Architecture Thermale et Belle Epoque – Le Mont-Dore

Here you can discover the current Le Mont-Dore thermal baths, the successor to the ancient Gallo-Roman buildings. Sumptuous and luxurious, this new temple of water dedicated to health was built by architect Charles Ledru in 1817, at the instigation of Préfet Ramond and the département.

Do you know why(…)

Here you can discover the current Le Mont-Dore thermal baths, the successor to the ancient Gallo-Roman buildings. Sumptuous and luxurious, this new temple of water dedicated to health was built by architect Charles Ledru in 1817, at the instigation of Préfet Ramond and the département.

Do you know why this establishment is so gloomy ?
It’s because it was built from andesite stone, a magmatic rock found in volcanic massifs. From the outside, the neo-classical building’s architecture is austere, so simple and uncluttered : on the first 2 levels, a colonnade of semicircular arches, topped by 3 pediments (characteristic of Belle Epoque architecture). On the other hand, the interior architecture is rich in colorful decorations dedicated to water (mosaics, paintings…) and Roman remains.
Part of the building is listed as a Historic Monument.

Opposite the Thermes stands the former Palace Sarciron : one of Le Mont-Dore’s oldest hotels. The old hotel was gradually extended from 1883 onwards. The buildings are arranged around a rectangular inner courtyard. A veranda adjoining the courtyard serves as a winter garden.
The building occupies an almost complete quadrilateral, with three main façades opening onto the heart of the resort at the time : the spa, the spa park and the casino.

Le Funiculaire du Capucin : listed as a Historic Monument in 1984, this funicular and electric railway is the oldest in France (opened on July 1, 1898).
It retains all the charm of the Belle Epoque, with its two green-painted wooden cabins, pulled by the same cable, which travel in opposite directions on a single track that splits halfway along the route to allow them to pass each other.

If you look up as you stroll through the village’s narrow lanes, you’ll see a wealth of ornamentation : friezes, mosaics, colorful ceramics, often with plant or animal motifs. These architectural elements are often romantic in style, sometimes exotic, inviting you to escape.

Our tip : find a detailed heritage trail on the back of the city map, available free of charge from the tourist office.