(photo courtesy of Jean-Pol Grandmont)

Many of us have experienced a spa in our life-time, or at least have heard of one. Perhaps you have a local favorite, or maybe you aim to visit one while on holidays. 

But how many of you have been to the original spa?

Well, the name spa actually originated from a small municipality of 10,000 people in Belgium. The town is named Spa,  and is famous for having healing hot springs, which people have been visiting from as early as the 14th century. The name Spa actually means "spring, fountain."  

The town today is actually better known for hosting the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a venue which hosts auto racing, in particular the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix. There also exists a mineral water company in the town that goes by the name, you guessed it, Spa.  

In 2010, the town will also host the finish line of stage 2 of the Tour De France…. We can probably guess what the cyclists will enjoy once the day's racing is finished.  

So, next time you are discussing spas with your friends, you can tell them the name originates from a small town in Belgium. And if you like spas and auto racing, Belgium might be a perfect place for you to visit.