Café of Europe!
Spa.... Ville d'Eaux, has given rise to the word we all know today. Where Pouhons (source, water wells) run abundant.
A French speaking village where the world's first beauty contest was held in the 1800's, once home to English/Catholic dissidents & now Circuit National de Francorchamps- Formula One Grand Prix. It is considered to be one of the most challenging race tracks in the world & a favorite to many race car drivers.
Michael Schumacher made his debut here in "91" & began his winning streak the following year from this track.
In the early 1900's the German Army ( Deutsches Heer) established it's Headquarters in Spa & shortly thereafter the members of the Entente ( with Poland, Germany & the then Czechoslovakia ) held the Spa Conference.
With it's history dating from the Dark Ages (manuscripts from the 9th century), Spa is now a tranquil... quiet village in the Wallonian region of Belgium catering to those who bask in the healing hot springs Spa has to offer. It is a world away from everyday living :) Indoor/outdoor thermal pools, Turkish baths, jacuzzis, saunas.... a veritable delight to the senses & a favorite vacation
spot for the famous throughout the centuries.
However if you suffer from aquaphobia, I hear there is a Laundry Museum- COMPLETE with a history of SOAP !!! :D
Highly recommended is the bottled water from Spa, after San Pellegrino, this is first class water from the 16th century..... in my humble opinion :)
Casino Spires of Saint-Remacle in background