Spa house in Mont-Dore, bains publics à Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
The thermes du Mont-Dore is a public bath facility in the town of Mont-Dore, France, fed by natural springs with water temperatures between 36 and 44 degrees Celsius (97-111 degrees Fahrenheit). Inside, the building combines Roman and Byzantine elements with tall arches, painted ceilings, marble, and ornate metalwork dating from the 19th century.
The building was constructed between 1817 and 1823 by architect Ledru on the site of former Roman baths, showing that thermal springs have been used here since ancient times. The 19th century saw several expansions, notably by architect Emile Camut in the 1890s, to accommodate growing numbers of visitors.
The baths take their name from the town of Mont-Dore and reflect a long tradition of thermal bathing that stretches back to Roman times. Today, the site remains central to local life, showing how people have come here for generations to enjoy the warm waters and experience their believed healing benefits.
The site is located centrally in Mont-Dore on Place du Panthéon and is easy to reach. Guided tours are available from April through November, offering insight into the building's design and facilities.
The building was visited by famous writers such as George Sand, who described the interior spaces as evoking Rome and found the dark arcades striking. Today, visitors can experience theatrical guided tours called Les Virées du Sancy that recreate what it was like to be a guest here in the 19th century.
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