Departure : Châtel-Guyon Tourist Office
This walk invites you to discover a territory rich in heritage, volcanic landscapes and local curiosities, between gentle nature and traces of the spa’s history.
Departure and amenities :
Right from the start, you’ll find everything you need at the Carrefour Market and the Belin & Belin bakery, just opposite the Tourist Office.
If you need to rent a bike, Vélodrôme in Châtel-Guyon and Volcanic Cycles offer a wide range of bikes for hire.
The Thermal Express and the voie verte :
You then follow the former Riom – Châtel-Guyon railroad line, now converted into a “voie douce” under the name of Thermal Express. At the end of the route, a natural promontory offers a remarkable view of the Château de Tournoël, which overlooks the valley.
The Ambène green corridor :
The route continues along the Ambène corridor, a small stream winding through five communes. A natural space for relaxation and observation.
Discover the village of Enval :
In the charming village of Enval, take time to discover :
– Les Trésors des Amis d’Enval (Friends of Enval Treasures), a themed walk around the local heritage.
– Enval’s Romanesque church
– A local artistic curiosity : the concrete sculptor Pesso (www.pesso.fr), whose workshop can be seen from the trail.
Exceptional panoramas :
All along the route, you’ll be able to enjoy superb views :
– The Limagne plain
– The Châteaugay plateau
– The Forez mountain range
– Puy de Dôme and the Puys chain, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Passage through Saint-Hippolyte :
The route then crosses the spectacular maar de Saint-Hippolyte, an ancient volcanic explosion crater, rare in Europe.
Arrival at Châtel-Guyon via Mont Chalusset :
Arriving via Mont Chalusset, nicknamed by some “Mont Oriol” in reference to Guy de Maupassant’s novel, you’ll come straight to the Châtel-Guyon spa park. A place steeped in history, emblematic of the spa industry in Auvergne.
Return via Avenue Baraduc :
To complete this loop, head down Châtel-Guyon’s elegant Champs-Élysées, the famous Avenue Baraduc, lined with Belle Époque villas, shops and lively terraces.
Nearby :
– Local crafts
Coutellerie Lug : Handcrafted quality knives, a regional savoir-faire worth discovering.
– Restaurants
L’Impulsif : Contemporary, creative cuisine for a unique culinary experience.
Le Cèdre Bleu : Mediterranean cuisine and a warm atmosphere, ideal for a convivial evening.
Aïga Restaurant : Relaxation and gastronomy in the heart of nature, for a meal in complete tranquillity.
Le Moulin des Gardelles : A charming restaurant offering traditional dishes in a bucolic setting.
Auberge de la Croix de Fer : Authentic restaurant in the heart of the mountains, offering tasty regional cuisine.
– Shops and Crafts
Boutique de Curiosités : A unique selection of handicrafts, souvenirs and local treasures.
Boulangerie Belin et Belin : Fresh bread, Viennese pastries and artisanal pastries for a gourmet break.
– Cultural and natural heritage to discover
Église Saint-Anne : A fine example of religious architecture, not to be missed.
Le Calvaire : Historic monument, symbol of the region.
Casino de Châtel-Guyon : For gambling enthusiasts, a must-see entertainment venue.
Ville de Châtel-Guyon : A renowned spa town with a rich history and a pleasant place to relax.
– Places to visit and discover
Usine d’Embotteillage Volvic : Visit the legendary factory where Volvic water is bottled.
Parc Écureuil : A natural area where you can relax and observe the local wildlife.
Le chemin Apage : a hiking trail between nature and culture, with cool breaks at the foot of the waterfalls.
– Wellness and relaxation
Aïga Resort : a wellness center where you can enjoy relaxing treatments and spa services.
Parc Thermal de Châtel-Guyon : An ideal place to recharge your batteries, between thermal treatments and relaxation.