Condé Nast TravelerJan 5, 2026
Auvergne, France, Is the Country's Best-Kept Wellness Secret
Steeped in wellness history, Auvergne has long been hailed for the healing properties of the land and waters.
15 things in this story
- VichyNeighborhoodFestival in May celebrates its founding history with period costumes
- Maison DecoretRestaurantFive-room townhouse
- Célestins Thermal Spa & HotelHotelFirst in France to offer a digital detox stay
- Mont-DoreNeighborhoodKnown for silica-rich waters up to 44 degrees Celsius
- Hall des SourcesSightPavilion on the Chomel and Grande Grille springs
- Hôtel du ParcHotelMarshal Pétain installed himself on the third floor
- Thermes du Mont-DoreSightBuilt in 1817 in a striking neo-Byzantine style
- Châtel-GuyonNeighborhoodSetting for Maupassant's novel Mont Oriol
- RoyatSightSpa town on the Tiretaine river with waterfalls
- Royat-ChamalièresTrain stationOnly thermal spa in town, offers mud baths
- Hôtel Royal Saint MartHotelRun by the same family since 1853
- Hotel Restaurant Le PréRestaurantServes quintessential Auvergne dishes
- Bourbon-l’ArchambaultSightBirthplace of the Bourbon dynasty, famous for thermal waters
- Grand Hotel Montespan-TalleyrandHotelBears name of Prince of Talleyrand and Madame de Montespan
- Château d’Origny-NeuvyHotelOffers five guest rooms in a renovated domaine