Tuscany has many surprises in store for us, as we wind our way through its winding roads and enchanting landscapes. Here the inhabitants take special care of the landscape. They are keen to enhance the beauty of nature, as in the garden around the farmhouse, which forms a green heart amidst the gentle hills.

The landscape leaves us dreaming and the roundness of the valleys invites us to a moment of reverie.

Si l’on toIf you turn your gaze a quarter of a turn, you will see another farmhouse and you will be fascinated by the straightness of the yew avenue that leads to the round olive trees on the opposite side.

A few kilometres further on, lost in the middle of a green setting, the famous Saturnia baths appear. Marvellous waterfalls gush out behind the Mulino del cascate to the delight of bathers, whether they are just passing through or faithful regulars.

Aujourd’hui les baigneurs sont nombreNowadays, many, many bathers take advantage of this hot spring which descends from Mount Amiata. Would you like to take a dip?

Like small insects observed from above, the bathers are busy in the water with its sometimes intense turquoise blue reflections.

This little corner of paradise is one of the many splendours of the Val d’Orcia, a combination of olive trees, sulphur springs, rounded hills, gentle slopes, medieval buildings…

Here the water makes its way, creating numerous small natural pools, which groups of bathers can use for a few moments or for a sunny afternoon.

One detail, but not the least: it slides a lot! This adds a few good laughs between two splashes!

Which of you wouldn’t want to sit in one of these little pools?

Unless, like some people, you choose to read a good novel, while others enjoy the virtues of a sulphurous water?

Everyone takes advantage of the moment in their own way to relax, to savour the soft warmth of the water that creeps in everywhere.

It is said that the water here is good for the skin and the joints. This may be true, but it certainly puts everyone in a good mood!

What could be more pleasant than taking a bath at body temperature, in the open air, surrounded by reeds and olive trees?

Some say that even Dante came to bathe here.

Let’s get back on the road to discover more dreamy landscapes.

We soon arrive in Bagno Vignoni, a charming little village, famous since antiquity for its thermal baths. The famous Piazza d’Acqua captures us with the delicate reflections of the sky and the clouds on its peaceful waters. You don’t want to move in front of such a spectacle!

Old houses with stones made shimmer by the sun surround the « Vasca delle Sorgenti », a large rectangular basin that many walkers walk around while chatting quietly.

All around, small terraces where you can enjoy an aperitivo or a cappuccino of your choice, and continue the discussion… or the reverie!

The inhabitants have a sense of detail and the emotion carries us away…

In the shelter of the old stones with warm tones and under the reflections of the sun, it is good to relax…

… as some do under the shelter of large blinds and geraniums that protect against mosquitoes.

Lending an ear to the conversations of passing scholars, and thanks to a few explanatory panels, we learn that numerous archaeological discoveries attest to the fact that there were already miraculous springs in Etruscan times.

Later, the Romans, who were great lovers of thermal baths, also appreciated the place, which they called the Nymphs’ pool.

Here the water flows at a temperature of around 50° and is said to have healing properties, especially for painful joints. It is understandable that archaeologists have been excavating in the area 🙂

There is no doubt that it is pleasant to dip one’s feet in the water while taking the time to browse through some pages of a book…

…or by simply meditating on the surrounding landscape.

Par Jean-Yves et Nathalie

Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)