Auvergne combines extinct volcanoes, high plateaus and spa towns such as Vichy, Royat, Châtel-Guyon or Le Mont-Dore. The climate is cool for much of the year, especially around the Sancy. The selection draws on the spa tradition: spa-cure hotels with indoor pools, spas with hot tubs and a château with a heated pool. I've selected 4 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Château de Codignat (4.5/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
4 places shown
The pool. Voyage Privé advertises a heated outdoor pool in the château grounds.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is open-air: ask about the opening period before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool, open from 8 am to 10 pm, and a thermal spa with a whirlpool bath, according to Expedia. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest found the pool closed without warning; another mentions that spa access was charged.
Guide's tip. Check whether spa access is included in your rate or charged by the day.
The pool. Expedia lists an indoor pool and a spa on site; a photo shows a pool under a glass roof. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Small hotel: ask about the pool and spa opening hours before you arrive.
The pool. The Expedia listing shows a large indoor pool set against a natural rock wall. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Only the listing photo shows the pool: get confirmation that it's open on your dates.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. Expedia mentions a whirlpool bath and a sauna; a photo shows a jacuzzi under a glass roof.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the jacuzzi is open access or by reservation.
The hot tub. Expedia mentions a whirlpool bath, a hammam and hydrotherapy; residents get a discount at the Aïga thermal spa, whose water is rich in magnesium.
One guest enjoyed the hammam. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Access to the thermal spa isn't automatically included: ask about the residents' discount.
The hot tub. Spa with treatments and a whirlpool bath, according to Expedia and Ebookers. No pool is mentioned.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Here the warm water means the spa: book treatments in advance.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Château de Codignat (Hotel), with 4.5/5 (over 190 reviews · Google (relayé par Voyage Privé)). Next come Célestins Spa Thermal & Hôtel (8.8/10) and Hôtel Chante Grelet (9.8/10).
None of the places selected in Auvergne clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. Célestins Spa Thermal & Hôtel, Hôtel Chante Grelet and Le Chatel have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected in Auvergne gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: Célestins Spa Thermal & Hôtel also has a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Hôtel Princesse Flore, Hôtel Spa Thermalia and Résidence Aïga Resort Thermal & Spa.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Le Panorama | Indoor pool, water found nice and warm by travellers | 7,4/10 | Rating too low (Expedia) |
Sources: Expedia.
Get it listed in the guide: a listing in four languages and a direct link to your website, for commission-free bookings.