Legendary virtues
The birth of a spa resort specifically for digestive health
Contrary to popular belief, Châtel-Guyon is the “young lady” of thermal spas. Unlike its Auvergne counterparts, its springs were not discovered in the Gallo-Roman period, but much later.
The history of the village began in the 12th century, around the fortress of the Count of Auvergne Guy II, erected at the top of Le Calvaire hill, where farmers came to seek protection. At that time, the citadel was called “Castrum Guidonis” (Guy’s Castle), then “Castel Guidonem” and finally “Châtel-Guyon”.
If you are looking for the remains of this stronghold today, you should know that it was dismantled by order of Riom in 1595, following a quarrel between the Count and his brother and the confiscation of the estate by the King of France. Only the farming village survived the attack.
Discovering springs and first uses
Nicknamed “gargouilloux” for their noisy gushes, the springs of Châtel-Guyon already had, according to popular legend, beneficial properties. Farmers used to lead their cattle to the bed of the Sardon (a stream where some of the springs still flow today) to heal their wounds.
It wasn’t until 1817, more than a century later, that the first bathhouse was built in Châtel-Guyon by the municipality. Unable to renovate the facility, the municipality organized the concession of the springs and entrusted their management to two renowned businessmen: the Brosson brothers.
The spa quickly became one of the most fashionable resorts of the 19th century. Writers, politicians and the bourgeoisie flocked to Châtel-Guyon to take the waters.
In 1886, Guy de Maupassant was one of the celebrities welcomed, and his stay inspired him to write the famous novel “Mont Oriol”.
Châtel-Guyon, an essential Belle Époque resort
Over the years, Châtel-Guyon has specialized in the treatment of digestive disorders, thanks to the soothing virtues of its many springs. Majestic spas, sumptuous hotels and charming villas gradually rose up at the foot of the winegrowing village, creating the Belle Epoque spa district we know today.
During the “Roaring Twenties”, sultans, Arab kings, African notables and Maharajahs from India crossed seas and continents to the heart of the Auvergne spa town to relieve the digestive ailments that were all the rage at the time.
From 1950 until the mid-1970s, Châtel-Guyon was recognized as a “European intestinal and magnesium resort”, and enjoyed an incredible growth in visitor numbers, welcoming over 23,000 spa-goers each season (May to September).
Today: innovation at the heart of our resort
Building on its rich thermal past and the exceptional benefits of its waters, Châtel-Guyon continues to develop and in 2009 was awarded the “Rheumatology” label.
With the creation of Aïga resort, Châtel-Guyon is, now more than ever, an innovative spa town. It embodies the role of the “health spa resort”, where preventive health tourism goes hand in hand with medical thermal treatments and wellness holidays! The objective is to maintain fitness all year round and at every stage of your life by taking care of yourself and your health on a daily basis.
With the new-generation spa complex built in 2020, Aïga brings you an innovative medical concept, “microbiota thermalism”, combined with a hotel and tourism concept where all services are offered in the same place to simplify your stay.