The Abatilles saga 100 years old 1923 Discovery in the roaring 20’s Back then, Gabriel Maydieu, who owned the land, was sure he would find oil and launched drilling operations. His engineer, Louis Le Marié, suddenly saw a jet of water 7 metres (23 feet) high, instead of oil! This was August 1923 and the Abatilles Spring had just been discovered! The Bordeaux Academy of Medicine recognised its medicinal qualities and declared it to be “health water”, authorising the founding of the Abatilles Spa Company in 1925. Pure water instead of black gold! 1926 - 1964 The spa years The spring, its kiosk and its landscaped park quickly became a major resort, where spa guests and world celebrities came for cures and parties! Recognised for its beneficial effects on arthritis, rheumatism, kidney disease, stones in the urinary tract and high blood pressure, Abatilles Water was sold in flagons in chemists’ shops. The Second World War halted this development, which took off again in 1954, when Abatilles spa treatment costs were reimbursed by the French Social Security. 1961 - 2013 Industrialisation Between 1961 and 2008, the spring was acquired and operated by the Vittel and Nestlé Waters groups, before being sold to two independent businessmen, Messrs Padois and Bertrand in 2008. Since 2013 The business today In 2013, Jean Merlaut and Hervé Maudet from the wine industry fell in love with the Abatilles Spring. They took the leap of faith of investing in a highly efficient production facility and made the spring into one of the flagships of the local economy. Their business’s growth has been built around a strong regional focus, the work of an engaged, passionate team of women and men, regional partnerships with sport, fine dining and wine, and growing love of the product amongst its drinkers. Visit the Abatilles Spring CLOSED AT PRESENT Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 am €7 per visitor Free for under 12s Bookings at the Arcachon Tourist Office • +33 557 529 797 Contact us 157 boulevard de la Côte d’Argent 33120 Arcachon +33 556 223 850 contact@sourcedesabatilles.com About Light and pure Protecting the environment 100 years old Professionals’ area Legal notice FRANÇAIS