The former Espace Berlioz casino, currently undergoing renovation, has become the symbol of the renewal of Plombières-les-Bains. Through an ambitious revitalization project, the town intends to promote its heritage, improve the living environment and build a future less dependent on thermal activity.
In Plombières-les-Bains, the transformation of the Espace Berlioz is progressing rapidly. During a progress update dedicated to the revitalization of the spa town, elected officials and state representatives were able to see the extent of the work undertaken in the old casino, the renovation of which represents an investment of 6.2 million euros.
Built in 1905, the building is gradually regaining its original splendor. The work notably made it possible to rediscover the natural light which had been hidden over the decades. Among the treasures found is a magnificent stained glass window signed by Nancy master glassmaker Jacques Gruber, restored and then reinstalled on the ceiling of the future exhibition room.
The new facility, which extends over nearly 1,000 m² on the ground floor, will accommodate a large entrance hall, a 300-seat performance and cinema room, a multi-purpose room dedicated to exhibitions and events as well as the tourist office. The municipality hopes to inaugurate the place during the next Christmas market.
A new vision for the city
Beyond this emblematic project, the town is carrying out a global project aimed at revitalizing its territory. “The attractiveness of Plombières is not limited to the thermal baths,†recalls the mayor, Lydie Barbaux. The municipal strategy is based on heritage, culture, nature, well-being and quality of life to attract new residents and visitors.
With its 1,600 inhabitants, the town already says it is seeing the arrival of young households attracted by this living environment. A health center bringing together ten professionals, including a pediatrician and a midwife, is due to open by the end of the year.
Exceptional support from the State
For Christophe Naegelen, MP for the constituency, Plombiéres-les-Bains now benefits from unprecedented support. He recalls the State’s financial commitment of 7 million euros over three years as part of the territorial contract signed at the end of 2025.
The Vosges prefect, Blaise Gourtay, underlines the scale of the challenges that the municipality must face. In addition to the renovation of the heritage, several emergency operations are necessary: consolidation of the vaults under which the river flows through the city, securing the 19th century church and intervention on a building threatening ruin on Place Napoléon.
Preserve heritage and revive the local economy
Faced with restoration costs that far exceed the financial capacities of the municipality, whose annual budget amounts to 3.5 million euros, external aid has become essential.
In parallel with major works, the municipality is stepping up actions to strengthen local dynamism. A new bakery is due to open soon after four years without any business of this type. Pop-up shops are also set up during the tourist season and could be extended until the Christmas market if the experience is successful.
A project manager dedicated to the preservation of the building also intervenes with the owners at the first signs of deterioration. According to the town hall, twelve buildings have already been saved from further deterioration.
Culture as a driving force for renewal
The Espace Berlioz now constitutes the cornerstone of the revitalization project. Around this future cultural center must be articulated historical events, promotion of heritage, nature roaming and development of well-being.
“We haven’t given up,” assures Lydie Barbaux, determined to continue investments despite the difficulties. For elected officials and for the State, Plombiières-les-Bains has all the assets to regain its influence, provided that it builds a sustainable economic model adapted to the realities of the 21st century.
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