Museum of Geothermal Energy and Thermalism - Geothermia, Science museum in Chaudes-Aigues, France
Geothermia is a science museum in Chaudes-Aigues spread across three levels with exhibits about how geothermal heat is captured and used. The displays cover everything from how the hot springs work to how their energy heats homes and powers thermal baths today.
Local people have used the town's hot springs for heating and bathing since the 1300s, with the water emerging at about 82 degrees Celsius. This reliable source of warmth shaped how the community developed over many centuries.
The name comes from the Latin words for hot waters, reflecting how central these natural springs have been to life here. Visitors today can see how locals have long integrated these warm waters into their daily routines and thermal traditions.
You can tour the museum either with a guide or on your own, spending around 60 minutes exploring the three floors. The layout moves logically from one section to the next, making it easy to follow the story of geothermal energy.
There is a special Nautilus chamber where visitors step into a simulated underwater journey while learning about the geology beneath their feet. This unusual experience helps people grasp how geothermal energy works deep underground.
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