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Origin and history

The ancient thermal baths of Royat-Chamalières, often called the thermal baths of Royat, are a Roman thermal complex built in Gaul, on the present territory of Chamalières (Puy-de-Dôme). These remains, covering 2,800 m2, have never been the subject of exhaustive excavations, and their dates of construction and abandonment remain unknown. Their exact status (related to a secondary agglomeration or not) is not established, although nearby funeral structures suggest a significant ancient occupation.

The site, located 3 km from Clermont-Ferrand, is shared between Royat and Chamalières, bordered by the Tiretaine River. Five thermal springs, exploited from ancient times, probably fed the thermal baths. The remains still visible include a 16 × 8 m swimming pool with steps and apses, built in volcanic slag covered with marble. Three enfilade basins, interpreted as frigidariums, and four rooms heated by hypocaust (caldariums) were identified.

Mentioned from the fourteenth century, the thermal baths were described in 1575 by François de Belleforest as "baths of Caesar". From 1852, incidental discoveries accompanied the work of the modern thermal baths, but no systematic excavation was carried out. A partial plan, drawn up in 1884 by Alexandre Petit, remains the most complete documentation. Ranked historic monuments in 1889, the remains were destroyed during the expansion of modern thermal baths and the construction of a viaduct in 1878.

A study of the structure initiated in 2009 aims to distinguish the original masonries from subsequent restorations. Today, only part of the thermal baths is accessible, including the swimming pool and an adjoining room. Their overall functioning remains poorly understood due to the lack of thorough excavations and partial destruction. The thermal baths, however, show the importance of thermal practices in Roman Gaul, in an area rich in hydrothermal springs.

The ancient complex is beyond the boundaries of Augustemetum (Clermont-Ferrand), suggesting peripheral exploitation of thermal resources. Funeral incinerations found nearby may indicate an unconfirmed secondary agglomeration. Their use during the Lower Empire is not attested, although frequentation in the Upper Empire is probable. The thermal baths thus illustrate the Roman heritage in Auvergne, between archaeological heritage and modern reappropriation.

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