La Bourboule combines Belle Époque architecture with hiking trails that lead to elevated viewpoints, valley views and access to the Plateau de Charlannes. There is also a landscaped garden and activities related to the thermal baths. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the different options in mind: a self-guided route through the town, a guided tour and trails into the surrounding countryside each have their own focus.

Landscaped Garden and Viewpoints

Parc Fenestre is a landscaped garden that has existed since 1874 and covers more than 12 hectares. Rare plant species and two-hundred-year-old giant sequoias are among its features, as is a river that winds through the park. Here, botanical rarities, old trees and a waterway come together. Visitors wishing to include a landscaped park in their stay, alongside trails at higher elevations, will find a distinct focus here.

La Roche des Fées, at an altitude of 930 m, offers views of the town. From this viewpoint, you can look out over La Bourboule in the Dordogne Valley. The Banne d’Ordanche, the Tenon and the Puy Gros rise above the town; their names provide specific landmarks in the surrounding highlands.

Thermal Architecture and Spa History

A free, self-guided route takes visitors to the thermal architecture and Belle Époque heritage of La Bourboule. It can be found on the back of the town map, available from the tourist office. The guided tour “La Bourboule, Queen of Arsenic” explores another aspect of the town’s spa history: its springs and thermal facilities. Availability may vary; if you want to include the tour in your plans, it is advisable to check in advance.

The Grands Thermes wellness area offers two balneotherapy packages using thermal water. As services may change, check the latest information if you plan to take advantage of this offer.

Minéralexpo displays old scientific instruments, minerals, fossils, fine stones, jewellery, mining objects, curiosities and handicrafts. Some of the objects are also offered for sale. The exhibition therefore covers a range of collecting and specialist subjects, and some of the pieces on display can also be purchased.

Hiking Trails Around La Bourboule

From the centre of La Bourboule, you can reach the Plateau de Charlannes via the La Bonsière trail in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route is approximately 3 km long, with an elevation gain of 275 metres. The walking time is an estimate; conditions may vary. Trails of about 5 km connect the plateau with La Stèle and provide access to further hiking routes.

A hike from La Bourboule passes through the green landscapes along the Dordogne and in the Massif du Sancy. Its highlights include Belle Époque architecture and the Plateau de Charlannes; it also offers panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley and La Bourboule. The GR® 30 begins between Le Mont-Dore and La Bourboule and can be accessed from the former SNCF railway stations in both towns. Seasonal or weather-related restrictions may apply.

Those who prefer mountain biking will find circular routes through wooded terrain in the La Bourboule area of the Espace Sancy VTT-FFC. The routes have varying levels of difficulty; conditions may vary by season. Hiking and mountain biking offer different ways to explore the landscape, with the chosen trail or route shaping the experience.

Discover more destinations: Neuf-Église, Sauviat, Saint-Amant-Roche-Roche-Savine, Aydat, La Chapelle-Agnon, Corent, Saint-Just, Aubusson-D'auvergne.

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.