tour de vichy

• Le Maire et les élus
• Le conseil municipal
• Quartiers et associations
• Concertations / Consultations / Annonces
• Actes administratifs
• Coordonnées / Numéros utiles / Horaires
• Histoire de Vichy
• Le Maire de Vichy
• Les élus du conseil municipal
• Expression de l'opposition
• Conseil Municipal des Jeunes
• Les Maires de Vichy
• Vœux du Maire et du Conseil Municipal de Vichy
• Séances du conseil municipal
• Budget, Impôts et Taxes
• Les associations de Vichy
• Champ Capelet
• Cœur de Ville -Jaurès - Victoria
• France - Croix-Saint-Martin
• Les Graves - Les Romains
• Denière - Hôpital
• Jeanne-d'Arc - Beauséjour - Les Bartins
• Les Ailes - Port Charmeil
• République - Lac d'Allier
• Vieux Vichy
• Les époques
• Personnages célèbres
• 10 juillet 1940
• Discours mémoriels du Maire
• Cadre de vie
• Santé et solidarité
• Enfance, écoles, jeunesse
• Enseignement supérieur - Vichy Campus
• Transports, mobilités
• Associations
• Entreprendre à Vichy
• Autres services
• Vichy Habitat
• Aide à l'amélioration de l'habitat
• Maison de l'Habitat et de l'énergie
• Les animaux
• Brigade verte
• Hygiène et salubrité
• Cellule anti-tag
• Collecte des déchets
• Déchetteries
• Espaces verts
• Don du sang
• Plan canicule
• Vaccination
• Défibrillateur
• Aides et maintien à domicile
• Mutuelle communale
• Système de transmission d'alerte
• Vidéo Protection
• Informations générales
• Carte d'identité
• Demander un acte de naissance
• Demander un acte de décès
• Demander un acte de mariage
• Se marier à Vichy
• Se pacser à Vichy
• Prise de rendez-vous en ligne
• Recensement
• Affichage numérique des autorisations d'urbanisme
• Plan Local d'Urbanisme
• Protection du patrimoine
• Espace familles
• Les tout-petits
• Collège et lycées
• Les services à l'école
• Accueil du mercredi
• Centre social René-Barjavel
• Point Information Jeunesse
• Écoles / instituts / BTS
• Pôle Universitaire de Vichy
• Autres formations
• En trottinette
• En petit train
• Stationnement de surface
• Abonnement résidents et professionnels
• FPS / Dépénalisation du stationnement
• Bâtiments publics
• Dans les rues
• Conservatoire
• Fonds patrimoniaux
• Maison des associations
• Inscriptions et subventions
• Les organismes professionnels
• Marchés publics
• Règlementation
• Objets trouvés
• Le cimetière
• Crématorium
• Les Grands événements
• Visiter Vichy
• Congrès et séminaires
• Les Grandes Rencontres
• Festival Portrait(s)
• Festival Tintamarre
• Journées du patrimoine
• Fête de la musique
• Grand pique-nique des parcs
• Fêtes du 14 juillet
• Jeudis de Vichy
• Carnaval du Lac
• Fêtes du 15 août
• Vichy fête Napoléon III
• Fête Anniversaire UNESCO
• Relais de la Flamme Olympique - 21 juin 2024
• IRONMAN Vichy
• Foulées Vichyssoises
• Virtus Global Games 2023
• Forum des associations
• Forum des Seniors
• Semaine du goût
• Festival des jeux
• Grandes braderies
• Noël à Vichy
• Un été à Vichy
• Le dimanche à Vichy
• Office de Tourisme
• Plan touristique
• Visites libres
• Visites guidées
• Hébergement
• Médiathèque Valery-Larbaud
• Médiathèque de l'Orangerie
• Musée Valery-Larbaud
• Musée des Arts d'Afrique et d'Asie
• Musée surréaliste François Boucheix
• Musée de l'Opéra de Vichy
• Opéra de Vichy
• Galeries d'exposition
• Orchestres vichyssois
• Printemps de l'Égalité
• Vichy, la sportive
• Centre Omnisports
• Tour des juges
• Golfs de Vichy
• Stade aquatique
• Pass'sport
• Le sport, ça me dit !
• J.A. Vichy-Clermont Métropole
• RC Vichy (Rugby)
• RC Vichy (Athletisme)
• RC Vichy (Football)
• Parcs et jardins
• Observatoire des poissons migrateurs
• Commerces à Vichy
• Grand Marché de Vichy
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• Art et archéologie
• UNESCO - Great Spas of Europe
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• Palais des Congrès
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• Projet de Ville Agir 2035
• Projet d'agglomération AGIR 2035
• Le projet de Ville AGIR 2035
• Les 4 priorités AGIR 2035
• Point étape AGIR 2035
• Rénovation du Parc des Sources et de ses abords
• Renouveau immobilier à Vichy
• Plan thermal "Accélération 2035"
• Modernisation du Casino - Grand Café
• Redynamisation du Fer à cheval
• Restauration des monuments historiques
• Lancer Vichy Lac
• Le nouveau commissariat
• Territoire Intelligent et Durable
• Chronique d'une ville d'eau
• Vichy, Patrimoine mondial
• Thermalisme et spa
• 2000 ans d'histoire
• Vichy et les Grandes villes d'eaux d'Europe au Patrimoine Mondial
• Découvrir les 11 Grandes Villes d'eaux d'Europe inscrites
• Circuit "Vichy patrimoine Mondial de l'UNESCO"
• Santé et Remise en Forme
• Livre " Il était une fois, la Reine des villes d'eaux "
• Exposition " 2000 ans d'histoire "
• Jeu mobile "Atlantide"
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• Cette semaine à Vichy

Visiter Vichy : visites libres

Vichy, la ville où l’on peut tout faire à pied ! Petite par sa superficie -550 hectares-, elle se parcourt en tous sens et de nombreux itinéraires dans les parcs ou la zone piétonne commerçante. Vous pouvez visiter Vichy à pied à travers des parcours libres. 

Ces deux circuits proposent de découvrir les monuments majeurs de Vichy. A travers 27 bornes, les espaces naturels, les édifices, l’histoire d’un quartier, des personnalités, sont mis en lumière.

Visiter Vichy en suivant le circuit  " Les 12 Incontournables "

• Le Palais des congrès-Opéra. Cet édifice réalisé en 1865, à la demande de Napoléon III, réunissait une salle de bal, un théâtre, des salons de jeux et de plaisance. Agrandi vers l’ouest en 1900, le bâtiment abrite aujourd’hui le Palais des congrès-Opéra.
• Les 4 chemins
• Le hall des sources. Élevé autour du jaillissement de deux sources (Chomel et Grande Grille) en 1903, ce hall métallique regroupe les cinq sources prescrites en cure de boisson.
• Le Grand établissement thermal. Le grand établissement de bains de première classe, à l’architecture teintée d’orientalisme, a été inauguré en 1903.
• Les chalets Napoléon III. Demeures privées de Napoléon III et des dignitaires de l'Empire durant leurs séjours à Vichy.
• La rue Alquié. Enfilade de maisons de style anglais construites pour loger la garde impériale.
• Le boulevard de Russie. Boulevard bordé de villas témoignant de l’éclectisme architectural de Vichy.
• La rue de Belgique. Villas de styles et de références culturelles variées.
• Le parc Napoléon III. Parc à l’anglaise de 13 ha, créé dès 1861 par décision de Napoléon III.
• Les plages du Lac d'Allier
• La source des Célestins. Lieu d’émergence de la plus célèbre des eaux de Vichy.
• La Source Lardy
• L’église Saint-Blaise et Notre-Dame-des-Malades : Église de style Art Déco construite entre 1925 et 1937 dont le décor intérieur contraste avec l’austérité de l’extérieur.
• Le kiosque à musique. Ce kiosque construit en 1902 témoigne de l’importance de la musique dans « la Reine des villes d’eaux ».

   Voir le circuit

Patrimoine Or et Azur 

Suivez l'itinéraire des lieux emblématiques vichyssois. 3,4 km passant par le quartier thermal, les Parcs de Vichy, 

Circuit Patrimoine Or et Azur

La Ville de Vichy se visite également par le biais d'applications mobiles ! Découvrez les parcours que vous pouvez réaliser en autonomie. 

Menace sur le sacre de la Reine des villes d ’eaux 

Le 31 mai 1903 doit voir lieu l’inauguration des Grands Travaux de Vichy mais Charles Le Cœur, l’architecte en chef a disparu… 

La ville de Vichy a été inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO le 24 juillet 2021 aux côtés de 10 autres villes thermales européennes. Elle vous propose de partir à la découverte de ses richesses de façon originale et ludique, à travers un jeu d'enquête historique palpitant et géolocalisé sur votre mobile. En effet, Atlantide est une agence de protection de l'Histoire qui voyage à travers les âges pour lutter contre le Syndicat et les pirates du temps qui tentent de modifier l'histoire pour en tirer profit. Basé sur des faits réels, ce jeu vous fera (re)-découvrir et apprécier l'Histoire du Patrimoine vichyssois. Grâce à la géolocalisation, les joueurs se déplacent en extérieur à la recherche d'indices architecturaux, en discutant avec des personnages d'époque ou en utilisant des documents d'archives numérisés disponibles dans l'application.

L’application ATLANTIDE est à télécharger gratuitement sur l'App Store  et Google Play .

Partez à la découverte de Vichy, Patrimoine Mondial de l'UNESCO

Voilà un an que Vichy, reine des villes d’eaux, avec dix autres villes thermales, a rejoint la prestigieuse Liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO sous le nom des « Grandes Villes d’eaux d’Europe ». Épopée fantastique que celle du phénomène du thermalisme européen.

Suivre le circuit

Dans les pas de Larbaud et de ses contemporains célèbres

Valery Larbaud, né en 1881 à Vichy et décédé dans la même ville en 1957, est un écrivain français, poète, romancier, essayiste. Il est l’unique enfant du pharmacien Nicolas Larbaud, également propriétaire de la source Vichy Saint-Yorre. Élevé par sa mère et sa tante, il obtient sa licence ès-lettres en 1908. En décembre 1908, pour le prix Goncourt, Octave Mirbeau vote pour Poèmes par un riche amateur que Larbaud a publiés sans faire connaître sa véritable identité. La fortune familiale lui assure une vie aisée lui permettant de parcourir l’Europe à grands frais et de séjourner dans de multiples stations thermales pour soigner une santé fragile. La médiathèque-musée Valery Larbaud de Vichy rend hommage aux grands chapitres de sa vie et à son œuvre. Auteur : Médiathèque Valery Larbaud, Lecture des extraits littéraires : Mathieu Dion

Vichy 1939-1945

L’application « Vichy 1939-1945 » (disponible en français et en anglais) permet aux utilisateurs d’effectuer une visite guidée du Vichy des années 1939-1945 en complète autonomie. Les points d’intérêt sélectionnés traitent à la fois de l’histoire nationale et de l’histoire locale. Pour chacun d’eux, l’utilisateur a accès à un texte historique bref mais précis (Que s’est-il passé ici pendant la guerre ? Pourquoi ? Comment ?) ainsi qu’à plusieurs sources primaires exclusives. Tous les documents d’archive sont proposés en libre accès et peuvent être agrandis afin de faciliter leur lecture. Les différents points d’intérêt peuvent être identifiés via une carte GPS ou via une liste de thèmes.

L’application Vichy 1939-1945 est à télécharger gratuitement sur l' App Store  et  Google Play .

Vichy dans la poche 

Partez à la découverte de Vichy, au cœur de la France, ville d’art et d’histoire, ville culturelle, mais aussi ville sportive et dynamique tournée vers l’avenir. L’appli Vichy dans la poche vous propose une première découverte de la ville à partir d’itinéraires, de promenades, de quiz et d’informations pratiques. Des bords de l’Allier aux personnages célèbres, du rôle historique de la ville à ses emblèmes ? Saurez-vous choisir le bon itinéraire, les bonnes réponses ? Vous trouverez ici également des informations complémentaires sur la ville aujourd’hui, son économie, ses commerces, ses enjeux…

Enfin, un plan, accessible sans connexion Internet, est là pour vous aider à vous orienter et de nombreux conseils pour profiter au maximum de votre première visite.

L’application Vichy dans la poche est à télécharger gratuitement sur l' App Store  et  Google Play .

Vous souhaitez visiter la Ville de Vichy ?

N'hésitez pas à contacter l' Office de Tourisme de Vichy  

L'Office de Tourisme et de Thermalisme de Vichy est ouvert :

Du 2 janvier au 30 avril et du 1er novembre au 30 novembre :

Du lundi au samedi : 9h30 à 12h00 & 13h30 à 18h00

Dimanches et jours fériés : Fermé (Ouvert pendant les vacances scolaires Zones A et C de 14h30 à 18h00

Du 1er mai au 30 juin / du 1 septembre au 31 octobre / du 1 décembre au 31 décembre

Dimanche & jours fériés : 14h30 à 18h00

Du 1er juillet au 31 août :

Du lundi au samedi : 9h30 à 12h30 & 13h30 à 19h00

Dimanche & jours fériés : 10h00 à 12h00 & 14h30 à 19h00

Office de Tourisme  19, rue du parc - B.P. 62677 03206 VICHY CEDEX

Tél. 04.70.98.71.94

   www.vichy-destinations.fr

   Découvrez le Vichy Pass

• Démarches en ligne
• Espace famille
• C'est à Vichy
• Inscription UNESCO

Parcourez Vichy

Vichy connectée.

Things to do in Vichy, France – A Visit to France’s Famous Spa Town

When I first told my family that I was traveling to Vichy, France, they gasped and said, “But you’re not interested in World War 2 history!”

Confused, I replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I do know that I love to visit unique spas all around the world.  Haven’t you ever seen Vichy skincare products at the pharmacy?”

I quickly learned that Vichy means different things to different people.  To my parents, Vichy, France was the the capital city of the French State during the middle of World War 2, when the Nazis were occupying most of northern France and Phillipe Pétain set up a new, conservative government that quietly collaborated with their Nazi occupiers. To me, Vichy, France was a spa town with mineral waters promising to cure every ailment and leaving me looking like a fresh-faced teenager by the time I departed.

What was it really? Something in-between. While it turned out that Vichy did have lots of spas, health centers and mineral waters, it turned out that I was more charmed by the beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, the quiet side streets, the shady walking paths through the parks and rivers, and the delicious cuisine.  I’m so glad I decided to visit… keep reading to see why!

Vichy Celestins Spa – Europe’s Largest Spa

The only reason I initially traveled to Vichy, France was to visit the Vichy Celestins Spa, which markets itself as being “Europe’s largest medical spa”. I’ve been to some pretty big spas (in particular, those in Baden-Baden, Germany , along with QC Terme Milano ) so I was very interested to see how big this spa might be.

What I discovered was that most of the square footage here is devoted to treatment rooms rather than open facilities. Personally, I prefer spas where I can move freely between a wide variety of saunas, hammams and pools, rather than spas where I have to follow a prescribed routine or pay for specific services. What was available with a half-day pass? One thermal pool (capacity ten people), a handful of small saunas (capacity one person each), one steam room, a relaxation room, a cold foot bath and an iced tea bar. It was fine for an hour but certainly not comparable to other facilities like those linked above.

For research’s sake I also booked a package of spa treatments. Called their “signature trilogy” I started with a fifteen-minute Vichy bath (basically a Jacuzzi), then had a mud wrap, then had a twenty-five minute massage under a Vichy shower.  The mud wrap was definitely a highlight, as it was so warm and cozy, but the Vichy bath and Vichy shower were underwhelming. That being said, my skin looked noticeably better after all three treatments.

Most people who partake in spa treatments in Vichy, France are doing it as part of a package that lasts for a week (or longer), under the supervision of a medical doctor. Thus, it’s not surprising that their offerings for half-day visitors weren’t mind-blowing.

The Best Things to Do in Vichy (Aside from the Spa!)

While you can certainly check into one of Vichy’s spas and spend an entire week indulging in paramedical treatments, you might be tempted to explore the rest of Vichy while you’re in town.  Here are some more things to do in Vichy, France, all of which you can visit in one full day.

Hall des Sources

My first stop in Vichy was the Hall des Sources, a pavilion built to provide free access to the natural spring water to the public. Most of the pavilion is locked up and only accessible via a key card, which requires a prescription from a local doctor. Yes, you heard me, it is prescription-strength tap water.  However, one of the sources is open to the public – Source Celestins – and you can freely fill your own cup or bottle, or buy a paper cup from the vending machine for thirty cents.

I was twice invited by a local curiste to come over into the prescription side, so I got to sample all of the different mineral waters.  I joked to my family back home that I might die from mixing “prescription drugs” in unmeasured quantities… but again, it was just tap water. Some of it was quite hot, some of it was much stronger in flavor, but it was generally just super-mineralized tap water.

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Parc des Sources

The Hall des Sources is located inside the Parc des Sources.  You can stroll from the Hall des Sources through the park, past the Art Nouveau-era Opera House and the Casino du Grand Café, which was one of the first casinos to open in France. At the time of my visit, the opera and casino building was closed to the public, but signs outside indicated that there may be some special events held inside – ask at Tourist Information, which is right across the street.

Parc Napoleon III

Napoleon III (not the famous one) took a shining to Vichy and did a lot to convert it into the glamourous spa town that it was in its heyday.  A park in his name runs along the Allier River, between the shores and Parc des Sources.  This is a great area for walking, cycling or roller-skating, as the baths are well-maintained, wide and shady.

Les Bords de l’Allier

Vichy is located on the edge of the Allier River, and the town has developed a modern boardwalk area along the river’s edge. This vehicle-free zone is open to pedestrians and cyclists, and you’ll find beaches, playgrounds and beach bars lining the waterway. I tested the waters at Plage des Celestins, and while they were clean and refreshing, with a nice, sandy, man-made beach, the water was too shallow to really swim.  It’s still a great place for kids who want to splash around in the water on a hot afternoon, though!

Eglise Saint-Blaise

There’s Art Nouveau and then there’s whatever this church is. The Lonely Planet says it looks like a Soviet space rocket; I don’t disagree. The interior is a jarring contrast, with colorful stained glass and vibrant frescoes. Adjacent to the larger church you’ll find a small chapel housing Vichy’s own “Black Virgin” statue. If the healing waters in Vichy don’t cure you, perhaps a prayer to its Vierge Noire will.

Mansions of Vichy

Although people have been coming to Vichy for its thermal waters for more than a thousand years, it wasn’t until Napoleon III visited in the 1860s that Vichy because a go-to destination for wealthy and fashionable French citizens.  Over the next hundred years, countless mansion would be built throughout the town center, each representing the unique architectural trends of the moment and the whims of the owners and architects. Simply wandering through Vichy and looking at all the distinct homes is a wonderful way to spend an hour in the morning or before dinner.

Some of the most interesting mansions (like the two shown above) are located along Boulevard des Etats-Unis; these colorful homes were specifically built for Napoleon, his family and his inner circle.

Other Thermal Spas in Vichy

While Vichy Celestins is the largest spa in Europe and, of course, the most famous spa in Vichy, it’s not the only place where you can soak in the town’s mineral water. However, that being said, the other thermal spas are primarily designed for longer-term guests partaking in a comprehensive medical treatment plan.  You can also look into visiting Thermes Les Domes Vichy or Thermes Callou Vichy.

Shop for Vichy Specialties

Back in the 1930s a doctor named Prosper Haller worked at medical clinics in Vichy. His interested in the healing properties of the thermal waters led to him creating a skincare collection called “The Secrets of Vichy”, which evolved over the years to the Vichy Laboratoires brand that is still on the market today. The city center is dotted with pharmacies that sell not only this brand, but also other, independent skincare brands that use the local volcanic mineral waters in their formulations. Prices here will be comparable to those at City Pharma in Paris, but it’s always fun to say you bought some Vichy in Vichy!

Aside from skincare products, Vichy is also well-known for its candy industry. The namesake treat is called a pastille de Vichy , an octagonal white mint that is said to aid in digestion. For the best prices, buy them in a supermarket near the check-out counter. For the best packaging, buy them at a specialty candy shop (like the pretty one shown above, in the city center) where you can also find nougat, homemade marshmallows, chocolates and other treats.

The Best Hotels in Vichy, France

Of course, the most obvious place to stay in Vichy is the Vichy Celestins Hotel , which is attached to the spa.  Rooms here are modern and comfortable, designed to appeal to guests staying for a week or two as they access medical services at the spa. There is an on-site restaurant and bar, and parking is across the street.

Since I wasn’t staying long, I didn’t think I needed a luxurious hotel room. Instead, I booked a very inexpensive single room at Hotel California , a typical family-run hotel in the town center known for its friendly staff and high-quality breakfast. Note that they may not be able to accommodate an early check-in, so message them if you plan to arrive outside if reception hours (13:00-22:00).  A similarly-priced property with a 24-hour reception desk is The Originals Boutique Hotel .

Most of the other spas and medical centers have attached hotels, including the Hotel des Thermes Callou and Mercure Vichy Thermalia .  These could be good options if you’re considering a longer-term stay for medical treatment at either facility, but probably aren’t worth it for a quick one- or two-day trip.

Recommended Restaurants in Vichy, France

I was worried that I wouldn’t find good places to eat in Vichy, but it turned out to have a lot of amazing restaurants and cafes. Guidebooks will steer you towards old-fashioned brasseries and the bistros that were popular with Napoleon’s crew, but I personally recommend checking out the city’s more interesting new restaurants.  These are all very close to the Parc des Sources and easily accessible by foot.

It took me an embarrassingly long time to make the connection between Vichy and vichyssoise. It’s not a coincidence that the word for France’s famous cold soup of leek, onion, potato and cream shares a name with this spa town, as the soup originates from the Vichy region. Note that vichyssoise is usually made with chicken stock, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. If you’re not a vegetarian, definitely order a bowl while you’re in town!

Grand Marché Couvert

One of the most enjoyable meals I had in Vichy was self-catered.  I stopped by the Grand Marché Couvert , or the Large Covered Market, where more than 60 local vendors fill 6800 square meters (!) with market stalls brimming with fresh, seasonal, local products.  It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, so stop by to prepare a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables, then head to Parc des Sources to enjoy your findings.  You can also stop here to get some snacks before a long train journey; it’s also just ten minutes away from the station.

WOF – Vegan Waffles

I was really excited to find this vegan waffle restaurant in the center of Vichy.  They have a few tables inside and outside, and can also do takeaway service for their sweet and savory pancakes.  I definitely eyed the sweet almond waffle, but thought should eat more vegetables so I ordered their waffle with pea puree, fresh peas and smoked tofu, along with a bottle of delicious apple cider. This is more of a lunch place, so don’t wait until late evening to come by (as they’ll be closed).

This one really surprised me too!  Le Vichy has a menu board that changes each day, and you can reliably find at least one awesome vegetarian dish on it.  When I visited on my last day in Vichy they had a “salade veggie” with… wait for it… samosas, falafel, a tartine and traditional salad greens. There was such an explosion of flavors and high-quality ingredients!  The only thing about Le Vichy is that service tends to be slow, so be patient!

Le Comptoir du Croque

Sometimes you just want a sandwich with extra cheese on top. And when you’ve got that feeling, Le Comptoir du Croque has you covered.  This is their vegetarian  croque , with vegetables and fresh cheese stuffed inside the sandwich, which then gets topped with more cheese, broiled, and topped with even more veggies.  The fries and salad on the side are just an added bonus!  They also do lots of sandwiches with meat and chicken, making this a great place to come with your family as everyone will be able to find something they like.

Venus Coffee Shop & Roasters

I’ve been underwhelmed by French coffee (it always tastes watery to me?) but this coffee shop served some of the best hot and cold coffee I’ve had in France. There’s no table service here, so go inside to the counter, let the barista know what you’d like (they also have soft drinks, beer and even cocktails!) then take your drink out to one of the tables on the sidewalk.

Josephine Creperie

If you’re a group you’ll definitely want to make a reservation at Josephine Creperie, near Place des Chemin.  This restaurants gets really busy with locals and visitors who want a lighter meal.  I had one of their galettes (savory buckwheat crepes) with fresh veggies like carrots, zucchini and even fennel inside. It seems I forgot to take a picture, but trust me that it was good!

La Table d’Antoine

Are you rich? I’m not, so I didn’t eat here.  However, I’d be remiss not to include La Table d’Antoine, which has been singled out by Michelin Guides not for a star, but rather for a bib, which signifies “good quality, good value cooking”. Still, with most of the tasting menus costing between €50 an €70, and none looking particularly-vegetarian friendly, I skipped this one.

Au Fidele Berger

This restaurant dates back to 1863, making it one of Vichy’s most iconic places to eat.  Depending on the day and time it may be serving as a bistro or as a teahouse; since I could never figure it out I didn’t stop by for a meal. However, if you’re a traveler who is into history and wants to step back in time to Vichy’s glory days, make sure to pop in for a meal.

How to Get to Vichy, France

Vichy is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, about 350 kilometers south of Paris.  Clermont-Ferrand is the nearest large city, about seventy kilometers further south, while Lyon (160 kilometers east) is the regional capital.  It’s easy to drive from Paris to Vichy, but if you don’t have a car there are a number of public transportation options.  Vichy’s train station is a ten-minute walk from the city center, so even with luggage it’s quite easy to arrive by train.

Getting to Vichy from Paris

The easiest way to travel from Paris to Vichy is by intercity train.  The trip takes about three hours.  Most afternoons, a train from Paris’ Gare de Bercy departs for Clermont-Ferrand, stopping in Vichy en route.  However, depending on the day of the week and the time of day, a direct train might not be possible.  In this case, it’s easiest to take a train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon to Lyon, then change to a regional train to Vichy.  A high-speed train from Paris to Lyon takes about two hours, and a regional train from Lyon to Vichy takes another two hours.

Getting to Vichy from Lyon

I arrived in Vichy from Lyon.  During the day, trains run about every two hours, and the trip takes just under two hours.  You can save a bit of money on some trips by adding a fifteen-minute transfer at Saint-Germain-des-Fosses, but for me it’s not worth the risk of a missed connection.

Planning a trip to Lyon?  Check out my guide to the best things to do in Lyon in 1 or 2 days !

Have you heard of Vichy before?  Is it a place you’d consider visiting? Let me know in the comments!

I’ve got all of my France travel tips right here, so click through if you’re planning your own vacances !

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Vichy (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Vichy (France)

This venerable spa town became fashionable with the rich and famous after Napoleon III took a shine to it in the 1860s.

At this time it was dubbed the “Reine des Villes d’Eaux”, “Queen of the Water Towns”.  Mountains were moved by Napoleon III’s decree, and in a matter of years there were pavilions, hotels, a casino, a glorious riverside park and lavish homes for the Emperor and Empress.

Those flamboyant buildings are still in place, and now most of the palatial hotels have turned into apartments.

The spring waters that first attracted the upper crust are also still piped into opulent grand halls for you to fill your cup.

Lets explore the best things to do in Vichy :

1. Parc des Sources

The oldest park in Vichy was first plotted in 1730 and intended as a place for spa visitors to take restorative walks in the middle of the resort.

When Napoleon III came in the 1860s he ordered the Grand Casino, while the marvellous Vichy Opera House, was added next-door in 1903. But just as it was for Vichy’s industrialists and aristocrats in the 19th century, this park is all about gentle ambles in the shade.

There are gorgeous Belle Époque covered galleries, pergolas, chestnut and plane trees and elegant old pavilions for a break.

2. Hall des Sources

In the north of the park is a cultured metal and glass pavilion where all of Vichy’s six drinkable springs can be tasted and bottled.

In this elegant but eerie place you may feel you’re rubbing shoulders with the ghosts of Victorian magnates.

The springs all run from their taps at different temperatures: Grille and Chomel emerge at over 40°C and you might be put off by the strong sulphuric smell.

There’s clear information about the temperature and mineral content of each spring, and you can even see the actual sources of the Grille and Chomel springs, which are encased in glass.

3. Opéra de Vichy

Built for the Grand Casino at the turn of the century, Vichy’s stunning opera house is the only one in France to have an Art Nouveau design.

The interiors were crafted by a team of masters in painting, metalwork, fabrics and glassmaking.

Tickets for operas, plays and ballet performances are great value and you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to see a show in this astonishing hall.

If there’s nothing that takes your fancy you can book a tour with a group and browse the small museum presenting the venue’s archives.

4. Parks on the Allier

Vichy’s riverside is perfectly in tune with the town’s healthy, active image: In the 1860s Napoleon III  commissioned the Napoleon and Kennedy (renamed) Parks, generous swathes of greenery either side of the Pont Bellerive on the right bank of the river.

The opposite side of the Allier has little more than waterfront mansions hidden by woodland, so as you stroll by the Allier it may be hard to believe you’re even in a town as there’s such an abundance of nature.

The parks are lovely in any season, but in summer everything’s in bloom and there are beaches and activities on the river.

5. Source des Célestins

Available in the Hall des Sources, but also in this separate pavilion, the most famous of Vichy’s springs is also a brand of bottled water exported to more than 40 countries.

But here in the town it’s free, and you need only bring your own vessel to fill up.

The water comes out at 17.3°C and has been taken as a drinking cure for hundreds of years.

In true Vichy style, taking these waters feels like a solemn occasion, with the spring is set in an elegant 19th-century neoclassical pavilion close to the river.

6. Musée des Arts d’Afrique et d’Asie

In the 1920s the “Maison du Missionnaire” was set up to accommodate missionaries who had come for long-term spa treatments in Vichy.

They would often bring with them precious items they had gathered in far-off corners of the world.

Over time the house’s collection turned into a museum, and after donations there are now more than 4,000 objects, mostly from former French colonies Africa and Asia but also Oceania and South America.

You can study coins, pieces of furniture, musical instruments and much more, in the lavish setting of a turn-of-the-century palace in the thermal quarter.

7. Église Saint-Blaise

This church has 17th-century origins, but was given an Art Deco facelift in the early-1930s at a time when Vichy was the height of fashion.

On the outside you can admire the relatively stern tower and dome, made with moulded grey concrete.

If you appreciate Art Deco architecture this will be a treat, but it barely hints at the interior, which is a riot of colour.

The painted columns, ceiling mosaics and stained glass are from 1933 and were the workshops of the Mauméjean brothers.

In the old chapel next door is the “black Madonna” statue, carved from walnut and brought out for a mass on the steps of the Grand Casino on August 15.

8. Hippodrome de Bellerive

It’s only fitting that a 19th-century spa resort that catered to the world’s royalty and nobility should have a racecourse.

The Hippodrome has held races on the left bank of the Allier since 1875. There are regular meets here from May to September: Earlier in the season you can catch hurdling races, and then there’s harness racing until around July when the flat gallop events are ushered in.

A lot of the races are run in the  evening, and you can make a night of it as the grandstand has two restaurants.

9. Vichy’s Palaces

There’s a tour for the sumptuous hotels and apartment buildings fashioned when Vichy was on the map for movers and shakers from around the world.

The eclecticism in fashion when Napoleon III was here gave these palaces an odd variety of styles.

But what unites them all is the no-expense-spared sense of grandeur.

The Hôtel du Parc, has a darker history than most as it housed the offices of France’s wartime Vichy Regime.

Chief of Stare Marshal Pétain’s private apartment was on the third floor.

Opposite the opera house is the Mannerist revival Hôtel des Ambassadeurs, which was one of Vichy’s most distinguished hotels in the late-1800s, finally closing in 1989.

10. Boulevard des États Unis

Facing the riverside park, this thoroughfare is well worth taking on foot to gawp at its exuberant architecture.

As the town prepared for Napoleon III’s arrival in 1862 architects tried to out-do each other with increasingly outlandish designs.

The Imperial Chalets built for Napoleon III and Eugénie begin at no.

101 and are a mix of the Swiss and American colonial.

One looks like it belongs on a plantation in the deep south.

They were intended to hark back to Napeolon III’s childhood, which was spent in exile in Arenenberg in Switzerland.

You can easily identify Eugénie’s chalet at no.

105 for the gilded “E” on its door.

11. Spa Treatments

Words like hydrotherapy and balneology may seem like they come from a bygone age, but a lot of tourists still come to Vichy for the salubrious properties of its waters.

There are centres catering to all budgets, and generally a course of treatment will last for at least two weeks.

The springs are claimed to help a whole host of complaints, from digestive disorders to arthritis.

If you’d rather not embark on long courses of hydrotherapy or drinking these pungent waters, you can book à la carte baths and massages at the neo-Moorish Centre Thermal des Domes.

12. Pavillon Sévigné

Vichy had been frequented by French aristocrats long before the resort was overhauled by Napoleon III. And one of its pre-eminent guests in the 17th century was the letter-writer Madame de Sévigné, who came in the 1670s to treat arthritis in her hands.

The mansion is by the river and when Vichy was at its peak it was converted into a luxury hotel.

In the war Marshal Pétain used this mansion as his summer home, preferring the Hôtel du Parc in the winter months.

13. Golf Sporting Club de Vichy

In keeping with Vichy’s historic noble standing, the town also boasts an 18-hole golf course.

This opened to the public in 1908, putting it among the oldest courses in France.

It has a lovely setting on the left bank of the Allier and is open seven days a week.

Despite being a club the course welcomes non-members and naturally the green fees are more reasonable on weekdays or during the off-season from October to March.

As it’s practically in the town the course doesn’t have many long holes, but will test your approach play and short game with its elevated greens and bunkers.

14. Châteldon

At Vichy the regional parks of the Massif Central are a comfortable day trip.

The nearest is Livradois-Forez, about 15 kilometres to the south and a giant swathe of upland forest and farmland.

Stop by Châteldon, which like Vichy is also feted for  mineral water that is sold across France.

The prettiest spot in this sleepy medieval village is Place Jean Jaurès with its ring of half-timbered houses, one with a beautiful wooden gallery on the top floor.

Sections of the old ramparts are defiantly intact, including the lovely 14th-century belfry, which topped a gate to the village in medieval times.

15. Food and Drink

Empress Eugénie was said to have been fond of Vichy Pastilles, which are a hard candy made with mineral salts from the town’s spring waters and flavoured with aniseed, mint and lemon.

They come in cute vintage tins and would make for a kitschy but cute gift to take home with you.

The mineral waters also go into Vichyssoise, a leek, potato and chicken soup that is traditionally served cold.

For this dish to be completely authentic you’re supposed to use Vichy Célestins water!

15 Best Things to Do in Vichy (France):

• Parc des Sources
• Hall des Sources
• Opéra de Vichy
• Parks on the Allier
• Source des Célestins
• Musée des Arts d'Afrique et d'Asie
• Église Saint-Blaise
• Hippodrome de Bellerive
• Vichy's Palaces
• Boulevard des États Unis
• Spa Treatments
• Pavillon Sévigné
• Golf Sporting Club de Vichy
• Food and Drink

Vichy travel guide

Visit Vichy (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

The town of Vichy is situated to the north-east of Clermont-Ferrand, and is the second largest town in the Auvergne.

Explore Vichy

Although the town is not a major tourist destination there are some sights of interest in Vichy, which is also an important spa town very popular among those seeking the healing powers of the local water.

Much of the town dates from the 19th and 20th centuries, in part due to the development of the spa waters industry since that time - it was Napoleon III who first brought these to the attention of the public. There are several different natural water sources in the town, some war and others cold.

Vichy also produces bottled waters that are exported around the world under the names of Vichy Celestins and Vichy Saint-Yorre and are also atributed various health properties.

Although most of Vichy dates from the late 19th century onwards there are certain monuments that are older. These include the remaining parts of the Convent of the Celestins (in the park of the same name) dates from the 15th century, and was originally part of a benedictine monastery. The Castel Franc also dates from the 15th century, although the principal facade was rebuilt in the 19th century.

The houses along the Boulevard des Etats-Unis, dating from the epoch when the town started to develop under Napoleon III (1860-1870), are also interesting and in a style that is very unusual in the Auvergne - these include the Chalet Marie-Louise, the Chalet de Clermont-Tonnere and the Chalet de l'Empereur. The Parc Napoleon III was also part of this new development.

The Palace of Congress (opera) building dates from the same period but stands in complete contrast, with its ornately decorated facade also incorporating art nouveau elements.

You can also see the ornate buildings that were the grand hotels where visitors to Vichy stayed in the early 20th century, stroll along the pleasant boulevards and walk along the banks of the river, and if you are visiting in summer there is even a beach on the river in the town.

Another surprise in Vichy is the interior of the Chuch of Saint-Blaise: on the outside it is a rather bleak concrete church, but the inside has been painted with colourful frescoes and other decorations and is quite ncely done.

The riverside promenade in Vichy continues for several kilometres and has a few small cafes, and is one of the most popular activities in the town, with visitors and residents alike.

Note: as well as the thermal spa waters made popular by Napoleon, Vichy is also well known for its role as seat of the government of 'unoccupied France' during the Second World War, under the rule of Marshal Pétain (they were based in the Palace of Congress building).

Attractions nearby

Among the places you will want to visit in the area around Vichy are the small village of Charroux , and the village of Chateldon overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle.

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central . You can find more travel ideas in the Allier guide and the Auvergne guide .

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Map of vichy and places nearby, visit near vichy with france this way reviews.

The ancient city of Chateldon still retains an important part of its medieval castle and fortifications

The renaissance style Chateau de la Palice, its internal decorations and its gardens are the main highlight when you visit Lapalisse

Charroux is a very quiet Auvergne village, unusual in the 'village centre' being a hard to find area of grass!

Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule

The quiet town of Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule lacks major monuments but merits a stroll when you are in the region

Not always considered a tourist destination, Thouars actually has a facscinating historical centre with several interesting highlights

The quiet regional town of Riom has several monuments of historical importance to see as you explore

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Allier

Tourist classifications for Vichy

Vichy is classified as a village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*

Address: Vichy, Auvergne, 3200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.127, longitude 3.4266

Plan your visit to Vichy, Allier

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Parc du domaine royal de Randan: remarkable garden (13 km)
• Lapalisse : recommended detour (21 km)
• Charroux : most beautiful village (21 km)
• Chareil-Cintrat Chateau: national monument (22 km)
• Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat): religious monument (29 km)
• Thiers : secteur sauvegarde (31 km)
• Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac): religious monument (34 km)
• Riom : town of art and history (35 km)
• Forêt des Colettes: site of natural beauty (36 km)
• Mozac : town of art and history (39 km)
• Marsat: town of art and history (39 km)
• Aulteribe Chateau: national monument (40 km)

Market days in Vichy, France

Regular market(s) are held in Vichy each Every day except Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Vichy (Francais)

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FAMILY LIFE IN A FRENCH COUNTRY VILLAGE

A Weekend in Vichy

I have to admit I had not done my homework and I was completely unprepared, I had no idea what to expect. I knew nothing about the town except for its dark recent history during World War II when it was home to Maréchal Pétain’s collaborationist government, Vichy France. It has however put aside its embarrassing past and refreshed and revived its ancient spa roots.

Vichy sits like a grand old dame on the banks of the river Allier. There is nothing hurried or pretentious about the town, despite its lavish architecture, everything seems to move at a more leisurely pace once one crosses the river.

There is an enormous sense of tranquility, almost as if one steps back in time to the late 1800s. If I closed my eyes I could quite imagine horse drawn carriages replacing the cars and ladies in fine long dresses and layers and layers of petticoats.

In the old part of Vichy, the architecture is pre 19th century but there are very few remnants of the medieval period.

When Vichy became famous as a thermal spa resort in the 1800s the town’s architecture was modernised but the splendour of Vichy remains its Art Deco architecture (1925-1935), tall buildings and balconies with ornate railings overlook the dappled shadows of the plane trees that line the incredibly quiet streets.

It felt a lot like Paris, but without the bustle, this overall feeling of calm and peace was quite astounding. In the 19th century Vichy was the stylish place to be, attended by many celebrities. Between 1861 and 1866 Napoléon III visited many times and just like in Paris and other large French cities, Vichy underwent a profound transformation.

By building dikes along the river, 13 hectares of marshland were transformed into landscaped gardens and in the town centre chalets and pavilions were built for the Emperor and his court. Today these house small boutique shops and restaurants.

After the Second French Empire, the Belle Époque marked another large construction campaign in Vichy. In 1900 the Parc des Sources was enclosed by a metal walkway which came from the World Fair of 1889. 700 metres long, it is decorated by a frise de chardons and was completed by the ironworker Emile Robert.

It was in the Opera building that the parliament of the French Third Republic decided to grant full powers to Maréchal Philippe Pétain, thereby terminating the republican regime and inaugurating Vichy France on July 10th, 1940.

Today there is a vibrant café life

and numerous restaurants offer a range of culinary delights

and summertime alfresco dining on warm balmy summer evenings.

One tip, if you are visiting France, we nearly always select the  Plat du jour , the dish of the day, it will be fresh and the choice of virtually every French person. In this case, brochettes de  dinde ,  grilled turkey on a skewer which was marinated with spices and utterly delicious.

Although when visiting Vichy today one cannot forget its wartime past, it is the architecture and the pleasure of walking around its small, restful and soothing centre with eyes wide open, be they those of a ten year old or an adult, that makes any stay memorable. There is so much detail to fascinate and captivate.

We came across a show of vintage cars

and despite blistering heat we strolled on, unable to resist the urge to look around the next corner, knowing for sure that there would be another incredible sight. For that is what Vichy does, it captivates without trying, and like that grand old dame, it doesn’t need to shout or be loud or brash, instead it sits quietly oozing a calm confidence.

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112 thoughts on “ a weekend in vichy ”.

Let me be the first to comment. Wow and wow again, like you I had no idea and would never have imagined a town like this, you said you would show us photos and you have indeed, brilliant photos and so informative, thank you so much.

I never imagined it would be like this either, it was a total shock and such a happy surprise, we loved every minute of it. In fact we didn’t want to leave, there was so much to see and I know we shall return, this time to sample the thermal baths! xx

Another place to add to my list of places I must visit in France!

Absolutely, cannot recommend it highly enough, and follow this with a trip to the volcanoes, which I will feature on Sunday, equally incredible! xx

I loved visiting through your gorgeous photographs. Merci.

Thanks so much Nadia, if you have never been, I would highly recommend it as a place to visit, and then go on to the volcanoes, I shall feature those on Sunday, all in all utterly incredible! It is a part of France I did not know at all and was totally surprised and captivated at the same time!xx

A delight to wake up to, a vacation and travel guide on my iPad and i didn’t have to go anywhere!

Isn’t that sometimes the absolutely best way to travel! xx

Such a beautiful city, & as you say, very like Paris. (My favourite city in the world). Another place on my ‘to do’ list! Gorgeous photos too. There is definitely a book in your blog Susan! xxx

Thanks so much Janet, it is so like Paris, we kept saying this again and again, but once I discovered the history I could understand why! Definitely a place to visit. xx

Thank you, dearest. I thoroughly enjoyed that ! I especially like the way you intersperse history and opinion throughout. Your photography draws me into the scene, as well. Nicely done and thank you again. Perhaps one day…

Thanks so much, it is impossible not to be drawn into the history of Vichy, but it also left all of us with such an incredible feeling, like we never wanted to leave, it had an amazing effect on us all. If you do get the chance, do visit! xx

Kitsy, love and agree totally (with) yr comment. Have a backlog of three posts to read next week…. holiday pleasures!!!!!!

Kiki, you are always so so kind! We utterly fell in love with the Auvergne and Vichy! We will go back!! Xx

Wow – I had no idea it was so lovely. There’s no reason for it not to be, of course, but like my ideas about Vichy have been all tied up with WW II. I think I would like to visit!

I managed a typo there – sorry!

Typos happen to me all the time, did you notice my intro, which has now been corrected, but I think still stays on the email that went out, that we drove 5 hours west!!!! I guess we were driving in the sea!!! xx

No, I didn’t spot that! Would have been an interesting drive! Did you get my email?

Yes wouldn’t it!! I did and I will reply tomorrow, just been very busy and not at home!!! Xx

Yes, I think this is how I felt too, I was expecting constant reminders, actually I don’t know what I was expecting, except I know it wasn’t this! and it was so fabulous, so surprising and so wonderful, we didn’t want to leave and we shall certainly return! xx

What a lovely homage to a beautiful city. And beautiful it is … gracious and effortlessly chic – your pictures perfectly capture the glamour that Vichy exudes from her petticoated form. And your words match in their detail and vibrancy and enthusiasm. I do hope that many will now think a stop off in the region is a good idea rather than just bustling through enroute to who knows where. On behalf of the Auvergne Tourist Office, I thank you heartily 😉 xx

Thanks so much! It is an area I have never been to before, except on the autoroute via Clermont-Ferrand southwards! and I realise how much I have been missing out, it was utterly stunning and not just Vichy, we spent two days in the volcanoes, all about that on Sunday, it was incredible, everywhere, the children wanted to move there, until they realised they would miss the beach! The people were so friendly and so helpful and yes we loved every single second of it. The only thing that could possibly have made it better would have been if you had been a little closer and we could finally have met in your home region!!! xx

Of course I’m delighted that you loved it. And delighted that you can see why I love it. And delighted that the children wanted to stay. Tell them that they are welcome to come and stay any time when we are settled. Then they can do the volcanoes and still have their beloved coast too. You can come as well if you would like 😉. The people have a general reputation for being really lovely – I think it is a result of being unperturbed by much tourism (though there is a drive to improve it and we do get our fair share of Belgian, Dutch and Germans through August). Anyway … I really look forward to your verdict on the countryside and an only tell you that Cantal is even lovelier than Puy de Dôme but i would say that, wouldn’t I? I too wish I had been a little closer but I’m sure there will be other times and meanwhile I can bug you on your home turf of you could always come to Grenoble and do a little Sound of Music retrospective with me (in the mountains – we aren’t quite Saltzburg!) xx

We truly loved it, I just read your message to Hetty and G who are in the kitchen with me making clay models of something, not quite sure what!! They said “yes please!” I can tell you we adored the countryside too, in fact if we were told we had to go back to one or the other for two days I am not sure which we would choose, both were equally fabulous in their own ways. Now I have to sift through another 1000 photos of the volcanoes!! Come and visit here first, because I have a feeling it is possibly at the planning stage, and then we shall come further east and do the Sound of Music, we just need to borrow two more children!!! have a great weekend xx

Lovely! Your photos are gorgeous. Many thanks from this “armchair traveler!”

Thank you, armchair travel really has so many positive sides! xx

It looks beautiful there.

Thanks so much, it is stunning xx

I love a great family vacation! So happy for you and the family. Are you systematically working your way around the parts of France where you haven’t visited before? I am curious about how you and your family decide where to travel since we hope to live for blocks of time in Europe (once retired) and I wonder how we will ever decide where to go and what to see.

As usual, your photos are wonderful and your descriptions add just the detail I need to make me feel like I have been along with you. Thank you!! xo

Thanks so much Anne, it would be a great idea to travel around France this way, and there are places I still want to visit and have never seen, Strasbourg at Christmas is high on my wish list. However, in this instance, it was decided for us, Gigi was playing in a national two day tennis tournament and so we decided to all go along and make a mini vacation out of it which worked perfectly for us all! However, we shall certainly return. I know a great deal of France and have visited many areas, but this is one I didn’t know and I realise how much I have missed out on! I highly recommend it. Xx

How wonderful! Another area to tantilize. Gorgeous photos….very elegant. Susan, you are giving us the most wonderful taste of France. I would never have thought of this area.

We are so looking forward to October. I will email soon. Ali xxx

Thanks Ali, this is somewhere I highly recommend, perhaps during your 2018 trip!!! It is fabulous, we also went to the volcanoes which I will feature on Sunday, a truly wonderful area, utterly fascinating and the people are so lovely xx

I live near a spa town – Harrogate. However, back in the day, it convinced the seeker-after-health that its waters were doing you good because if they taste so vile, there must be some benefit. A good dose of sulphur ensures the smell and taste of rotten eggs. Lovely! Harrogate too maintains some of the gracious airs of a spa town, but far less so than Vichy. So glad you had a relaxing weekend xx

😉 🙂 hi Margaret, what an English explanation…. 😉 The same thing was being said about the eruptive waters of Iceland’s geysers and hot springs…..

The same thing is said about the Vichy waters too, that the horrid taste and smell is what makes them so good! Hmmmm, next time we go there we shall try them out and I shall report back!! Xx

… or anywhere with thoroughly nasty water 😉

I am not sure which is worse, the smell or the taste!!!

I read exactly the same thing here too, that the waters are so horrid that they have to be doing some good!! We didn’t have time to visit the thermal baths but we shall certainly return, and we shall certainly visit them next time, it was such an incredible surprise and we loved it. I did not know that Harrogate was a spa town, which I am actually rather embarrassed to admit! Do you ever get a chance to enjoy the thermal waters? Xx

The Turkish Baths are a Victorian visual treat, as well as being a thoroughly relaxing way to while away a couple of hours. Note to self: time to go again xx

They sound like great fun, definitely go again! Vichy reminded me entirely of the Victorian era, it was almost as if we were in a scene from a play, except the characters were dressed incorrectly for the era! As you can probably tell, it really was a town that made a huge impression. Just loved it. Hope you have a lovely weekend xx

It is not an area I know or one I would even have given a second thought to, but your photos have captivated me. I am going online to find out more!

It wasn’t somewhere we had ever really thought about before and we were so pleasantly surprised, we shall certainly go back again and spend longer there, again enjoying both the town of Vichy and the volcanoes further south. Xx

Ever thought of being a travel writer? You have a knack for it and I am sure anyone would be lucky to snap you up, I always feel that you write with sincerity from the heart and you show us how it really is. Another brilliant post as always, thank you

Thanks so much Jane, yes I do write about things I am passionate about and I think that makes it all so much easier, and yes we were passionate about this area, it was fabulous xx

I read in some of the earlier comments that you then went on to the volcanoes, cannot wait to read about them, I didn’t even know France had volcanoes!!

The volcanoes were indeed incredible, it was a two centre holiday and I am not sure which we loved the best, they were complete opposites and both fabulous! Lots and lots of photos on Sunday! Xx

You have once again taken me on a wonderful holiday. How beautiful to see such a beautiful place.Due to age I cannot travel any more but I can see it through your eyes and camera.For that I say Thank You.Betty Baker from Ontario, Canada.

Hi Betty, thanks so much and you know that there is a vast amount to be said for armchair travel, it is free and it is so luxurious, you don’t have to do a thing! Plus you live in a beautiful part of the world too. Hope you have the most wonderful end to the week xx

I shall be back… 🙂

I have missed you! Hope you are having a wonderful summer Xxx

What a visual treat, Susan! Amy and I might have to make a huge detour this autumn!! And we cannot wait to see the volcanoes, either!!

Definitely make the detour, I can highly recommend the area in general, Stay in Vichy for a couple of nights as we did, it is chic and elegant and lovely and then stay in more rustic accommodation in the volcanoes, it is a perfect two centre holiday. I shall feature the volcanoes on Sunday xx

Oh my, what a refreshing visit…I am captivated by your stunning photos…beautiful architecture mixed with a gentle dose of history gets me every time. Thanks so much for the delight. 🙂

Thanks so much, it really was the most wonderful mixture and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who wants to visit. We were truly so surprised, I had no idea what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t this! Xx

Oh, what memories! My first trip to France was to be a chaperone of some high school students from California and live in a “dortoire” at Lycée de Presles in Cusset across the river from Vichy. I was barely older than the students! It was quite an experience!

Oh what fun and what an experience! How long was the trip for? Did everything go according to plan or did you have some real adventures and many stories to dine out on afterwards? xx

Could never imagine how beautiful and interesting Vichy is and indead it’s like little Paris, till you shared this trip with us. You really made a good job and catched the atmosphere.

Thanks so much, we were all so surprised, it was not at all what I expected and we found we completely fell in love with it, it certainly made a very lasting impression. The people were lovely, the climate was perfect, 32C each day, it couldn’t have been better. Hope you are coping in the immense heat Spain has been experiencing, I feel for you, in the 40’s is just too hot. Stay cool and have a lovely weekend xx

Thanks so much for sharing xx

Your blogs always inspire the need to venture and explore. It’s like reading a beloved book. I can wait to see where you explore next

Thanks so much Ellena, it is always such fun to share different places and different aspects of our French life. Hope you have a lovely weekend xx

What a beautiful city. Great photos and I’m glad you enjoyed your time there. I need a getaway. 🙂

Kim, I really do think you need a holiday, you’ve certainly had a very tough year. Perhaps a little (or big) trip to France, if it is on the cards, then I can highly recommend relaxing in Vichy for a couple of days, it is three hours from Paris by train so I understand. Then head west and come and visit us, it would be such a pleasure to show you around. xx

Susan,how absolutely divine! We have not been to beautiful Vichy in (truly) ages,and your gorgeous pictures and descriptions made us feel like we had just returned again from a fantastic holiday! And what a coincidence:we had brochettes de dinde last night for dinner!(my hubby Rod grilled them and I did the frites)! Must have been telepathy of the happiest sort! Thank you for sharing it all with us!

So happy to meet someone else who has been there! Did you find it equally beautiful back then, I am assuming it was quite a few years ago? I know that they have undertaken a vast amount of restoration in recent years and it really does look fabulous now, whilst retaining the old charm. How funny that you had brochettes de dinde and frites, it must certainly be telepathy! Ours were fabulous. Have a great weekend xx

What a gorgeous old town! Thanks for giving us a tour and the history. I knew nothing but the collaborationist history! And of course, I should have thought there would be more. Can’t wait for the volcanoes.

I have to admit I knew nothing more too and was truly shocked and surprised, I guess I should have done my homework in advance! We were really there for a tennis tournament so I didn’t do too much research! But it certainly made a lasting impression and we will definitely return. The volcanoes were equally incredible, can’t wait to share that part of our trip on Sunday! xx

How wonderful! What beautiful photos! Well, being of the generation which knows all about the Vichy Government but may eschew Vichy Water, I loved seeing the beautiful old town! Now, I must be one of the very few in the world who is not all that taken in by Paris, once the necessary landmarks become familiar. Yes, I can note quite a connection, and one I would love to see with my own eyes . . . . am kind’of looking at coming to your part of the country next year and you are being an excellent ‘tour director’ . . .

How exciting that you are, maybe, planning a trip here next summer. Vichy would definitely be on my list of places to visit, I would arrive in Paris and immediately take the train and head south, 3 hours and you would be in a mini Paris without the crowds and with an incredibly relaxed laid back atmosphere and the most friendly people! Then you must come west and visit us and I can show you around personally! xx

Was not aware of this town, lovely buildings, but now I need to search its dark history and connection to WWll.

There is plenty of reading on the internet all about Vichy and it’s past. The history is fascinating, not just WWII but way back to when it first became popular for the healing powers of its thermal waters back in the 1700’s. It certainly made a lasting impression on all of us, I don’t think any of us expected it to be so lovely xx

Yet another lovely post Susan! I had the pleasure of doing a small tour of France sixteen years ago during our honeymoon, and the Massif-Central was one of the places that we visited! We didn’t go to Vichy, but did get to visit Clermont-Ferrand and the mountains further south. I can’t wait to read your next post about the Auvergne volcanoes, it sounds Iike you all had such a wonderful time! We’ll have to take the kids back to visit. Xxx

You really must visit again and your children would simply adore the entire region, even G who is ten fell in love with Vichy, it is that sort of place, it totally captivates. The volcanoes were fantastic and then we too headed further south to the mountains, everything was perfect, cannot decide which we loved the most. Definitely an area we will go back to, and hopefully before too long! xx

Heralding from Germany, I know all too well the shame of the past. Vichy has such beautiful architecture it’s easy to forget the sins of war. Thank you for sharing these exquisite images. Happy weekend.

The architecture is stunning and I think it is certainly one of the most beautiful places I have visited. But I don’t think the past has been forgotten, rather it is just no longer in the forefront. There are museums and memorials that we stopped and looked at and many statutes. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend too xx

Another brilliant travelogue. And another place to add to my wishlist!

Definitely, if you get the chance to visit you certainly must, you will not be disappointed. Xx

I can quite see the resemblance to Paris and the Haussmann architecture. Paris without the crowds and I imagine the high prices too!

So true, it is Paris without the crowds and most definitely without Paris prices. Xx

I love all that iron scroll work; it is very French feeling without all the crowds of Paris.

The ironwork was incredible and Vichy certainly reminded me of Paris, without the crowds and without Paris prices too! Xx

Your photos are beautiful! I feel like I am traveling right along side of you. The architecture is stunning and I love how you said Vichy “captivates without trying”. I really get that feeling from your photos. Thank you so much for sharing at the August Take Me Away Party! Always a pleasure to have you. Enjoy your weekend! Shelley

Thanks so much Shelley, always a pleasure to join in with you and this was one fabulous place to go away to! Xx

I know I say it time and time again but as always your words transport me and I’m there walking with you through the streets. Definately on my list of places I MUST visit. Beautiful post ❤️

If you are in France, definitely do visit, it is such a beautiful place, as are the volcanoes to the south, all in all a region not to be missed xx

Thank you for touring me around! Nice post 🙂 So love the place hoping that in time, I’ll be there! ❤

I really hope you get the chance to visit too, it is quite stunning xx

Glorious photographs and a wonderful post as always, Susan. It looks as though you and the family had the best of times in a simply beautiful place. I have never been as far east as that in France. I think Paris is my furthest in that direction, but Vichy would seem to be so obviously a great place to visit that I think I shall have to talk to Mrs C and see if we cannot arrange a little voyage around all the places you have sent us to over the past few years. This could well be my favorite travel post…… Like many here, I am looking forward to next weeks post with anticipation….thank you

I had never been to this area before either Phil, I have been further east over near the Swiss border, but always from the north and down, so the Massif Central had somewhat escaped me, until now. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to visit, it was quite stunning xx

Gorgeous architecture! Thanks you for sharing your lovely part of the world.

Thanks so much, it is the most beautiful town and certainly well worth a visit, it left a very lasting impression! Xx

Oh, you always make me feel that I wish I was one of your children or maybe, the beloved dog. Can I stowaway in your suitcase next visit to Vichy?

Seriously Susan, what a gem is Vichy? I had never considered a trip there. Paris is divine, yet it is horribly crowded. Hopefully, I can come to Paris sometime and hop on the train to Vichy. Are there museums in Vichy? And I am sure nice spa like hotels. The architecture seems to take you back in time to a gentler world, regardless of the history. Praise to the people of Vichy for persevering and for maintaining the lovely features of their graceful town. Please, is the train in Vichy close enough to walk along with suitcase to the hotels or do you need a taxi?

Sure, come and stow away, there’s always room for one more! The train station in Vichy is certainly close enough that with a pull along suitcase you would be fine. It is an incredibly easy town to walk around, we found we left the car and just walked and walked! And I would highly recommend it, certainly it has many similarities to Paris and yet, as you say, without the crowds and without the high Paris prices too! There are plenty of museums, there is the opera, in fact if you visit in the summer months there is so much to do you would be spoilt for choice. And the hotels are fabulous, from luxury 5 star spa hotels to simple lodgings, we stayed in a beautiful four star hotel and felt like royalty, there were spa facilities and beautiful interiors. Xx

What a beautiful area!

Utterly stunning, a place well worth a visit. Xx

It looks like you all have a very refreshing break! It feels like you took us with you!

I wish I could have taken everyone with us, it was so stunning and such a lovely break. Hope you are having a lovely weekend xx

Armchair travel at its best, thank you.

Thank you, there is a lot to be said for armchair travel! Xx

Now, relaxing at the English Riviera, I shall take time to visit you – I missed you and reading you and reading your readers reactions…. I am a very direct and contact loving person and when I haven’t got the time and repose for a ‘real talk, comment, thought’, I won’t do it – times have been very hectic and my heart and soul couldn’t relax, so that’s why you didn’t read from me…. Now about Vichy – it’s funny how things work (out): My former boss and friend at Alliance Française Exeter (years ago) always raved about Vichy to me and I completely dismissed all his glorious songs about this city because of its evil smells of the water. I saw myself gagging all day long and didn’t really pay any attention to all his praises….. NOW you made me take a deep look into myself and I am SO ashamed for my superficial attititude towards poor Albert! I wish I had listened to him because now, thanks to YOUR description, I think I would love it. One of my criterias for being dismissive was also that it was far too much inland; after having lived at the sea in TQ I didn’t see him at all on firm land, and so much inside the country. Anyway, he finally opened up a new language school in the Aquitaine and he is now much closer to the sea than he would have been in Vichy, so that’s well 🙂 Also, I would never in a million years have thought that only a few years later, I too would be living in France, and just outside of Paris, too (which is definitely NOT what I would suggest to anybody who loves the laid-back, contemplative life like we do). There! Wonderful photos, so evocative and interesting. Now, I shall go back to the rest of the missed posts. Have a wonderful week – hope your chores’ sharing is going well – you most certainly deserve a good break too…..

So you are in Devon for a holiday? I hope you are having a wonderful time and that the weather behaves itself! How funny that you so quickly dismissed Vichy! It wasn’t a place I had ever thought of visiting before and we were all extremely surprised. We loved it, if you love Paris then you really would enjoy Vichy, like a tiny mini Paris but without the crowds and certainly without the Paris prices! In fact it is very laid back and very tranquil! The chores sharing is actually working very well, we are having a super hectic but great fun summer! xx

Amazing post. I know where I need to visit now. I’ve always wanted to travel and go to France.

Hopefully you can now live your dream and travel and come to France. Let me know I will help if I can. xx

Susan, Vichy sounds utterly wonderful. Beauty, Charm and History…what more can a gal ask for? Seriously, Vichy is going right into my Bucket List…but then what place in France, isn’t in my Bucket List? Lol I love that it has a sense of history (whether it’s good or bad) and that it compares to Paris in many ways. Lovely pictures of the architecture; Lovely travel tales! ❤️💜💛💙💚❤️💛

You would simply adore Vichy I am quite sure, we will certainly go back, we were utterly smitten with the entire area. xx

Hi Susan. I am terribly late reading this post and all the others that follow! Since my husband Clive retired on 27thJuly, we seem to have had non-stop grandchildren to stay, visitors to enjoy the summer garden with and not a moment to read anything! So, I don’t know if you’ll see my comments now, but if you do, I thought this post was so good – very informative, lots I didn’t know and the photos so tantalising that Vichy is now on our ever growing list for when we do our Petit Grand Tour de France!! Thank you very much. Also, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but do you still have a gite that you rent out for holiday stays?

Hi Marian, it is wonderful that you are having such a fabulous time with the grandchildren and friends and retirement and yes you must add Vichy to your list, we were amazed and ecstatic at the same time, such a lovely place. We do still have the gite, I will send you an email today. Hope the weather cheers up a bit, I think we are all hoping for an Indian summer! xx

Vichy seems like historic place with beautiful architecture …. thanks susan its very informative .. i wish i will be there in future

It is a beautiful town with stunning architecture, if ever you get a chance to visit you really must, I cannot recommend it highly enough xx

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French Spa Town Vichy France is a Marvel of Delights

Read my story in French » French spa town Vichy in the Auvergne Region is an all-inclusive spa town about an hour drive north of Clermont-Ferrand. We learned so much during our visit as we knew nothing about the variety of hot springs and the mineral benefits of the different waters. Historically speaking, it was also the seat of government during World War II during Pétain’s collaboration with the Regime. This was the center of free France during the occupation by the Nazis.

Grand Établissement Thermal in Vichy formerly housed the thermal baths. It is located behind the Hall des Sources.

Vichy Mineral Springs

There are six different sources of mineral springs which you can easily sample at the Hall des Sources in Parc des Halles. These mineral waters claim to be a cure for 50 different ailments. Residents frequent these sources with such regularity that in the local pharmacies you can purchase a small graduated cup with its own straw carrying case  for your personal use of the waters. The origin of some of the sources are actually in this building. Others, like Célestins have their own separate building.

Parc des Halles

Hall des Sources

Source Lucas

Each tap told you the source of the mineral spring, its temperature, what particulates it contained and what health benefit it carried. In the case of the two springs below, the actual source was there in the Hall and you could see the water bubbling up from underground. Note on the upper rim of the Chomel Source that the water temperature is 43.5 degrees Celsius!

Source de Chomel

Source de Grille – sometimes you could see the water “spurt” to the top of the cylindrical enclosure.

Parc des Célestins

We entered the Parc des Célestins through a shady path and wandered until we came upon a beautiful white building that houses the source. The pavilion was a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the shade and the restorative waters. The Célestins water is less mineralized than the other sources so it was, in my opinion, more refreshing. Yes, I had to try every available water just out of curiosity – some were acceptable, some barely tolerable, some difficult to swallow because of the smell and some refreshing.

Parc Celestins

The path led through a living tree

Pavilion that housed the Source of Celestins

Source de Celestins

French spa town Vichy France Parc des Sources

Napolean III laid out the Parc des Sources in the center of town in 1812. The park is truly an oasis in the middle of the city and a wonderful place to walk in the rain. A wrought-iron canopy covers the walkway around the park.

Covered walkway around Parc des Sources

This great little tea shop faces the park and made a delightful place to have breakfast. They had a wide selection of teas and coffees and wonderful croissants. The shop was at the end of a long covered area of shopping where a Saturday morning market was being held.

If you have the opportunity there are two all inclusive spas where you can experience a  hot springs massage : Les Célestins  and Centre Thermal des Dômes .

Vichy Saint-Blaise

This church of two-levels has some amazing frescoes that you should be sure to see while you are in Vichy. There is also a wonderful little café in the shadow of the church that we enjoyed. The day was extremely hot but the cool stone wall of the church rising up beside our table along with the continual shade made it a very pleasant place for lunch and as you can see, we were the first to arrive!

Lunch in the shadow of the church

Mon histoire de Vichy (en bref) en français…

Nous avons beaucoup appris lors de notre séjour à Vichy France, une ville thermale. Il y a six sources ici et chacune a ses propres avantages médicaux. En plus, Vichy occupe une position importante dans l’histoire. Il a été le centre du gouvernement français libre pendant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale.

Néanmoins, ce l’histoire des sources thermales que je voudrais vous raconter. Ils en sont six et vous pouvez les goûter à la Halle des Sources dans le grand Parc des Sources. Il est dit que les eaux minérales peuvent soigner 50 maladies différentes.

Nous avons vu des personnes transporter leur « verre de cure » avec dosage dans son étui de paille. On peut acheter un verre avec l’étui à la pharmacie.

Certaines des sources ont leur origine sous la Halle mais d’autres, comme la source Célestins, ont leur origine abritée sous un autre bâtiment.

Dans cette Halle, chaque source a une plaque qui explique le contenu en particules, ses avantages et sa température. Grâce à un dôme de verre, nous pouvions observer l’eau jaillir du sol. Il était surprenant de lire que la source Chomel a une température de 43,5 degrés Celsius !

Nous avons visité le parc de Célestins où, à son fond, il y a un pavillon qui abrite cette source. J’ai trouvé que l’eau de Célestins était moins minéralisée que les autres. Comme le parc autour de nous, l’eau de Célestins était rafraîchissante. Je dois dire que certaines des eaux minérales avaient une mauvaise odeur et leur goût était également mauvais. Mais l’expérience des dégustations était intéressante.

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IRONMAN 70.3 Vichy

Vichy, france.

1 September 2024

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SWIM BIKE RUN RELAX in the Queen of the Spa Towns

Tree-lined boulevards laid out in the 19th century, and art-deco buildings such as the Opéra de Vichy, add to the town’s nostalgic feel.  Swim in the beautiful lake of the Allier, bike through the magnificent and varied landscapes of the Montagne Bourbonnaise and Volcanoes of Auvergne, and run along the banks and the old town.

Vichy has been listed by the UNESCO as one of the 11 "Great Spa Towns in Europe" since 2021 and has been named the "Queen of the Spa Towns".

SWIM BIKE RUN RELAX dans la Ville Reine des Spas

Durant ces deux jours, les athlètes nageront dans le magnifique lac de l'Allier, traverseront à vélo les paysages magnifiques et variés de la Montagne Bourbonnaise et des Volcans d'Auvergne, courront sur les rives et dans les parcs de la ville, avec des spectateurs qui vous encourageront et vous pousseront au-delà de vos limites. Sans oublier le fameux demi-tour dans l'Arena: Vichy vous attend!

Vichy a été nommée par l'UNESCO en 2021 une des onze "Grandes villes d'eaux d'Europe", et a été surnommée comme "La Reine des Villes d'eaux" .

Pour plus d'informations, veuillez visiter notre  page athlètes  ou  les dernières information s de l'équipe des World Champs. 

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Veni, Vidi, IRONMAN Vichy!

• By by Lisa Dolbear 01/11/2018, 9:00am EST
• Swim, bike, run and relax in a venue primed to give you the royal treatment — before and after race day.

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Circuit Vichy 1939 1945

In 1940, Vichy, the dazzling Queen of the water cities, became the setting for the play entitled “The French State, 1940/44 period”. Without wanting it, Vichy entered the history of France, the history of the world, the history of everything!

• 1 1. The Park Hotel
• 2 2. Berthéas Les Tournesols
• 3 3. Large Thermal establishment
• 4 4. The Hotel of Portugal
• 5 5. The Cintra
• 6 6. Villa Ica
• 7 7. Vichy Opera House
• 8 8. Monument to the dead
• 9 9. Hotel de Seville
• 10 10. Sevigne Pavilion
• 11 11. Hotel des Célestins
• 12 12. The synagogue
• 13 13. Le Petit Casino
• 14 14. The Saint-Louis church
• 15 15. The Algeria Hotel
• 16 16. The crib
• 17 17. The rationing service
• 18 18. The city hall
• 19 19. Carnot School
• 20 20. Apartment of René Chabrier
• 21 21. The German recruitment office
• 22 22. Residence of Alphonse and Hélène Juge
• 23 22. The four paths

1. The Park Hotel

In 1940, this luxury hotel was requisitioned for the benefit of the routed French General Staff. It was then placed at the disposal of the government, now headed by Philippe Pétain. Despite the narrowness of the premises, the hotel housed, among other things, the office of Marshal Pétain, the office of the Head of Government (Pierre Laval), as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Information.

• Getting there

2. Berthéas Art Gallery Les Tournesols

In postwar France, the memory of the Resistance crystallized around a belief that, as early as 1940, participation in the Resistance would have been systematically motivated by a desire to fight not only the Germans, but also the French state. However, many Resistance fighters shared Marshallian values. Their objective was above all to prepare the ground so that the French leaders could resume the fight when they had the opportunity. These Resistance fighters are commonly called “Vichysto-Resistance fighters”. This movement was born in the heart of the ministries.

3. The Great Thermal establishment

During the Second World War, despite the sudden halt in spa tourism, the government agreed to establish a system of residence permits for a period of more than 5 days between June 1 and September 30. But the conditions are difficult. The curists complain about the presence of ” too many profiteers around the ministries ; too many people in the cinemas, too many ” zazous ” in the streets, too many police everywhere “. The Vichyssois have the fed up and wait no more than the departure of the civil servants who harm the thermal economy.

Opening hours

4. Hotel du Portugal area

The first Germans moved into Vichy as early as 1940 to establish “relations” with the government. By November 1942, Gestapo members were literally everywhere. In Vichy, they requisitioned 25 buildings on Boulevard des Etats-Unis, including the Hotel du Portugal. It was here that the Gestapo interrogated and tortured those they had arrested. After the war, the hotel was used by the Liberation Committee as an internment camp. Part of the hotel was transformed into a hospital camp for about 30 prisoners. Another section of the hotel is reserved for the internment of prisoners.

5. The bender

The Imperial Chalet, now known as the “Villa Marie-Louise”, is one of the chalets that Napoleon III had built in 1863. In 1928, the Société de l’hôtel des Lilas transformed it into a bar: the Cintra. During the Second World War, the bar became the meeting place for all the high society of Vichy. Business affairs, political affairs, love affairs… throughout the war, the Cintra was the scene of a life both teeming and troubled. Henry Vuitton was a frequent visitor to the Cintra. One day, he met Robert Lallement, who had just created the Marshal’s art department, whose main mission was the production of objects bearing the effigy of Marshal Pétain. H.Vuitton offers his services. Lallement accepted.

6. Villa Ica

In 1940, 40 states were represented in Vichy. The American ambassador, Admiral William Leahy, arrived in Vichy on January 5, 1941, and took up residence in the Villa Ica. In April 1942, the return to power of Pierre Laval marked a turning point in Franco-American relations. Leahy was recalled to the United States and relations between France and the United States ceased completely. The Swiss delegation, with Ambassador Walter Stucki, took possession of the premises. Stucki was very active in Vichy and his diplomatic skills were well known. At the time of the Liberation of Vichy, he was the intermediary between the Resistance fighters, the Germans and the Vichy municipality. Thanks to him, the liberation of Vichy was achieved without bloodshed. The FFi entered the city on August 26 without having to fight.

7. The Opera of Vichy

On July 10, 1940, the magnificent hall of the Vichy Opera House hosted the National Assembly for an extraordinary session. The National Assembly gave full powers to the Government of the Republic, under the authority of Marshal Pétain, to promulgate a new constitution for the French state. Of the 670 parliamentarians present, 570 voted in favor, 80 voted against. The others abstained. The next day, Pétain overstepped his mandate and took over the full legislative and executive powers, as well as part of the powers of justice. The republic was liquidated in favor of an authoritarian regime: the “French State”. On July 10, 1988, a plaque commemorating the 80 parliamentarians who voted against the promulgation of a new constitution under the authority of Marshal Pétain was affixed to a wall of the opera house.

8. Monument to the dead

Roger Kespy was born into a Jewish family in Algiers. He moved to Vichy in 1935 to 25 rue Durand. He is a radio set builder. Kespy joined the Resistance in 1940. He made portable radios and recovered abandoned weapons. In 1942 he organized and led a maquis in the Bois Noirs. In 1943, his maquis was integrated into the MUR. He was arrested by the militia on January 24, 1944 and handed over to the Germans. After 70 days in the hands of the Vichy Gestapo, he was transferred to the prison of Moulins. Both a Jew and a Resistance fighter, the guards did not spare him any suffering. Roger Kespy will be executed on July 25, 1944, in the forest of Marcenat.

9. The Hotel of Seville

Among the “vichysto-resistance fighters,” many worked within vichyst institutions, such as the French Legion of Fighters, created in August 1940 and headquartered at the Hotel de Séville. Its members were the most loyal supporters of the Marshal and the national revolution. This was notably the case of François Mitterrand who worked here in 1942. After a few months at the Hotel de Séville, he was hired by the Commissariat for the reclassification of repatriated prisoners of war. In 1943, he was awarded the Francisque. That same year, Mitterrand founded a “prisoner” resistance movement, which joined the Army Resistance Organization. At the end of 1943, Mitterrand, wanted by Gestapo, left Vichy for good.

10. The Sevigne Pavilion

From July 1940, the hotel was requisitioned. It is President Albert Lebrun who occupies it. It is then put at the private disposal of Marshal Pétain. However, Marshal Pétain would only reside there on rare occasions. Nevertheless, the Council of Ministers and official receptions were held there regularly. Despite the requisition of their pavilion, the owners, Elisabeth François and her brother, were allowed to keep a few rooms. They established the headquarters of the Eclaireurs de France, of which they were a part, in these few rooms put to their use. Until the end of the war, and in spite of the regular presence of Pétain, the scouts acted in favor of the Jews and the STO refractory, whom they helped to flee or to hide. In 2010, the Yad Vashem Institute awarded Elisabeth François and her husband, Pierre François, the title of “Righteous Among the Nations.”

11. The Celestins Hotel

During the war, the Hôtel des Célestins was occupied by the Ministry of the Interior, which played a leading role in Vichy policy, particularly in the area of repression. On April 23, 1941, the police departments of cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants came under the authority of a Secretary General of Police at the Ministry of the Interior. Direction générale de la police nationale (General Directorate of the National Police) brought together the judicial police, general intelligence and public security with other services and sub-services such as the anti-communist police, the police for Jewish issues and the secret societies service.

12. The synagogue

In the spring of 1940, several hundred thousand men and women, including many Jews, found themselves on the roads. A number of them stopped in Vichy. More than 220 families were affiliated with the Vichy synagogue. Following the vote of July 10, 1940, disillusionment was rapid. More than 3000 foreign Jews were expelled from the city between August and October 1940. A few months later, French Jews were also hunted down and expelled. Overnight, these Jews lost their homes, their jobs and their support networks (of friends and neighbors). Isolated and vulnerable, they became easy prey for the Milice and the Gestapo. However, several Jewish refugees in Vichy were able to be saved thanks to the help of the local population.

13. Le Petit Casino

In 1943, the small Casino was requisitioned by the French Militia, a repressive body set up in January 1943 by Pierre Laval. All over France, it reigns terror. The Petit Casino became the antechamber of death for many resistance fighters in the Vichy region. The practice of torture was frequent. In Vichy, the Militia also occupied the Hotel Moderne and the Hotel Métropole (where it had set up its offices), as well as the Château des Brosses. In 1961, the small Casino was transformed into a cultural center.

• 01 January 2024 31 December 2024
• 01 January 2025 31 December 2025

14. The Saint-Louis church

During the Second World War, the Saint-Louis church occupied an important place for the government. Large masses were held there in the presence of Marshal Pétain. While the Catholic community as a whole was in favor of the changes advocated by the new regime, several of its members, among them the Reverend Father Dillard, who officiated at Saint-Louis Church, opposed the radicalization of measures. As early as 1942, he gave sermons in which he criticized, in subtle and roundabout ways, the anti-Semitic measures and the government’s policies. In 1943, he left for Germany to organize a clandestine chaplaincy. After several months in Germany, he was denounced and arrested by the Gestapo. He was deported to Dachau, where he died in 1945.

15. The Algeria Hotel

In March 1941, at the request of the Germans, the French created a General Commissariat for Jewish Questions. The Algeria Hotel was designated to become its headquarters. On June 2, 1941, the CGQJ adopted a second Statute of the Jews, which lengthened the list of prohibitions and provided for a census in the non-occupied zone. The nominative files created from the CGQJ’s information will allow the implementation of the roundups in 1942 and will facilitate the deportations of the Jews of France to the Nazi camps.

16. The crib

During the entire war, the Vichy charity office proved to be of crucial use. It acted on many fronts: management of refugees, supplies, health, etc. In 1942, the crèche welcomed an average of 14.5 children per day and carried out a total of 1,212 infant consultations. In 1942, the Goutte de lait de Vichy, an organization intended to fight against child mortality, distributed approximately 300,000 bottles to 350 children, 10% of which were free. The work of the early childhood services was greatly rewarded. Thanks to them, a large proportion of the children in the Vichy agglomeration are kept in good health.

17. The rationing service

Early in the summer of 1940, Germany stripped France of much of its resources. A widespread rationing system went into effect in September 1940. Food cards were distributed to all French people. For many, the search for food became a constant obsession. However, the situation in Vichy was not nearly as desperate as in many other cities. As the provisional capital of France, Vichy was the mirror image of the regime. The government therefore had to avoid popular unrest at all costs. The authorities will do their utmost to solve the supply problems as quickly as possible and maintain a “correct” standard of living.

18. The city hall

When in 1940, Pétain arrived in Vichy, it was Pierre-Victor Léger (radical-socialist) who was at the head of the city hall. He will remain so until the Liberation of Vichy. On the one hand, several documents attest to Léger’s support for the French state. On the other hand, several witnesses affirm that Léger’s support was only “strategic”, and that the mayor helped the Resistance clandestinely. Whatever the mayor’s “real” position vis-à-vis the French state, Pétain never agreed to remove him.

• Monday 08:30 - 12:30 / 13:30 - 17:00
• Tuesday 08:30 - 12:30 / 13:30 - 17:00
• Wednesday 08:30 - 12:30 / 13:30 - 17:00
• Thursday 08:30 - 12:30 / 13:30 - 17:00
• Friday 08:30 - 12:30 / 13:30 - 17:00

19. Carnot School

At Vichy, it was at the Carnot school that the census of the Jews was organized. 2050 Jews took the census. The methods used by the government are effective, since in 1043, there are only 650 Juis left in Vichy. In 1941, Fernand Lafaye was a teacher at the Carnot school. Disagreeing with the policies of the French government, he left the national education system. He joined the Resistance. Lafaye helped transport weapons and established contacts between several Resistance groups. He died in an ambush in 1944. That same year, the Carnot school was renamed “Fernand Lafaye School.”

20. Apartment of René Chabrier and Yvette Poucy

The Marco-Polo network was one of 266 intelligence networks that operated in France. It was created in November 1942 by Commander Pierre Sonneville. In Vichy, its members could count on the unfailing help of several individuals, including police commissioner Marc Juge, Mme Chabrol, Henri and Yvonne Moreau, as well as René Chabrier and his companion Yvette Poucy. One of their missions was to identify the civil servants or employees of the administrations most likely to harm the resistance. On February 23, 1944, the couple was arrested by the Gestapo. Yvette Poucy was transferred to Fort de Romanville, René Chabrier was shot on March 25, 1944.

21. The German recruitment office

The economic exploitation of France began in 1940. The Germans imposed that a large part of the agricultural and industrial production be put at their disposal. The occupier also encouraged French workers to go to work in Germany. Recruitment offices were opened in several cities. In April 1942, Pierre Laval set up a “Relève” system. In exchange for three volunteer workers, a French prisoner of war was released. Until the end of the war, French people would continue to go to work in Germany of their own free will.

22. Residence of Alphonse & Hélène Juge

When France signs the armistice in June 1940, Fred Scamaroni, former chief of staff of the Doubs prefect, decides to continue the fight. Barely sent on a mission to Dakar, he gets arrested. Freed in December 1940, he went to Vichy, where he found a job as a clerk at the Ministry of Supply. At the same time, he founded the “Copernic” network. He became friends with the Juge couple, who offered him room and board. Alphonse Juge was the director of personnel at the Ministry of Information. Thanks to them, Scamaroni organized a meeting of the utmost importance, with delegates from “Combat” and “Liberté”. Scamaroni was arrested in Corsica in 1943. Terribly tortured, he commits suicide in order not to reveal anything.

23. The four paths

23. Les quatre chemins, 35 Lucas Street: The Four Paths Shopping Center was built in 2002 on the former site of the Armed Forces Thermal Hospital. Opened in 1847, the hospital’s main mission was to treat soldiers who had fallen ill in the colonies. When the Second World War broke out, the hospital was still functional. It would welcome French soldiers until the end of the conflict. When the city was liberated on August 26, 1944, the surrounding streets became a place of celebration. “The jubilation was immense. The balconies and windows were decorated with tricolor and allied flags, and processions of young people spread through the streets singing the Marseillaise…”. The military hospital will close its doors permanently in 1990.

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