Pau, the capital of the Bearn, is the most elegant of towns and cities that overlook the Pyrenees from their vantage point on the high bluffs that run parallel with the mountains.In the 19th century Pau became very popular with the Bristish when a Scottish doctor proclaimed the curative powers of its mild climate. The first mainland golf course, steeple chasing, fox hunting and very many fine English style villas as well as the spectacular Boulevarde des Pyrenees all bear testament to their influence. 
 
Lourdes is famous for its healing waters and the grotto in which Bernadette saw visions of the Virgin Mary.  The town, previously a village on the Gave de Pau, has become a major pilgrim destination and boasts the highest number of hotels in one town in France, apart from Paris! 
 
Biarritz for centuries was but a small village where in ancient times the Basques used to catch whales.  Its fortunes started to change in the 18th century when doctors declared the sea there had therapeutic properties. Then in the 19th century it was discovered by European royalty and it became the resort for high society.  Today however the town has an air of faded elegance and every summer it still welcomes many visitors and is particularly popular with surfers. 
 
The South West of France has many spa towns, thanks to the geology of the area. The Pyrenees were thrown up by a collision of the North African plate with Europe. Mountain building creates heat and thus there are hot springs or 'sources' throughout the region.  Because the water is hot it dissolves the minerals and from time immemorial these hot, mineral containing waters are considered to have healing powers. 
 
So round the hot springs a number of spa towns have sprung up usually specialising in the 'cure' of various ailments. 'Taking the cure' is an important part of the health concious French life and many people take  a week or more each year to try and cure a chronic condition or to prevent one developing.