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.