According to legend, the curative powers of Avene thermal spring water were discovered by chance more than 250 years ago. Due to a terrible skin complaint, a horse belonging to the Marquis de Rocozels was turned loose to roam the slopes of the Black Mountain in southwest of France. The horse found a thermal spring near the small village of Avene. After drinking from the spring and rolling in its waters, the horse's coat became shiny again and soon it was completely cured.

As the tale of this marvelous cure spread, local doctors advised patients to treat their skin problems with water from the spring — now named the spring of Sainte Odile. The Marquis de Rocozels, recognizing his spring's potential, built Avene's first baths in 1743.

Later, the Marquis' baths were acquired by Victor Descays, who established a hydrotherapy center that combined treatment and accommodation. By 1860, his descendants were welcoming more than 500 patients a year.

The water's fame spread far beyond Avene — to physicians across France, and as far as America, where the water was exported treat burn victims after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The spring was declared to be of public interest in 1874 by the President of the Republic of France and officially approved as a dermatological hydrotherapy center.

A new age began in 1975 when the spring of Sainte-Odile and the surrounding land was acquired by the pharmaceutical enterprise created by Pierre Fabre, a pharmacist and businessman from nearby Castres deeply attached to the traditions of his native region and in particular to its natural treasures. Pierre Fabre's researchers began conducting stringent biological, pharmacological and clinical studies on Avene thermal spring water, in order to understand its therapeutic properties.

Avene thermal spring water begins as rainwater that filters through the Cévennes Mountains for 40 years, absorbing precious minerals and trace elements during its long journey. It is low in mineral content, rich in softening silica and bacteriologically pure, making it ideal for the treatment of skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Over 150 clinical studies by Pierre Fabre Laboratories and independent researchers have confirmed the unique soothing and softening properties of Avene thermal spring water.

In 1990, the Avene Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center was reborn, a state-of-the-art medical facility that welcomes more than 2,000 patients per year — adults and children — who enjoy the center's warm and friendly atmosphere. Due to growing demand, the hydrotherapy center is currently being expanded in order to accommodate twice the number of patients per year.

Based on the expertise gathered at the Avene Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center and the scientific data collected in over 150 clinical studies, Avene Dermatological Laboratories developed Eau Thermale Avene, a complete range of dermo-cosmetic skincare products dedicated to the care and management of sensitive skin. Rich in soothing and softening Avene thermal spring water, these products address a variety of skincare concerns including acne, aging and dryness.

Today, Avene is no longer an isolated mountain village. Its dermatological hydrotherapy center and Avene thermal spring water are once again achieving worldwide renown, while the global reach of Eau Thermale Avene dermo-cosmetic products make it possible to enjoy the soothing properties of this extraordinary water without leaving home.