About this postcard
In 1818, a natural disaster upstream of the valley, towards Champagny-en-Vanoise, released an enormous mass of water, resulting in the uncovering of a rocky massif from which the current thermal spring gushed out, enabling the creation of the modern resort. Dr Hybord carried out the first analysis of the water and the École des Mines diagnosed a water with exceptional virtues; Dr Ducis' report was eloquent: "A water that erases ills, extraordinary in its qualities, which can cure everything, epilepsy, catharsis, migraines, gout, rheumatism, joint pain and others". The following year, a group of Savoyard notables, including around thirty from Moûtiers, set up a Compagnie de Bains to exploit the waters of Brides. The first hotels appeared in 1824. There were six by 1836. From 1825, on the initiative of Doctor Philbert, the therapeutic approach was refined and focused on the treatment of obesity. The resort, which now specialised in weight loss, also became the home of the "elegant woman". As a tribute to this doctor, one of the springs in Brides-les-Bains now bears his name.