Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Belle Époque

The hot springs in the area were used already by the Romans, but from the late 17th century on Plombières-les-Bains developed into a very fashionable, poshy spa, where the celebrities of their times met. Stanislas Leszczynski (aka "Stanislas le Bienfaisant") was King of Poland (twice) and later Duke of Lorraine. He put great efforts and funds in developing the spa bath. Voltaire, Beaumarchais, Napoléon Bonaparte, Joséphine de Beauharnais, Hector Berlioz, Alphonse de Lamartine, Alfred de Musset and many more were attracted by the "healing waters". Architecture of the "Belle Époque" can be found in many parts of the small town.