The spa resort of Châtel-Guyon in the Auvergne Volcanic Regional Nature Park has preserved all the charm of the past with its thermal baths, belle-époque buildings, casino/theatre and pretty Parc Thermal spa garden that's lovely to wander around.
The spa resort of Châtel-Guyon in the Auvergne Volcanic Regional Nature Park has preserved all the charm of the past with its thermal baths, belle-époque buildings, casino/theatre and pretty Parc Thermal spa garden that's lovely to wander around.
Gateway to the Auvergne Volcanic Regional Nature Park, Châtel-Guyon is a charming town renowned for its thermal baths, but also for its beautiful natural setting. Halfway between the plain of Limagne and the massif Combrailles, the village stretches along the river Sardon.
Its atypical history for a spa begins on the hill of Calvary where a bastion is built in 1085 to protect the valley. It is around this promontory that the city will be built and not starting from the source as is the case in many other spas in Auvergne. Life was organized around the culture of the vine essentially. It was only later, when the healing properties of the water were discovered, that the thermal baths were born. During the Roaring Twenties, the spa welcomed the crowned heads of many countries. And it continues to be very popular today.
The thermal baths are of course one of the poles of attraction of Châtel-Guyon. Specializing in treatments in rheumatology and digestive problems, the spa also offers health workshops ranging from Nordic walking to yoga and sophrology. So it's a complete fitness that awaits you there. And to complete the whole, a spa welcomes you for a moment of relaxation and well-being.
The location of Châtel-Guyon is ideal for recharging in nature. Many hiking trails are available for all levels. You have the possibility to go with a guide who will make you follow paths unpublished in average mountain to train you in the adventure in volcanic earth otherwise. Nature is not discovered only by foot! You can go on mountain bike tours for an even more fun experience or choose horseback riding. In a more playful way, you can participate in an orientation race in a splendid forest of oaks, between the valleys of Sans-soucis and Prades. Young and old alike will appreciate the tree climbing of the Parc des Ecureuils. On the program, Tyrolean and monkey bridge perched between two trees. Two bodies of water welcome fishermen in season from March to September for one and from March to mid-October for the other. In both cases, you will need a daily permit or a fishing license. Finally, you will have deserved a moment of relaxation in the municipal swimming pool open from May to September.
During your visit to Châtel-Guyon do not miss to visit its historical heritage. The theater, first of all, a masterpiece of the Belle Epoque, was the place of culture of reference. Classified as Historical Monuments, it deserves a look and it will be the opportunity to attend a show of your choice to draw in the extensive programming of the year. Built on the hill of Calvary, Sainte-Anne church dates from 1845. It houses an immense fresco of 800 m² tracing the apocalypse. The stained glass windows are also remarkable, as they are made of Baccarat crystal.
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Dynamic city, Châtel-Guyon offers many animations.
Late April-early May the Antiqua fair is held. This salon of professional antiques will delight all occasional or assiduous hunters. Numerous stands await you for this occasion.
At the beginning of June, the Jazz aux Sources festival invades the city. On the model of New Orleans, the artists perform on the streets where you are invited to dance to the rhythms of the blues.
During July and August, you can attend the Estivales du Parc. Every Saturday evening, artists from all walks of life perform on stage in the spa park and offer free concerts.
At the end of September, the Autumn fair takes place in Châtel-Guyon. More than 200 exhibitors will be present for this festive and warm day.
In October, young people and children are invited to a walk in the land of books. Exhibition, workshop and animated walks are proposed to discover and love literature to the youngest.
The end of the year closes with the Roc du Diable. A trail for the enthusiasts of running in the wilderness in the beautiful forest surrounding the city.