Your Essential Travel Guide to Vichy
Discover Vichy
Sitting along the banks of the Allier River in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Vichy is a charming spa town with plenty to offer visitors. It blossomed during the Belle Époque when it was known as the ‘Queen of Water Towns’ thanks to its many water sources.
Today, it’s famous for its thermal spas, beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and idyllic green spaces. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 for being among the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’.
Read on to learn about Vichy’s unique history, attractions, and best restaurants and hotels in our comprehensive guide.
Ferries from the UK to Vichy
Reaching Vichy by ferry from the UK is easy. You can relax and enjoy the scenic views while benefitting from world-class amenities and comfort.
Our ferries to France, including our overnight crossings, offer fantastic entertainment, Duty Free shopping, and a range of dining options. There are no baggage restrictions, so you can travel as light or heavy as you wish. You can also bring your vehicle, which is perfect if you are planning a road trip.
Explore our ferry crossings, including Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe, and start your journey in style.
Read about driving in France in our handy guide to ensure you know everything you need to have a safe and successful trip.
Célestins Spa & the Hall des Sources
Found between the Napoleon III Park and the Parc des Sources, the Célestins Spa is Europe’s largest medical thermal spa. The naturally carbonated water reaches temperatures of 22°C to 75°C, bringing notable health benefits. It’s also used for hydrotherapy and balneotherapy purposes.
The Hall des Sources’ architecture is inspired by the Trinkhalle (pump room) of German and Austro-Hungarian spas. This glass and iron vessel houses the stands of Vichy’s five springs: Célestins, Lucas, Hôpital, Chomel and Grande Grille. Each stand has information about the water’s temperature and mineral content.
Vichy Opera
The Vichy Opera was commissioned by Napoleon III in 1865 and is housed within the Palais de Congrès. Initially, it included a ballroom, a theatre, and a gaming room. Vichy became more popular during the 1900s, so architect Charles Lecœur extended the building’s western part. Today, the Opera has 1,486 seats and is France’s only Art Nouveau-style theatre.
Napoleon III Park
The Napoleon III Park is the perfect place to relax. Created in the 1860s, it sits to the right of the Pont de Bellerive along the banks of the Allier River. It covers 7.8 hectares (19 acres) and is home to 138 wildlife species. It also has beaches, playgrounds, and minigolf pitches, making it a perfect family day out year-round.
Where to eat in Vichy
Vichy has many cosy cafés and traditional restaurants serving delicious local food. Below are our top picks of the best places to eat in the city.
- Le Bistrot de Pierrot (££). Chef Sébastien Fillon refined his cookbook by working in Paris and England. His ever-changing lunch and dinner menus are based on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- Restaurant Les Caudalies (££). Sleek and airy, Restaurant Les Caudalies serves local food and some of France’s finest wines. Chef Cyrille Blondé mixes locally sourced ingredients to create recipes that stand the test of time.
- Restaurant Fa Bio Li (££). Abundant portions and affordable prices are the best recipe for a great meal. Restaurant Fa Bio Li offers an extensive menu, including ravioli, cheese and ham boards and delicious desserts. To finish off in style, choose from the red, white, or rosé wines.
Where to stay in Vichy
Find some of the best three, four and five-star hotels in Vichy for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
- Hôtel Les Nations The Originals Boutique VICHY (★★★). Overlooking Napoleon III Park, this three-star hotel has 61 air-conditioned rooms and first-class facilities. These include a relaxation centre, a lounge bar, a library, and a game room.
- De Grignan (★★★★). In the heart of Vichy, De Grignan is a modern four-star hotel boasting 59 rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a desk, a flat-screen TV and a safe. Here, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast after a relaxing morning at the on-site spa.
- Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel (★★★★★). Surrounded by nature, this five-star hotel is the epitome of luxury and comfort. The rooms are elegant and spacious, with big windows allowing plenty of natural light in. You can access the Célestins Thermal Spa from the comfort of your hotel.
Seasonal events in Vichy
Vichy comes alive with festivals and events for all ages, from sporting competitions to cultural traditions.
Vichy owes much of its wealth and fame to Napoleon III, so it’s no surprise that the city celebrates him every May. This historical festival, founded in 2008, pays tribute to the Second Empire with parades, horse-drawn carriage rides and other performances.
- Summer Portraits
Established in 2012, the Summer Portraits Festival is dedicated to the art of drawing portraits. The indoor exhibition is held at the Palais de Congrès, while the outdoor exhibition is hosted along the esplanade of Allier Lake.
- The Tintamarre Festival
This exciting festival is all about young voices and the power of music. Held annually in November, it hosts visual and sound poetry workshops, interactive exhibitions for children, and clown shows.
A brief history of Vichy
Vichy has a fascinating history, having been the capital of Vichy France during WWII. Here’s a brief history of the city:
- Roman era: Roman legionaries established Vichy’s first known settlement in 52 BC. They found hot mineral springs running nearby, which contributed to Vichy’s prosperity.
- Middle Ages: Vichy was added to the French Kingdom in 1527. By this time, Vichy’s mineral baths had attracted and cured patients from the noble class.
- 17th and 18th centuries: Napoleon’s mother, Laetitia Bonaparte, came to Vichy to be cured and founded the beautiful Parc des Sources. This attracted more people, which led to the expansion of hydrotherapeutic facilities.
- 19th century: Vichy owes its transformation to Napoleon III, who built dikes along the Allier, landscaped gardens, and stunning mansions.
- WWII: After the 1940 Armistice, Vichy became the capital of Vichy France, an officially independent ramp state but half occupied by Nazi Germany. The war in Algeria in the 1950s paused Vichy’s development.
- Modern times: Vichy’s mayor, Claude Malhuret, and Bernard Kouchner restored and modernised the city with new hotels, pedestrian zones and other architecture.
Our Routes to France
Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry Crossings
Arrive in Dieppe in 5 hours with our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing. Enjoy our facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an onboard shop.
From
£100
per car + 4 people, one way*
Dover-Calais Ferry Crossings
Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in Calais in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time onboard, from dining to duty free shopping.
From
£89
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more. Enjoy dining and duty free shopping on board.
From
£89
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Travel Guides & Packages
Le Havre
Le Havre is located on Normandy's Alabaster coast France. Enjoy Le Havre beach or city, take in art galleries, visit historical sites & explore the River Seine.
Varengeville-sur-Mer
Explore Varengeville-sur-Mer, a hidden gem in Normandy! Discover its stunning coastline, rich history, and local attractions with our travel guide.
Côte d'Albâtre
Located in Normandy, the Alabaster Coast in Seine-Maritime is a stunning French coastline famous for its white cliffs, seaside towns, fresh seafood and outdoor activities.
Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.