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, a faint, old-fashioned charm lingers in the air, and simply passing by one of the many Belle Époque villas is enough to transport you back in time. This architecture can be discovered as you stroll through the town, starting with the Thermes building and its magnificent 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!

Renowned for its benefits for the respiratory system and rheumatism , the thermal water of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains draws its elements from the nearby natural environment.

Three springs named " Romains ", " Crevasse " and " Garenne " supply the thermal baths. They are used for their chloride, sodium and slightly sulfurous waters. The only springs of this type exploited in Europe, they make Saint-Honoré-les-Bains the healing resort.

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, shaded by a variety of trees, is a true haven of peace nestled in its verdant setting . It features a collection of benches that invite visitors to sit in the shade of its large trees. In the summer, it hosts a pottery market at the foot of the thermal baths.

The benches, basins, and staircases are made of Briare enamels, and the motifs are treated in an Art Deco style , using the two colors dear to the Morvan region: yellow and green. Keep an eye out for the inscriptions "Saint-Honoré, the healing resort" and "Chapel of the Thermal Establishment"!

Whether strolling, walking, or even jogging, the tranquility of the place is much appreciated . So why not take a walk in the thermal park while humming a few notes by 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 growing popularity of thermal spas to build the spa establishment. In his château, he entertained the entire jet set of the era, from Empress Eugénie to the Queen of Spain , as well as famous artists such as Prosper Mérimée , Chateaubriand , and 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 Château de la Montagne pottery is a unique building in Europe , listed as a Historical Monument. An exceptional and authentic example of a pre-industrial production site : terracotta pieces, original molds, vertical kilns, horizontal kilns… can be discovered “in their original state” within this preserved site.

The pottery workshop, built in 1844 , remained in operation until 1926. Magnificent decorative earthenware pieces were created here , admired and collected even today. They allowed spa-goers and tourists to leave with lovely souvenirs of their stay. Many pieces are on display at the town hall, and can be viewed 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