Bourbon-l’Archambault, Auvergne

Condé Nast TravelerJan 5

Steeped in wellness history, Auvergne has long been hailed for the healing properties of the land and waters.

Birthplace of the Bourbon dynasty, famous for thermal 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

Bourbon-l’Archambault