Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Thermes du Mont-Dore, originally built in 1817 by the Parisian architect Charles Ledru, replaced 18th-century bath buildings. The project, approved in 1816, is motivated by the discovery of Gallo-Roman remains (a temple and thermal baths) during the work, resulting in a reshaping of the plan. The building, completed in 1824 and received in 1832, incorporates these remains and adopts a style inspired by ancient thermal baths. The therapeutic source, exploited since the Restoration, attracts an aristocratic clientele under the Second Empire, requiring successive enlargements.

In 1890, architect Émile Camut was charged with a major enlargement, preserving the facade of Ledru but completely transforming the interior. It is inspired by Roman thermal baths and auvergnat Roman art, adding two pavilions and one floor. The works, awarded in 1889, were completed in 1894. The building then combines local andesite, vaults of ridges, and a dome on the Saint-Jean-César spring. Two monumental stone stairs frame the large hall, while glass windows cover the interior courtyards.

In the 20th century, the Thermes underwent several modernizations: between 1934 and 1938, the architect E. Pincot replaced the courtyards and the central halls; Between 1942 and 1957, a laboratory floor was added. In 1974-1975, architect Bosser built a new steam building and swimming pool in the north, while the south wing was extended in 1983. Ranked Historic Monument in 1989 for their facade, vestibule, and ancient remains, the Thermes testify to the evolution of healing practices and French thermal architecture.

The Mont-Dore resort, popular for its sulphur waters, embodies the phenomenon of thermal resorts that developed in the 19th century. Under the Restoration and the Second Empire, the curists, often from the aristocracy or the bourgeoisie, are looking for care but also a place of worldly sociability. The enlargement of 1890 responded to this influx, while integrating historical (reuse of Gallo-Roman remains) and regional (auvergnat Romanesque art), illustrating the architectural syncretism of the period.

The successive transformations reflect the medical advances and the growing needs of the curists. The addition of laboratories in the 20th century marks an increased medicalization, while the swimming pool and relaxation areas (galeries walks, halls) highlight the therapeutic and recreational dimension of the thermal baths. Today, the building, owned by the department, retains protected elements such as the Caesar spring or the honour staircases, reminders of its past prestige.

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