Located in the foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais, this charming little town has a very special feature: beyond simply being a place to visit, it can be “drunk.” Just like the village of Camembert, which is eaten; the town of Cognac, which is savored (in moderation, of course); or even the city of Dijon, which is enjoyed—could this town be edible? Or, more precisely, drinkable? Bingo! Introducing the “Babylon of sparkling water”: Saint-Galmier.
Saint-Galmier, home to the Badoit spring and named one of France’s “Most Beautiful Detours” by the Michelin Guide
Even though the history of Saint-Galmier is closely tied to that of Badoit, it would be too easy (and unfair) to stop there. Because before it became a paradise for sparkling water, Saint-Galmier’s charm lies first and foremost in its stunning natural surroundings on the other side of the Monts du Lyonnais. Here, nature is everywhere, making it a top destination. The town boasts no fewer than 12 hectares of green spaces, including a magnificent rose garden and the banks of the Coise River.
Saint-Galmier boasts a town center rich in heritage, starting with its imposing 15th-century church, designated a historic monument. The surrounding narrow streets feature beautiful buildings such as the Renaissance House, also designated a historic monument. Finally, despite its relatively small size (5,800 residents), the town is home to, among other things, a casino and a racetrack. The reason the Michelin Guide has set its sights on Saint-Galmier is that the town truly offers all the amenities—local shops, restaurants, and lodging—of an easygoing and welcoming destination. What’s more, it’s just an hour from Lyon.
Badoit, the trusted spring since ancient Rome
Even though the year 1778 appears on the label of the 250 million bottles distributed each year, Badoit has been in production since Roman times! Whether a bottle was sitting on Julius Caesar’s table during his tête-à-tête with Cleopatra is another story. What is certain, however, is that the site at Saint-Galmier was developed to build a spa resort. Remains from that era were discovered in the late 19th century.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that Badoit water resurfaced. Louis XVI’s physician recommended the water from Saint-Galmier for its active ingredients, which greatly stimulate the mood and the mind. But despite his doctor’s orders to drink Badoit in abundance, the king would eventually meet his end at the guillotine and would not live out his days in happiness… In 1837, a man named Auguste Saturnin Badoit obtained the rights to exploit the spring, and from that point on, Badoit became the first mineral water to be sold in bottles. Success came very quickly; the Academy of Medicine fully recognized its virtues, and in fact, Badoit was sold in pharmacies until the 1950s!
Today, Badoit enjoys the reputation we all know it for. It’s still not uncommon to see many Baldomériens (residents of Saint-Galmier) coming to fill their bottles at the town’s legendary kiosk, where Badoit water flows naturally. As one might expect, Badoit water will continue to be the subject of much discussion—much to our delight…
