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La Bourboule
ℹ️Practical info — La Bourboule
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- A walk through the Parc Fenestre is a must. It's huge, offering everything from quiet paths to a small amusement park for children.
- The town is flatter and more walkable than its neighbour Le Mont-Dore, making it a great base for families.
- Take advantage of the 'Tarif Malin' in summer, which gives discounted access to multiple activities and sites in the Sancy region.
- The water from the public fountains like the Source Choussy is drinkable and said to have therapeutic properties. Bring a bottle!
- The footpath along the Dordogne river running through the town is well-suited for an easy, flat stroll.
🍽 Food
Try this traditional savoury cake made with pork, greens, and prunes, a speciality of the Auvergne.
Look for a pizzeria offering a local version using Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne, Cantal and Fourme d'Ambert cheeses.
A rolled, crispy biscuit often filled with Chantilly cream. A delightful treat from a local bakery.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The market is held on different days depending on the season; check locally for the current schedule to find local produce.
The impressive casino building isn't just for gambling; it hosts events and is a central feature of the town.
Away from the busier sections, you can find quiet tree-lined paths and benches to relax.
An easy stroll along the river has a peaceful escape from the town centre.
A short hike or drive to this viewpoint gives a superb, quiet view over the Dordogne valley.
Water temperature…
La Bourboule is an appealing thermal town set in the Haute Dordogne valley, renowned for its arsenic-rich waters used to treat skin conditions and allergies. Built along the banks of the Dordogne River, the town features elegant late 19th-century buildings, grand hotels, and the ornate Grands Thermes with its distinctive oriental-style domes. It is often referred to as a 'garden city' due to its extensive green spaces and relaxed atmosphere. The town is particularly famous for the Parc Fenestre, a 12-hectare family park featuring play areas, a miniature train, and a cable car leading to the Plateau des Charlannes. This makes La Bourboule one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Auvergne region. Nature lovers can enjoy the surrounding Puy de Dôme volcanic park, which gives endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in a unique geological landscape. Visitors can reach the town by train or via the A89 motorway. The local cuisine reflects the rustic traditions of the mountains, with potée auvergnate being a must-try dish. The convenient time to visit is from June to September for outdoor activities or during the thermal season for wellness retreats.
- Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- Top sights: Lucky's Garage (Autos tamponneuses) · Théâtre Municipal · La Roche des Fées
- Nearby: Le Mont-Dore (6 km)
- Population: ~2.162
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 49 | 66 | 79 | 89 | 75 | 66 | 75 | 65 | 76 | 79 | 71 |
Geography
Facts
- Arsenic-rich thermal water
- Located on the Dordogne
- 12-hectare Parc Fenestre
- Altitude: 850 meters
- Grands Thermes bathhouse
- Belle Époque architecture
- Near the Puy de Sancy
- Resort for allergy relief
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Bourboule (12)
Chèvrerie des Monts Dore📍 landmark
The Chèvrerie des Monts Dore is an interactive goat farm attraction open to visitors in La Bourboule.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Bourboule family-friendly?
Are there wellness offers?
When is the best time to visit?
What architecture characterizes the town?
Is there a train station?
La Bourboule: where is it located?
La Bourboule: what is there to see?
La Bourboule: when is the best time to visit?
La Bourboule: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
