Summary of Content
This historic spa town gained popularity among the affluent after Napoleon III expressed interest in it during the 1860s.
During this period, it was referred to as the “Reine des Villes d’Eaux” or “Queen of the Water Towns.” Under Napoleon III’s direction, mountains were reshaped, leading to the rapid development of pavilions, hotels, a casino, a beautiful riverside park, and opulent residences for the Emperor and Empress.
These extravagant structures continue to stand, with many former luxury hotels now being converted into apartments.
The mineral-rich spring waters, which initially attracted the elite, still flow into grand halls, inviting visitors to partake in their restorative qualities.
Let us explore the premier attractions in Vichy:
1. Parc des Sources
The oldest park in Vichy, established in 1730, was designed as a location for spa visitors to engage in restorative strolls within the resort.
Upon Napoleon III’s arrival in the 1860s, he commissioned the Grand Casino, with the magnificent Vichy Opera House being constructed nearby in 1903. This park continues to serve as a peaceful retreat, ideal for leisurely walks in the shade, reminiscent of its popularity among Vichy’s industrialists and aristocrats in the 19th century.
You will find beautiful Belle Époque covered galleries, pergolas, and an array of chestnut and plane trees, along with charming old pavilions that offer ideal resting spots.
2. Hall des Sources
Located in the northern region of the park is a sophisticated metal and glass pavilion where all six of Vichy’s drinkable springs can be sampled and filled for visitors.
Within this elegant, yet somewhat surreal setting, visitors may feel as if they are in the presence of the Victorian elite.
The springs flow at varying temperatures: Grille and Chomel spring forth at over 40°C, although the intense sulphuric aroma may be off-putting for some.
Detailed information regarding the temperature and mineral composition of each spring is provided, alongside the opportunity to observe the actual Grille and Chomel springs, which are encased in glass.
3. Opéra de Vichy
Constructed for the Grand Casino in the early 20th century, Vichy’s impressive opera house is notable for being the sole opera house in France featuring an Art Nouveau design.
The interiors were meticulously crafted by skilled artisans specializing in painting, metalwork, fabrics, and glassmaking.
Tickets for operas, plays, and ballet performances are reasonably priced and attending a show in this remarkable hall is highly recommended.
If there are no performances of interest, consider joining a guided tour to explore the small museum that showcases the venue’s archives.
4. Parks on the Allier
The riverside area in Vichy aligns perfectly with the town’s reputation for wellness and outdoor activities. In the 1860s, Napoleon III mandated the establishment of the Napoleon and Kennedy Parks, offering generous stretches of green space along both sides of the Pont Bellerive on the river’s right bank.
The opposite bank of the Allier features mainly waterfront mansions veiled by woodlands, creating a serene nature experience that belies the town’s existence.
The parks remain delightful throughout the year, though summer showcases blooming flora, and various beach and river activities are available.
5. Source des Célestins
Available within the Hall des Sources and at this distinct pavilion, the renowned spring from Vichy is also marketed as a bottled water brand across more than 40 countries.
However, here in town, the water is complementary; visitors need only bring their own container for filling.
This mineral water emerges at 17.3°C and has been for centuries regarded as beneficial for health.
Taking part in this tradition embodies the essence of Vichy, presented in an elegant 19th-century neoclassical pavilion located near the river.
6. Musée des Arts d’Afrique et d’Asie
Established in the 1920s, the “Maison du Missionnaire” served as a residence for missionaries undergoing long-term spa treatments in Vichy.
They frequently brought back valuable artifacts from their travels across distant lands.
With time, the collection transformed into a museum, which now boasts over 4,000 items predominantly from former French colonies in Africa and Asia, as well as regions of Oceania and South America.
Visitors can explore a diverse array of artifacts, including coins, furniture, musical instruments, and more, all set within the luxurious environment of a turn-of-the-century palace located in the thermal quarter.
7. Église Saint-Blaise
This church, originating in the 17th century, underwent an Art Deco renovation in the early 1930s, a time when Vichy was at the height of its appeal.
Visitors can appreciate the impressive tower and dome, crafted from molded grey concrete on the outside.
If you are an admirer of Art Deco architecture, this church will surely captivate you, especially when contrasting its austere exterior with the vibrant colors found within.
The painted columns, ceiling mosaics, and stained glass, created in 1933, were the work of the Mauméjean brothers.
The old chapel adjacent to the church houses a statue of the “black Madonna,” carved from walnut, which is displayed during a mass on the steps of the Grand Casino every August 15.
8. Hippodrome de Bellerive
It is only appropriate for a 19th-century spa resort that catered to royalty and nobility to feature a racecourse.
The Hippodrome has been hosting races on the left bank of the Allier since 1875. Events take place regularly from May to September, beginning with hurdling races. As the summer progresses, the focus shifts to harness racing, leading into flat gallop events by July.
Many of the races occur in the evening, allowing for a leisurely night out, as the grandstand includes two restaurants.
9. Vichy’s Palaces
A tour of Vichy’s luxurious hotels and apartment buildings, developed during its time as a favored destination for influential individuals, is a compelling exploration.
The eclectic architectural style that flourished during Napoleon III’s era has resulted in a unique blend of styles among these palatial structures.
However, they are united by a shared sense of opulence and grandeur.
The Hôtel du Parc carries a more somber chapter in history as it was used as the headquarters for France’s wartime Vichy Regime.
The private apartment of Chief of State Marshal Pétain was located on the third floor.
Opposite the opera house, the Mannerist revival Hôtel des Ambassadeurs was one of Vichy’s most distinguished hotels during the late 1800s, ultimately ceasing operations in 1989.
10. Boulevard des États Unis
This thoroughfare, which faces the riverside park, is certainly worth exploring on foot to admire its vibrant architecture.
As preparations for Napoleon III’s visit commenced in 1862, architects competed in creating increasingly extravagant designs.
The Imperial Chalets constructed for Napoleon III and Eugénie start at no. 101, showcasing a mix of Swiss and American colonial styles.
One chalet resembles a southern plantation home.
Designed to evoke Napoleon III’s childhood experiences in exile at Arenenberg in Switzerland, Eugénie’s chalet is easily identified at no. 105 by the gilded “E” adorning its door.
11. Spa Treatments
While terms such as hydrotherapy and balneology may seem antiquated, numerous visitors still flock to Vichy to benefit from the health properties of its mineral waters.
Facilities catering to a range of budgets offer treatment courses that typically span a minimum of two weeks.
The springs are reputed to alleviate various ailments, from digestive issues to arthritis.
If committing to a lengthy hydrotherapy course or tasting the strongly-scented waters does not appeal, à la carte baths and massages can be enjoyed at the neo-Moorish Centre Thermal des Domes.
12. Pavillon Sévigné
Long before Vichy underwent transformation under Napoleon III, it was already a favored retreat for French nobility. Among its early visitors in the 17th century was the esteemed letter-writer Madame de Sévigné, who sought treatment for arthritis in her hands during the 1670s.
Situated along the river, the mansion was later converted into a luxurious hotel at the height of Vchy’s popularity.
During wartime, Marshal Pétain favored this mansion as his summer residence, opting for the Hôtel du Parc during winter months.
13. Golf Sporting Club de Vichy
In keeping with Vichy’s esteemed heritage, the town features an 18-hole golf course, which opened to the public in 1908, ranking among the oldest courses in France.
It boasts a picturesque location along the left bank of the Allier and remains open seven days a week.
Despite being a club, the course welcomes non-members, with reduced green fees available on weekdays and during the off-season from October to March.
Due to its proximity to the town, the course consists of fewer long holes but challenges players’ approach skills and short game with its elevated greens and bunkers.
14. Châteldon
Vichy serves as an excellent launching point for visiting the regional parks of the Massif Central.
Located approximately 15 kilometers to the south, Livradois-Forez encompasses vast expanses of forested uplands and agricultural landscapes.
A stopover in Châteldon, known for its own mineral water sold throughout France, is worthwhile.
The quaint core of this medieval village is centered around Place Jean Jaurès, featuring a ring of half-timbered houses, including one with an exquisite wooden gallery adorning its top floor.
Sections of the historic ramparts remain intact, prominently showcasing the lovely 14th-century belfry, once part of a gate system in the village during medieval times.
15. Food and Drink
Empress Eugénie was known to appreciate Vichy Pastilles, a hard candy crafted from the mineral salts of the town’s spring waters and infused with aniseed, mint, and lemon flavors.
These sweets are packaged in charming vintage tins, making for a delightful keepsake.
The mineral waters are also featured in a local dish, Vichyssoise, which combines leek, potato, and chicken into a soup traditionally served cold.
To ensure authenticity in preparation, it is recommended to use Vichy Célestins water.
