Châteauneuf-les-Bains is a town of Puy-de-Dôme, in region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 34 km northwest of Riom.
The territory of the municipality lies on the border of historic and natural regions of Auvergne and Bourbonnais, crossed by the course Sioul which forms at this place a fairly marked meander dominated by a hill.
Already inhabited in antiquity, a Roman road crossing the Sioule through a ford, the city develops in the Middle Ages around a castle mound and a castle and a monastery on both sides of the river.
Until the Revolution, two parishes are established in the territory.
But with the growth of hydrotherapy in the nineteenth century, reputed to soothe rheumatism, as Châteauneuf-les-Bains reunited becomes a tourist destination also popular for its green environment.
With nearly 300 residents, the town delights hikers and fishermen, and serenity is ideal for spa guests. That makes it a stopover for those staying in the area.
Discovery of the village includes several historic sites of interest.
This is the case of the parish church, called Lachaux, built during the Second Empire in a Romanesque style inspiration. It houses a remarkable object of sacred art: an oak statue covered a high polychrome metal alloy half a meter, evoking the Virgin in Majesty. Dating back to the thirteenth century, it was hidden in the Revolution.
On the other part of the town, the Saint-Valentin is Romanesque. Note the barrel-vaulted nave was completed in the eighteenth century by a projecting transept and a semicircular choir. At the south chapel, the altarpiece comes from the monastery of Port-Sainte-Marie. Also note, several statues resting on its base (the statues have been restored and brought to the church of Lachaux).
Finally, on the site of an ancient castle mound and a medieval castle dominating and watching the course of the Sioule, the current castle was completely rebuilt in the eighteenth century in a residential style and rebuilt in the nineteenth. The property is private and can not be visited.
In terms of historical and natural heritage, the Peak Alibert site is also worth visiting and glance. This is an image of the Virgin installed on a base, the assembly being up more than 3 meters, on a cliff which is accessed by a staircase. It was commissioned by geologist Jean-Pierre Alibert also explorer, who had come to cure his rheumatism in Châteauneuf in the late nineteenth century.
Another aim of walking in the same small town, the park and arboretum of Spa, built in the 1880s There are trees from different countries in Europe or imported from America.
Besides this green area, many hiking trails are open for visitors and tourists. Thematic courses have been designed, connecting in terms of points of interest or natural heritage sites including for example the Sioule valley lined with mills like the green peaks that mark the territory. Maps and information +33 4 73 85 80 94.
In terms of sports, still, Châteauneuf-les-Bains offers a wide range of disciplines.
You can discover the Sioule on the occasion of a descent canoeing. It is also possible to learn about climbing.
As for fishing fans, with Sioule renowned for its trout, they have all found driving range. Contact the +33 6 60 31 39 27 to find the most suitable locations and regulations to comply with.
Finally, from April to October, the spa welcomes visitors and spa guests with osteoarthritis or arthritis. Information +33 4 73 86 67 49.
Note that more than 20 sources were found in Châteauneuf. Only 4 are used for the thermal baths (hot spring) and two sources for the existing bottling (cold water source).
