Thermal town of Chaudes-Aigues

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.