Chaudes-Aigues, Thermal spa town in Cantal, France
Chaudes-Aigues is a small commune nestled in the Massif Central highlands of central France, sitting at about 748 meters elevation in the Cantal region. The town is built around numerous hot springs that emerge from underground throughout the area, shaping how it looks and functions.
People here began using the natural hot springs to heat buildings as far back as the 1300s, creating one of Europe's earliest geothermal heating systems. This centuries-old practice demonstrates how locals adapted to their environment long before modern technology made such use common.
The people here have woven the hot springs into their everyday life, using the warm water for cooking and heating as a normal part of living in this place. This long-standing relationship with the thermal resources shapes how the community functions and what makes it distinctive.
You can visit at any time of year since the hot springs keep water flowing and warm regardless of the season. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip because paths around the springs can be wet and slippery, especially after rain or in cool months.
The Par spring stands out as one of Europe's hottest natural water sources, discharging around 450,000 liters of water each day at 82°C. This exceptional temperature and volume make the spring a remarkable feature that sets the place apart from other thermal locations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Château de Couffour
1.2 kmCroix de chemin de Saint-Juéry
7.2 km
Croix de cimetière Saint-Juéry
7.2 km
Museum of Geothermal Energy and Thermalism - Geothermia
163 m
Église Saint-Blaise-et-Saint-Martin de Chaudes-Aigues
98 mPuy de la Tuile
7.7 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié de Chaudes-Aigues
445 m
Plage du Camping de la Taillade
4.3 km
Église Saint-Blaise d'Anterrieux
3.7 km
Église Saint-Jean de Jabrun
6.2 km
Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs de Chaudes-Aigues
168 m
Église Saint-Maurice de Saint-Juéry
7.2 km
Église Saint-Médard de Deux-Verges
5.5 kmSaint-Juéry Bridge
7.2 km
Château de Montvallat
2.3 km
Golf de la Valette
3.9 kmScenic viewpoint
7.3 kmScenic viewpoint
5.3 kmWayside cross
5.5 kmWayside cross
5.5 kmCroix en fer de couleur noir sur socle en pierre
149 mWayside shrine
199 mWayside cross
7.5 kmWayside cross
7.5 kmWayside cross
3.5 kmCatholic church building, wayside cross
6.6 kmWayside cross
86 mMine de sansat
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes