La Bourboule
Visit La Bourboule (Auvergne, France)
La Bourboule is a 19th century spa town and winter ski resort in the Auvergne region of central France, a few kilometres west of Mont-Doré and south-west of Clermont-Ferrand. The Dordogne river runs through the centre of the town, whcih also falls within the scenic Natural Regional Parc des Volcans.
As you stroll through La Bourboule you could almost be stepping back in time 100 years, with the thermal baths, the casino and the grand houses dating from the so-called 'belle epoque' - the time of prosperity between the end of the 19th century and the start of the First World War.
Exploring La Bourboule
The main centre of La Bourboule centres around the church and a large open square, and is a good place to start your visit. In the square and along the main street there are various buildings of historical interest and examples of local architecture at the end of the 19th century when the town flourished.
Among the grandest of the buildings, note in particular the town hall, the casino, and Les Grands Thermes (the spa treatment centre), with their decorative stonework and ornate balconies. Strolling along the Boulevard Georges Clemenceau you can see many other buildings dating from this period, or perhaps take a pause in a cafe on the square.
The church in La Bourboule, in the neo-roman style, was also built in the 1880's - if you have travelled around the Auvergne a little you will see that it is based on a style of church very popular in the region.
Next take a stroll through the Parc Fenestre, in summer a pleasant park with shade from the trees and with several amusement rides for children, and also the departure point for the cable car to the ski centre on the Plateau de Charlannes (for hiking and mountain biking in summer or skiing in winter).
Spa treatment
The properties of the local spa water have been attracting visitors to La Bourboule since the roman epoch, but it was only from the 19th century that a thermal spa opened in the town to allow access to a wider public. The spa continues to be popular, with reputed healing properties including allergies, asthma, skin problems, and general pain relief.*
* Spa treatments are very popular in all areas of France , with the majority of French believing there are substantial benefits in the treatment.
Other attractions
Outside it's use as a ski and spa resort, La Bourboule would make a pleasant base for exploring the western Monts-Dore region, with numerous opportunities for scenic walks and drives in the beautiful Auvergne countryside.
Photos of La Bourboule
Click any picture to start the gallery
Address: Bourboule, Rochefort-Montagne, Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, Auvergne, 63150 || GPS: latitude 45.5892, longitude 2.74
Map of La Bourboule & places nearby
Highlights close by
Mont-Dore 6km
Orcival 13km
Murol 16km
Saint-Nectaire 20km
See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near La Bourboule.
See Auvergne and Puy-de-Dome (the region and department for La Bourboule) for more travel ideas...
Suggested tourist attractions to visit near La Bourboule, France
- Banne d'Ordanche - site of natural beauty (4km)
- Lac du Guery - site of natural beauty (7km)
- Puy de Sancy - site of natural beauty (9km)
- Jardins de Cordès - remarkable garden (13km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Orcival) - religious monument (15km)
- Lac Pavin - site of natural beauty (16km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Saint-Nectaire) - religious monument (18km)
- Volcans d'Auvergne - regional natural parc (24km)
- Puy de Dome - grand site of france (27km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin) - religious monument (28km)
Market days in La Bourboule: Regular market(s) are held in La Bourboule each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at La Bourboule (Francais)
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