Discovering Spa-Francorchamps

Away from main roads and waterways the relatively small (10,000 inhabitants), town of Spa did not have much of a chance of becoming famous. However, this was changed by the commercial exploitation of mineral water sources and the racetrack founded in 1921. The area in mainly French speaking southern Belgium has had its heyday in the 18th century thanks to the ‘spas’ that attracted royalty from across Europe, like the Czar Peter the Great. A spectacular fire destroyed the splendour of the city centre in 1807.

However, the name of Spa has passed into the English language where the word “spa” now applies to any health and beauty resort, with hot springs or mineral water.
Known for its water source since Roman times, it was not until the early 20th century that industrial exploitation of spring water began in the region, the same year as the commencement of construction of the circuit in which a turn is named for iron-rich carbonated water sources, Pouhon.

Spa Francorchamps is internationally known because its name is attached to the first official name of the circuit. The city, originally Francorchamps, is only the name of a district of the town of Stavelot (another turn of the circuit) from the merger of several villages in the late 70s. But mother nature has endowed the Francorchamps with a valley whose mere mention sends shivers down the spine of all race drivers: Eau Rouge.

On the 5th May 2012, in the 6 Hours of Spa-Fancorchamps, second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, cars and drivers will be tested to the limit by the famous Raidillon – Eau Rouge combination, taken flat-out.

Cécile Bonardel

Photo : SPA (LIEGE PROVINCE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 1000 KM OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, SATURDAY 7th MAY 2011. Cars approaching the ‘La Source’ hairpin, water sources have given an international reputation to the region around Spa.

Photo : Pascal Saivet – P.SAIVET/VSC Pictures