The Bathing Establishment is a very ponderous building, containing accommodation second to none. The springs are nearly all naturally heated, varying from 103° to 150° Fahr.; they may be divided into four classes: 1st, sodium sulphate; 2nd, saline; 3rd, bicarbonate of iron; 4th, saline, but cold. The sulphur springs are considered the best and most complete series known; and the iron are principally used for drinking purposes. The waters of Luchon are considered specially beneficial for chronic bronchitis, rheumatism (articular and muscular), vesical catarrh, reopened wounds, fractures, scrofulous and cutaneous affections, and ulcers. In cases where there are complications, nervous excitement, or paralysis, a medical man should always be consulted before venturing to bathe.
There is an iron spring near the Castelvieil, 1-1/2 miles from Luchon.
In the "Etablissement Thermal" the terms range from 60 cents to 4 frs. There are baths of all kinds, and it is advisable, if the bather wishes to bathe at any special time, that he should enter his name in the book kept for that purpose, as soon as he arrives. In the season there is always a great pressure of visitors, and otherwise the bather may have to wait an hour or two for his turn. There was once a Museum above the baths, this has now been removed to the splendid Casino which stands in beautiful grounds, not far from the Post and Telegraph Office—entrance I franc.
Hotels.—Canton, || Richelieu (very large but not recommended),
Grand, Bonnemaison, Paris, d'Angleterre, d'Etigny, de France, des
Bains, Monteil, du Parc, de la Paix.
Apartments.—Of all descriptions, in the Allée des Bains, Rue
Neuve, Cours d'Etigny, Allée des Veuves, &c. &c.
Doctors.—Several, both attached to the baths and independent.
Carriage and Horse Proprietors.—Almost innumerable, but Jean
Sanson is recommended, Rue d'Espagne.
Guides.—For the summits (French): Pierre Barrau, Rue de Pigué,
Aurillon, Lafon fils, Capdeville senior and junior, Fermin Barrau.
(Spanish) Francisco. For ordinary excursions and hunting: Jean and Luis
Sanson; Jean Brunet, chamois-hunter (recommended for all ascensions
from the Lac d'O).
Tariff for drinking the waters only.—During season, 8 days, 4 frs.; 20 days, 8 frs.; 30 days, 10 frs.
Carriage on Hire (from the stand).—The "course," 1 franc; the hour, 3 frs. for one horse; and 1 fr. 30 cents, and 3 frs. 75 cents respectively, for two horses—by day. By night, for one horse, 2 frs. 50 cents the "course," and 4 frs. the hour; for two horses, 3 frs. 25 cents and 5 frs. respectively.