Le Mont-Dore
A spa and ski town at the foot of the Puy de Sancy. Highlights include the neo-Byzantine spa palace and the Capucin cable railway, which opened in 1898.
Le Mont-Dore has had hot springs since Roman times. The spa palace built in the 19th century combines neo-Byzantine and Romanesque styles. Guided tours take you through the interior, where you can see ancient Roman remains and the domed hall. The Capucin cable railway beside the town opened in 1898 and is one of France's earliest electric cable railways. It takes 5 minutes to reach the Capucin plateau, where you can walk forest trails. About 4 km south of town is the cable car station for the Puy de Sancy, which becomes a ski area in winter. The town has plenty of accommodation and restaurants, making it a convenient base for exploring the Monts Dore and the lakes.
Opening hours
Open all day; guided tours of the Onsen Palace require a reservation
Nearby sights
- Puy de Sancy
- Lac de Guéry
- Vallée de Chaudefour
- Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire
- Lac Pavin
- Lac Chambon
- Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Orcival
- Château de Murol