The charming and historic French town with healing hot springs

Beyond Paris and its famous Eiffel Tower, France is full of incredible places that have made it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. The Allier department, in the heart of the country, is home to an elegant and peaceful city worth exploring: Vichy.

A historic region that served as the seat of the French government during World War II and became a retreat for European royalty for many years. Today, it offers landscapes that pay homage to Belle Époque architecture, surrounded by thermal waters believed to have curative properties.

A city of great architectural splendor

The Vichy's golden age came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a fact perfectly reflected in the city's imposing and beautiful skyline. One of its most notable buildings is the Opera House , a treasure of Art Nouveau architecture.

Amidst ornate villas, grand hotels, and public buildings, a stroll through the streets of this French city reveals the most illustrious evidence of its past. The Parc des Sources is one of the greatest reflections of the Belle Époque, with its wrought-iron covered walkway and beautifully maintained gardens. An ideal place to unwind and relax.

Although Vichy endured a very difficult period during World War II, the city managed to rise again and today is a perfect testament to the beauty and cultural richness that a region can possess.

The must-see places to visit in Vichy: the Palais des Congrès or the Opera

A jewel of the city's architectural heritage, it was built in 1865 by architect Charles Badger at the request of Napoleon III. It houses a ballroom, a theater, and several gaming and entertainment rooms. It has a capacity of 486 seats and is the only Art Nouveau theater in France, featuring gold and ivory colors.

The Great Thermal Establishment

The spa town of Vichy was built between 1899 and 1903, a former spa establishment previously expanded in the 1930s, captivating thanks to its imposing neo-Moorish style.

The hot springs are distributed in stone pools that allow you to immerse yourself in them, as well as use them for traditional treatments. It also offers the opportunity to taste the waters directly from the source, just as previous generations did.

The city's thermal waters, first discovered by the Romans, are rich in minerals and have been revered for centuries for their healing properties. Access is free and can be visited Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Napoleon III and Kennedy Parks

Created under Napoleon III, the Allier Parks, along with their squares, gardens, and green spaces, occupy a sixth of the city's total area. Within this area, the most notable is Napoleon III Park , with 7.8 hectares covered with 138 species of plants.

The Church of San Blas

A 12th-century building erected in 1714 on the site of the former chapel of the Dukes of Bourbon. Its Black Virgin has long been venerated in the city thanks to her many miracles. Its interior is covered in light marble and houses an onyx stone that contrasts beautifully with the austerity of the exterior.

The Napoleon III Chalets

This is a group of country houses inspired by the Swiss and English colonial style, built between 1863 and 1864 at the Emperor's request. The purpose was to accommodate him and his entourage during his stays in Vichy.