Vichy

 © stéphane Balanger — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36840429 

07 July 2025  |  Pure France

A holiday in Vichy, temporal elegance in the heart of Auvergne

Nestled in the verdant Auvergne region, Vichy is a town that perfectly embodies French elegance, thermal wellness, and the refined art of living. Famous since Roman times for its healing waters, this spa resort has stood the test of time. With its picturesque streets, world-renowned thermal baths, and lush green surroundings, this city offers a unique and immersive experience.

A city with an imperial past

In the 19th century, Napoleon III fell under the spell of this city and launched a vast modernization program. Belle Epoque villas, sumptuous parks, a majestic opera house, and covered galleries were built.

Stroll through the Parc Napoléon III, lined with palm trees and buildings with pastel facades, or let yourself be captivated by the electric architecture of the Hall des Sources, where visitors today come to sample the famous Vichy waters.

Natural Wellness

Recognized as one of the world capitals of thermal spas, Vichy is synonymous with relaxation and health. Establishments like the Thermes de Vichy Célestins offer treatments that combine tradition and innovation: thermal cures, relaxing massages, dermatological treatments, and detox programs.

Whether you're looking to get back into shape or a moment of serenity, Vichy offers an ideal setting in tune with water and nature. Over the decades, the city transformed: elegant buildings with Belle Époque architecture, lush parks, and refined promenades appeared. The Parc Napoléon III, a peaceful space where you can stroll among century-old trees, fountains, and statues, is a perfect testament to this imperial era. The Hall des Sources, Vichy's iconic building, is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture.

A vibrant and gourmet destination

Vichy isn't just about its thermal baths. The city offers a diverse culinary scene with local markets, fine restaurants, and specialties to discover, such as the famous Vichy pastilles, made with mineral salts.

Culture lovers will appreciate the program of the Vichy Opera, an Art Nouveau gem, or the numerous festivals and exhibitions that punctuate local life.

Vichy today: between tradition and modernity

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 as one of Europe's great spa towns, Vichy attracts visitors seeking authenticity and rejuvenation. It's an ideal destination for a chic, peaceful, and enriching getaway for couples or families!

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Author

Amélie Roca

I am a Community Manager for Pure France as well as the host of Pure France TV, presenting high quality rental homes all over France.

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