Thermal bathing has been practised in Châteauneuf-Les-Bains since ancient times. This long history is one of the town’s distinctive features; alongside it are walking trails along the Sioule, cultural and historical details, and experiences in nature. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the options by their character: from eSPAce Sioule to riverside paths and the Gorges de la Sioule.
Thermal traditions and water
At eSPAce Sioule, the facilities include whirlpools, a hammam, a sauna and a solarium. These facilities are indoors and on the thermal baths’ roof terrace, which offers views of the Sioule. Seasonal access details may change. If you are planning a visit, check the information in advance.
The Bassin de la Source Lefort offers a different experience: it is an open-air pool and is accessible year-round. It is fed by a spring whose water emerges at 35 °C. This helps distinguish the various places associated with thermal bathing: eSPAce brings together several wellness facilities, while the Source Lefort is described as an open-air pool.
Riverside walks
The “A la belle Époque des eaux de Châteauneuf” walking trail starts at the thermal baths’ car park and follows the banks of the Sioule. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The stroller-friendly Parc Thermal loop is a separate option: this easy, shaded circular route is 1.5 km long and takes about an hour. Along the way, you will discover the banks of the Sioule, the Source Lefort and the Parc Thermal.
The approximate walking times are around one hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, respectively. The choice also depends on the route and what it includes: here, a loop featuring the sights listed above is compared with a path that starts at the thermal baths’ car park and follows the riverbanks. You can choose your walk based on whether you prefer a circular route or the specifically described riverside path.
Heritage and landscape
The Chapelle Saint-Valentin is a Romanesque building with a single nave. “Single nave” refers to a church with one nave. Inside is a retable with twisted columns, which comes from the Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie. The architecture and retable offer two specific points of interest for learning about the chapel: its design and the origin of the altar.
The Parc Thermal includes an arboretum, established in 1882 with tree species mostly native to North America. It has been classified as an arboretum since 1984. The two dates refer to different milestones: its establishment in 1882 and its classification in 1984.
Another scenic viewpoint is Pic Alibert, a rocky promontory with a statue of Notre Dame de l’Espérance. From there, you can enjoy expansive views across the valley. The view complements the details at the Parc Thermal and the chapel with a broader perspective on the landscape.
Exploring the Gorges de la Sioule
The Gorges de la Sioule can be explored on foot, by canoe or while fishing. They are classified as a ZNIEFF, a “Zone naturelle d’intérêt écologique, floristique et faunistique” (natural area of ecological, floral and faunal interest). As well as the different ways to explore the area, this classification highlights its ecological, floral and faunal significance.
For anglers, the no-kill fishing stretch on the Sioule in Châteauneuf-Les-Bains is clearly defined: it is 400 m long and runs from the Hôtel des Méritis to the confluence with the Cottariaux stream. Trout fishing using various techniques is also possible at the fishing spot on the lower Sioule. These details distinguish a defined stretch with named endpoints from the description of trout fishing on the lower Sioule.
Discover more destinations: Lisseuil, Trémouille-Saint-Loup, Saint-Anthème, Saint-Maurice-Près-Pionsat, Arlanc, Chaptuzat, Olloix, Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze.
For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.
