Road trip "Aubrac Cantalien"

Between Monts du Cantal and Aubrac, Chaudes-Aigues, the only spa resort in Cantal, has the warmest natural waters of Europe. The most famous being the source of the Par and its 82°C. A curiosity that made the city famous.The town’s history is closely tied to its thermal springs. Geothermal energy has a long history, dating back to 1332, and 40 homes are still heated this way. Chaudes-Aigues boasts the naturally hottest waters in Europe… It has no fewer than 32 hot springs, the most famous being the Source du Par, with a temperature of 82°C and a constant flow rate of approximately 5 L/sec. The name of this spring comes from the fact that pigs were “parés” there—that is, cleaned and depilated—using its scalding water, which was also used to degrease sheep’s wool. The “Géothermia” museum tells the story of Chaudes-Aigues, the use of hot springs, and geothermal energy in Europe. The Caleden spa center offers thermal treatments, wellness programs, and health regimens, as well as a thermal recreation area where you can bathe. Thanks to their analgesic and muscle-relaxing properties, the waters of Chaudes-Aigues provide deep-acting treatment for rheumatic conditions, degenerative rheumatism, osteoarthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and more… While Chaudes-Aigues is best known for its springs, the town also boasts a religious heritage that is less well-known but equally remarkable. In addition to the parish church dedicated to Saint Blaise and Saint Martin, the charming Notre-Dame de Pitié Chapel, and the Penitents’ Chapel; the resort has a unique feature that no visitor can miss. Each neighborhood displays, in a glass-enclosed niche mounted on the wall of a house, a statue of its patron saint, thus woven into the daily lives of the residents. You’ll also find numerous hiking trails in the town, as well as activities and amenities (tree-top adventure course, casino, escape room, movie theater, media library, and more). Things to do: the “De Par en Par” walking tour (available at the Chaudes-Aigues tourist office) to explore the town, with a fun version for children; as well as guided tours organized by the Géothermia Museum.

The church of Saint-Pierre/Saint-Michel, half Gothic half Romanesque, has been classified as a historical monument since 1921. One of the most beautiful churches in Haute-Auvergne.The church of Saint-Pierre/Saint-Michel, half Gothic half Romanesque, has been classified as a historical monument since 1921. The current building dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries (but is likely to follow an older construction, around the year 1000). Church known as pilgrimage, the only ambulatory possessed by Haute-Auvergne. The Gothic part of the left was deeper at the time and shortened when the building was refurbished. To see absolutely: chalice, frescos, stained glass. Information sheet and tour guide available at the Office de Tourisme de Chaudes-Aigues, the Syndicat d'Initiative (open July and August) and the City Hall of Saint-Urcize.

The village counts for its attractions among the "Small cities of character". The ubiquitous granite frame marries wonderfully with the natural setting of the high plateau of the Aubrac that welcomes it.Saint-Urcize stands at an altitude of 1000 m on a basalt rock dominating the valleys of the Hère and the Bes, on the plateau of Aubrac. The old houses, narrow alleys, small squares embellished with fountains, the remains of fortification and the ruins of the ancient fort give to the city its medieval character and attest to its ancient origin. The roofs of grey slates and shales merge with the remarkable 12th century Romanesque church whose comb bell tower dominates the city. Its small bell dating from 1583 would be one of the oldest in France, and its ambulatory guarantees that the city was in the Middle Ages a stage of the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela.

Far from waiting in front of the ski lifts and the crowd of the winter holidays, the Cantalian resort of Saint-Urcize lives to the rhythm of nature. 35 km of cross country skiing trails, damed and marked, 6 downhill skiing trails, itineraries for dog sledding, 4 snowshoeing trails, a toboggan area, make Saint-Urcize a friendly and family friendly winter sports resort. Rental of downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing on site. Downhill ski pass.

Relié à un hôtel** et à une résidence, Caleden accueille les curistes pour des cures thermales et des séjours santé (6 à 12 jours) sur un étage exclusivement réservé au traitement de la rhumatologie.Grâce à ses eaux les plus chaudes d’Europe, la station thermale de Chaudes-Aigues est particulièrement indiquée pour traiter les différentes formes d’arthroses, d’arthrites, ainsi que les rhumatismes ab-articulaires, les séquelles de traumatismes... Le centre thermal propose des cures thermales conventionnées de 18 jours par la Sécurité sociale. Grâce à des soins personnalisés, prescrits et suivis par un médecin thermal, les bienfaits de notre eau agissent en profondeur sur les affections rhumatismales. Découvrez également nos cures libres, particulièrement adaptées aux personnes en convalescence souhaitant retrouver tonus et mobilité après une blessure. Outre des cures médicales en rhumatologie et affection articulaire, Caleden se consacre à la remise en forme thermale pour tous. En complément de la cure thermale de 3 semaines, le centre propose des séjours de 6 à 12 jours, des demi-journées découverte initiation thermale, week-ends et des séjours « prévention santé » dédiés au ressourcement, au mieux-être et à la remise en forme. L’éventail de soins est centré sur les eaux : aérobain, bain, douche de vapeurs, douche à jet, douche oscillante, cataplasmes de boue, massage sous eau, piscine, bain en piscine avec douche en immersion. Une nouveauté : Caleden offre un programme complémentaire en fibromyalgie permettant un accompagnement global et personnalisé avec de l'aquagym douce, du yoga adapté et un atelier nutrition anti-inflammatoire. Le centre thermal regroupe de multiples activités dans le domaine du bien-être, si précieux pour l’équilibre mental et physique. Toute la richesse des soins thermaux pour contribuer au lâcher-prise et à la relaxation.