At the heart of Saint-Alban-les-Eaux lies the Parc des Eaux Minérales. It conveys an impression of the spa town’s past at the beginning of the 20th century. The park contains four natural, carbonated mineral springs; it also includes an enclosed spring area. The former bottling plant was renovated in 2002 and now houses artists’ studios.
Finding or renting an apartment in St. Alban Les Eaux can be part of individual travel planning.
Nature
The Belvédère de Saint-Alban-les-Eaux has an orientation board and offers extensive views over the Roannais. The Gorges du Désert are home to a special ecosystem shaped by the presence of water and Mediterranean influences on the south-facing slope.
Hiking
The PR Les gorges du Désert is a 6 km hiking trail that meets the FFRandonnée quality standards. As a circular hike, the route is moderately difficult and is also 6 km long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 270 metres of elevation gain; it starts at the Église, Place de l’Église, in Saint-Alban-les-Eaux. It follows the Montouse and leads to a waterfall. Châtelus can be reached via this circular hike; the village was a natural defensive position in the Iron Age and offers a viewpoint. From the starting point at the church, the loop leads to the Parc des Eaux Minérales and past the springs.
The short walks La Clef des champs lead to agricultural sites of interest and provide information about local agriculture with the help of information boards.
Cycling
Boucle 6 / La Thermale is a moderately difficult, 9.9 km mountain biking loop that runs from Saint-André-d’Apchon towards Saint-Alban-les-Eaux. The route leaves Saint-Alban-les-Eaux towards Villemontais; along the way, it highlights the village’s spa heritage on the wine route.
