Discover Royat: thermal baths, history and nature

Royat brings together a rich thermal history, listed buildings and striking landscapes. When choosing where to stay, it is worth considering which of these aspects interests you most: architecture and Roman remains, the history of fashionable spa culture, or trails through nature. The following places and routes offer different ways to explore them. If you are looking for a hotel in Royat, these can help you decide what to focus on during your visit and take the various visiting conditions into account.

Thermal baths and historic buildings

The Thermes de Royat were built by architect Agis Ledru and opened in 1856. Monumental arches, Ionic columns and statues evoke the spa town’s Gallo-Roman past. The building thus brings together distinctive architectural features and Royat’s history as a spa town.

The Thermes romains were discovered in 1876 during construction of the railway viaduct. A pool with seating steps and semicircular tiers is still visible at the site; it has been classified as a historic monument since 1889. Compared with the Thermes de Royat, which opened in 1856, these represent two distinct historical reference points: an operating thermal building and archaeological remains discovered during construction of the viaduct.

The Taillerie de Royat is also part of the town’s architectural heritage. It has been fully protected as a historic monument since May 20, 2015. This protection covers not only the building, but also its technical installations and perimeter railings. The protected fabric therefore extends beyond the exterior architecture.

Church, museum and visits

The Église Saint-Léger is a protected building dating from the late 12th or early 13th century. The church and adjoining priory form a fortified complex with a crypt; a rampart walk has also been preserved. Admission is free. The complex thus combines religious architecture with defensive features.

The Musée de Royat tells the story of the town, especially the era of fashionable spa culture. Exhibits include historical objects, costumed figures, manuscripts, postcards and posters. Your guide during the visit is Bruno Charrain. Unlike a visit focused on individual buildings, here you can learn about local history through objects and visual materials.

The Pavillon Saint-Mart can be visited during exhibitions or through the municipal tourist office. Since visits depend on these options, it is best to check in advance which one applies to your planned visit.

Arboretum, park and walking trails

The center of Royat is built on a lava flow in the Chaîne des Puys – faille de Limagne. Above Royat, on the Route du Puy de Dôme, lies the Arboretum de Royat. It covers 41 hectares and contains nearly 600 species of centuries-old trees. Two signposted walking trails with free access lead to the arboretum; check the condition of the trails locally.

The Tiretaine Valley offers a different perspective on the landscape: it has been laid out as a park and takes walkers through Royat’s thermal district. The Chemin des crêtes runs alongside the Colombier forest, offers panoramic views and takes walkers and mountain bikers to the foot of the Puy de Dôme.

When choosing a walk, the main considerations are the destination and type of activity. Signposted walking trails lead to the arboretum, while the Chemin des crêtes is also described as suitable for mountain bikers and leads to the foot of the Puy de Dôme. In the Tiretaine Valley, the walk passes through the thermal district. This makes it easy to choose between the arboretum’s trees, the views by the Colombier forest, and a park trail through the thermal area.

Discover more destinations: Le Brugeron, Fournols, Saurier, Vergheas, Brousse, Aydat, Espinasse, Châteauneuf-Les-Bains.

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.