La Bourboule

Visit La Bourboule, Auvergne

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.

See Auvergne and Puy-de-Dome (the region and department for La Bourboule) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for La Bourboule: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Photos of La Bourboule

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Suggested places to visit near La Bourboule, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Parc des Volcans 24km; Puy-de-Dome 27km; Saint-Saturnin 29km; Saint-Floret 29km; Clermont-Ferrand 34km; Riom-es-Montagnes 35km; Montpeyroux 36km; Volvic 39km; Issoire 40km; Saint-Angel 41km; Mozac 41km;

La Bourboule tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

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) : Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin) - religious monument (28km) :

See more places and a map at places near La Bourboule