Discover Châteauneuf-Les-Bains

Châteauneuf-Les-Bains offers several specific ways to enjoy a stay: thermal history, paths along the banks of the Sioule, Parc Thermal, and destinations for cultural and nature interests. To decide whether the destination suits your plans, consider the different ways to visit: from a walk to the thermal facilities and activities in the Sioule gorges.

Thermal history and eSPAce Sioule

Thermal bathing has been practised in Châteauneuf-Les-Bains since ancient times. At eSPAce Sioule, indoor facilities and the thermal baths’ rooftop terrace offer whirlpools, a hammam, a sauna and a solarium overlooking the Sioule. Seasonal access details may change; check them before your visit.

The “A la belle Époque des eaux de Châteauneuf” walking trail also explores the thermal theme. It starts at the thermal baths car park and runs along the banks of the Sioule. The route is listed as taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Walks and outdoor sights

For a shorter walk, consider the Parc Thermal stroller-friendly circular trail: the easy, shaded loop is 1.5 km long and takes about an hour. Along the way, you’ll discover the banks of the Sioule, Source Lefort and Parc Thermal. The information on both trails gives you a point of reference for planning your time, without requiring you to combine them into a single route.

The open-air pool at Source Lefort is accessible year-round. It is fed by a spring whose water emerges at 35 °C. An arboretum, mostly featuring tree species from North America, was established in Parc Thermal in 1882; it has been classified as an arboretum since 1984. Thus, both a circular trail and a historic site feature in the same named park, without needing to combine the information into a single route.

Another scenic destination is Pic Alibert: the rocky outcrop is crowned by the statue of Notre Dame de l’Espérance. From there, enjoy sweeping views over the valley.

Chapel and cultural heritage

Chapelle Saint-Valentin is a Romanesque, single-nave building. “Single-nave” refers here to its simple layout, with one nave. The chapel also houses an altarpiece with twisted columns, which comes from the Carthusian monastery of Port-Sainte-Marie. Its architecture and furnishings offer two specific points of interest if you’re interested in religious and historical heritage.

The Sioule, gorges and fishing

The Gorges de la Sioule can be explored on foot, by canoe or while fishing. Classified as a ZNIEFF—a natural zone of ecological, floristic and faunal interest—they are also designated as a protected natural area. The options mentioned differ in whether you’d like to experience the gorges on foot, on the water or with a focus on fishing.

The no-kill fishing section of the Sioule in Châteauneuf-Les-Bains is 400 m long. It extends from the Hôtel des Méritis to the confluence with the Cottariaux stream. At the fishing spot on the lower Sioule, trout fishing is possible using various techniques. These details describe different fishing opportunities; the 400 m section and the fishing spot on the lower Sioule should therefore not be understood as the same place.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze, Montpeyroux, Arlanc, Durtol, Champs, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Chastel, Bertignat, Rochefort-Montagne

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