a southern group fed by today's missing ducts, and a northern group including flattened apse rooms, probably dedicated to the caldarium. To the west, a truncated circular pool is partially visible. The ancient collection of water, located at the place called Le Var, presents itself as a polygonal room plated with marble, testifying to Roman engineering.

The activity of the thermal baths extends from the first to the fourth century, reflecting their importance in the social and hygienic life of the period. The site, including the thermal baths and their collection system, was listed as historical monuments by order of 16 July 1990. The remains illustrate the typical spatial organization of Roman thermal establishments, with distinct zones for hot, warm and cold baths, although some architectural elements have disappeared over the centuries.

The precise location of the thermal baths at 667 Route des Bains in Menthon-Saint-Bernard confirms their integration into a wider historical landscape. The Insee code of the municipality (74176) and its attachment to the district of Annecy, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, underline the territorial anchor of this heritage. Today, the site offers a concrete overview of ancient thermal practices, although information on its accessibility or tourist exploitation remains limited in the available sources.

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