Only three hours by train from the Parisian capital, Vichy is pure escape. In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this spa and cultural town is a perfect break for those looking for rest and fresh air. Let's go!
Ah, the beautiful Vichy... Prized since Antiquity for its precious spring waters, Vichy was nicknamed "the Queen of the Cities of Water" during the Belle Époque. Appreciated by the Romans, it is especially from the 19th century onwards that the town became the star of curists and visitors from all walks of life who came within its walls in search of a well-deserved rest. It was at this time that charming private mansions and magnificent palaces flourished all over the town, such as the Aletti and the Astoria Palace, which even today have lost none of their superb quality. Refined and eclectic, the architecture here is varied and fascinating, and reveals to visitors an unexpected heritage that will undoubtedly amaze you. If the Palais des Congrès-Opéra of 1865, the imperial chalets and the Allier Napoleon III park display a Second Empire style, it is above all the Belle Époque that imposes itself in the streets of Vichy thanks to the Hall des Sources of 1902, the thermal centre of the Dômes, the marvellous pavilion of the Célestins classified as a Historic Monument, or the metallic covered gallery of the Parc des Sources. And how can we not mention the Art Deco period! Art lovers can visit the new Saint-Blaise church built in 1931 and renowned for the beauty of its modern stained glass windows, or the Valery Larbaud cultural centre. The Vichy train station is also worth a visit, and the Vichy opera house is a must-see. With its imposing architecture, the one that can boast of being the only Art Nouveau style opera house in France, all gold, flowers and ivory designed, has seen on its stage the greatest like Sarah Bernhardt. With its classical and lyrical programmes, its summer theatre performances and its dance shows, it is one of the beating hearts of the city throughout the year.
After taking the rue Hubert Colombier, known for its luxurious chalets made of wood, stone and brick for the emperor, the rue Saint-Dominique and the rue Longchamp, take the time for a little bucolic tour in the parks of Vichy and along the banks of the Allier. On foot, on a scooter or on a bike, there are many walking routes in the area! Our advice? Take a walk from the Rotonde to the Plage des Célestins, for a 1.5 kilometre walk, perfect for the whole family. You'll find playgrounds, cafés, places to sunbathe and even a whole range of water sports to do on the Allier lake from the first fine days (rowing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing...). Also, it is impossible not to succumb to the delights of the local gastronomy! Comtesse de Vichy (a cheese), Vichy carrots, but also Vichyssoise and other Vichy pastilles are a must here!
Finally, after all these discoveries, let's go to the thermal district. What would Vichy be without its legendary thermal baths? Thanks to its world-renowned waters, hot or cold, with healing properties for the liver, gall bladder, rheumatism and pancreas problems, Vichy attracts hundreds and hundreds of spa-goers from all over the world every year. You can opt for a cure, or even for a few hours in the thermal baths and other spas, which offer treatments, massages, modelling, hammam, sauna or whirlpool sessions... In short, something to recharge your batteries before returning to work!
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