Vichy France 2023

Discover Vichy

Vichy, host city

Despite its small size, Vichy has an international reputation

“Queen of spa towns”, the superlatives have illuminated the story of a little thermal Cinderella transformed into a star thanks to a few cures from Napoleon III. Vichy is the flagship spa resort of the Allier and a must-see in the Auvergne!

An incomparable setting

Abundant architecture, a quality heritage magnified by its position on the banks of the Allier river, a prestigious opera house, thermal spas, parks with remarkable trees, passages with a cinematic feel. All this in an incomparable setting which gives Vichy a charming air of the continental “French Riviera”, a hedonistic oasis having fully reflected on the end of its thermal golden age.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A city of water

The natural source of Vichy’s most famous water and the only one to be bottled. The spring takes its name from a 15th century religious convent build on the rock, of which only a section of wall remains today. The water gushes out from the cracks in the aragonite rock. The spring pavilion, in neo-Louis XVI style, was built in 1908. Free tasting.

The Swiss or English colonial style chalets, built in 1863 and 1864 at the request of Napoleon III, hosted the Emperor and his imperial suite during his stays in Vichy. In the immediate vicinity, on rue Alquié, the series of English-style houses with their characteristic bow windows housed the officers of the Imperial Guard.

Squares, parks and gardens

The Allier parks, created under Napoleon III, as well as the squares, gardens and green spaces represent a sixth of the total surface area of the city. The Napoleon III park is particularly noteworthy, with a surface area of 7.8 hectares and 138 species. Below the dyke, the Célestins beach, the riverside cafés and the miniature golf welcome you.