As a French spa town, Vichy is part of the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site The Great Spa Towns of Europe. The townscape combines historic thermal architecture, parks, culture and waterside paths to create a diverse urban setting.
Those planning a stay in Vichy may wish to rent a holiday apartment for this purpose.
Culture
The Parc des Sources has been classified as a Monument historique since 1994. Located in the town centre and covering six hectares, this heritage site is one of Vichy's defining historic places. The Hall des Sources was built in 1903 at the point where the Chomel and Grande Grille springs emerge.
The Saint-Blaise–Notre-Dame-des-Malades complex combines the older Saint-Blaise church, built in 1714, with the new Notre-Dame-des-Malades church, built in 1931. At the same time, the complex is one of the notable examples of religious Art Deco architecture.
Vichy's Opéra has a column-free metal structure and Art Nouveau decoration. The venue offers performances throughout the year. The Grand établissement thermal was inaugurated in 1903.
Parks and springs
The Parc Napoléon III has winding paths that lead around broad lawns. Today, the park contains just over 800 trees and a collection of tree species from all continents.
The Hall des Sources is freely accessible and offers free tastings of water from the Célestins spring. During the warmer months, the Kiosque à musique de la source de l’Hôpital also offers numerous events during the day and in the evening.
Waterside paths
The Via Allier reaches Vichy from the north and continues along the developed promenade on the shores of Lac d’Allier. Around Vichy, it offers around 27 kilometres of paths reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists between Billy and Saint-Yorre.
The Circuit Autour du Lac can be used on foot, while jogging, on inline skates, by bicycle or in a Rosalie.
Deneuille-les-Mines, Chazemais, Ainay-le-Château, Commentry, Cusset, Montaigu-Le-Blin, Bayet, Villeneuve-Sur-Allier
