Saint-honoré-les-bains

Saint-Honoré-les-Bains has been known since antiquity, but it was especially at the end of the 18th century that the Parisian bourgeoisie and artists met there to pamper bodies and minds.

Even today, this light old-fashioned scent floats in the air and you just have to pass in front of one of the numerous “Belle Époque” villas to go back in time. An architecture to discover as you stroll through town and firstly through the building of the Thermal baths and its superb park.

A healthy environment devoid of any pollution, combined with a rich architectural heritage... Saint-Honoré-les-Bains has many assets to give you a taste of sustainable tourism!

Recognized for its virtues on the respiratory tract and rheumatism, the thermal water of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains draws its elements from nearby nature.

Three sources named “ Romans "," crevasse " and " Warren » supply the thermal baths. They are exploited for their chloride, sodium and low sulfur water. The only sources of this type exploited in Europe, they make Saint-Honoré-les-Bains the resort that heals.

A resort of its time, Saint-Honoré offers family cures or even evening treatment sessions so you can follow your cure after your work day.

The Thermal Park: an invitation to relaxation

This magnificent Thermal Park planted with various species is a a true haven of peace in its cocoon of greenery. It is decorated with a set of benches which invite you to sit in the shade of its large trees. In summer, it hosts a Potters Market, at the foot of the Thermal Baths.

The benches, basins and stairs are made of Briare enamels and the patterns treated in a “ Art Deco », in the two colors dear to Morvan, yellow and green. Be vigilant and spot the inscriptions “Saint-Honoré, the healing resort” and “Chapelle de l’Etablissement thermal”!

To stroll, walk or even go jogging, we appreciate the tranquility of the place. So, why not stroll through the thermal park while humming a few notes of Sidney Bechet, a former regular at Saint-Honoré?

The Chapel of the Parc Thermal: an unusual welcome door

The Château de la Montagne: a thermal epic

The history of Saint-Honoré-Les-Bains is closely linked to that of the Château de la Montagne. Its owner, Marquis Théodore d'Espeuilles, took advantage of the trend for Thermalism to build the thermal establishment. In his castle, he welcomed all the Jet-set of the time; of the'Empress Eugenie through the queen of spain, as well as famous artists like Prosper Merimee, Chateaubriand, Nicolas de Staël…

Located on the 1st south-west foothills of the Morvan, the Château de la Montagne is nestled in the center of a 25 hectare hamlet, entirely listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. Dating from the 16th century, it was completely remodeled in the 18th century by the architect Jean-Baptiste Caristie and redecorated in 1840 by the Parisian architect Félix Duban; famous for his restorations of the Château de Blois, Chantilly and Fontainebleau.

During your visit, you will discover some heritage nuggets classified as Historic Monuments. The imposing terracotta sculpture “the wild boar hunt” by Pierre-Louis Rouillard and, within the hamlet, a 19th century pottery of extraordinary dimensions, unique in Europe. During the summer season, group visits are organized upon registration at the Tourist Office. Remember to register!

The Pottery of the Mountain: a unique architecture in Europe

An integral part of the hamlet, the pottery of Château de la Montagne is a unique building in Europe, classified as a Historic Monument. Exceptional and authentic witness to a pre-industrial production site : terracotta, original molds, vertical ovens, lying oven... are to be discovered "in their own juice" within this preserved place.

Pottery, built in 1844, remained in operation until 1926. Here were created magnificent decorative earthenware, admired and collected even today. They allowed spa guests and tourists to leave with lovely memories of their vacation. Many pieces are on display at the town hall, to be discovered during opening hours.

This gem of local architecture is just waiting to be revived. A project for its rehabilitation is underway, initiated by the descendants of the Espeuilles family and supported by the Mission Bern. In summer, the hamlet of Château de la Montagne comes alive and welcomes you to participate in the adventure of its preservation: group visits, upon registration at the Tourist Office, are organized during the summer season. They help finance its restoration.

Many other heritage nuggets await you in the choir of the “Healing City”. Discover them using a tablet lent by the Tourist Office. And to keep you informed of the events that take place at the Thermal Station, do not hesitate to come and see us.

Saint-Honoré-les-Bains tourist office.
13 rue Henri Renaud
Phone. +33 3 86 30 43 10
Open all year round