Attractions and Places To See around La Bourboule - Top 20

La Bourboule is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can explore the majestic Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central, offering incredible views. The Grande Cascade of Mont-Dore is a 32-meter waterfall, the largest in Auvergne. You can also visit volcanic peaks like La Banne d'Ordanche, which provides a spectacular panorama over the Dordogne valley, and Puy des Crebasses. The town is also nestled within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, with the Dordogne River flowing through it.

Yes, La Bourboule is an excellent base for hiking. The Sancy Massif offers numerous trails with breathtaking views. You can hike to Puy de Sancy or explore routes around the Courre Pass. For more detailed routes, you can find various hiking options in the region on komoot, including trails that take in the high points of the Mont Dore area. Many visitors enjoy the challenging yet rewarding ascents and the panoramic views from the summits.

La Bourboule boasts remarkable Belle Époque architecture from its prosperous past. Key sites include the impressive Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the historic Casino de La Bourboule with its classified facade, and the magnificent Les Grands Thermes (Great Thermal Baths) with neo-Byzantine domes. You can also visit the neo-Roman style Église Saint-Joseph and explore local heritage at Maison Rozier, which offers guided tours.

Absolutely! La Bourboule is very family-friendly. Parc Fenestre is a 12-hectare landscaped park perfect for families, featuring ancient sequoias, an ornamental pond, vast lawns for picnics, and various free and paid attractions and games for children. The town also offers activities like bobsledding and access to skiing in winter, making it a great destination for all ages.

The area around La Bourboule offers diverse cycling opportunities. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Col de la Croix Morand – Croix-Morand Pass loop' or the 'Lac de Guéry – Guéry Pass loop'. If you prefer touring, options include the 'Col de la croix Saint-Robert – Chaudefour Valley loop' or the 'Lake Servières – Croix Morand Pass loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as 'Circuits La Dordogne, Chamablanc and Les Rigolets' or 'La Bourboule - La Tour d'Auvergne E-MTB Loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes, Cycling, and MTB Trails guides for La Bourboule.

Yes, La Bourboule is renowned as a thermal spa town. The Les Grands Thermes offers spa treatments using its famous thermal waters. These waters are known for their unique properties and are traditionally used for both bathing and drinking, reputed to help with respiratory allergies, asthma, and skin problems.

From volcanic peaks like La Banne d'Ordanche (1,515 meters), you can expect a spectacular panorama over the Dordogne valley, with an orientation table indicating the three volcanic massifs of the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes. From Puy des Crebasses, the view of the Cirque de la Dordogne to the west is particularly beautiful, and you can see the line of ridges towards Puy de Sancy to the south.

In winter, La Bourboule transforms into a hub for snow activities. You can enjoy skiing at Plateau de Charlannes, which is accessible by cable car from Parc Fenestre. Other popular winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The Dordogne River, originating in the foothills of Puy de Sancy, flows directly through La Bourboule. It offers picturesque landscapes and opportunities for tranquil riverside strolls. The Vendeix and Cliergue streams also join the Dordogne in La Bourboule, contributing to the town's natural beauty and providing a serene backdrop for visitors.

Visitors to La Bourboule particularly enjoy the breathtaking views from summits like Puy de Sancy and La Banne d'Ordanche, often describing them as 'superb' and 'exceptional'. The impressive 32-meter drop of The Grande Cascade of Mont-Dore is also a highlight. Many appreciate the diverse landscapes, from volcanic formations to lush valleys, and the opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The Belle Époque architecture and the town's charming atmosphere also receive positive feedback.

Yes, La Bourboule hosts a weekly market every Saturday, where you can find local produce and goods. Additionally, a seasonal organic market takes place on Tuesday mornings from mid-June to mid-September, offering fresh, organic products.

The highest point you can visit in the Sancy Massif near La Bourboule is Puy de Sancy. It stands at 1,886 meters, making it the highest peak in the entire Massif Central. The ascent offers phenomenal views over the Auvergne landscape, and it's considered the 'king of the Monts Dore'.