Located in the heart of the Auvergne region, Vichy is a town with a rich historical past and a reputation for its gentle way of life. It became a Bourbonnaise town in 1344, and from the 17th century onwards became famous for its mineral waters, exploited at the instigation of Henri IV. Napoleon III stayed here, giving rise to the famous chalets that still dot its streets today. So, what's there to do in Vichy? Join us as we take a look at the 12 must-sees to make the most of everything this spa town has to offer.
1. Follow the heritage trail to discover Vichy at your own pace
Two heritage trails offer you the opportunity to discover Vichy at your own pace, in complete freedom, thanks to 27 themed markersdotted around the town. The "Azur" route takes you through the spa district, passing through the Parc des Sources, the Hall des Sources, the Napoleon chalets and the Casino-théâtre. As for the "Gold" route, it plunges you into the narrow streets of Vieux Vichy, where you'll encounter the Art Deco church, the elegant villas of Rue Hubert Colombier and the famous Célestins spring. It's a great way to explore the city's must-see sites and make sure you don't miss out on any of its rich heritage.
If you'd like to find out more about the city's history, we recommend booking this guided tour of Vichy with a local.
2. What to do in Vichy François Boucheix surrealist museum
This is the only museum in France dedicated to the surrealism of a living painter. The François Boucheix Museum invites you to immerse yourself in the dreamlike world of this internationally renowned artist. Push open the doors to this imaginary world where horses, roosters and birds become musicians, windows open onto the impossible, and cherries take the form of musical notes. Across vast halls, you'll discover 350 paintings, 50 bronzes, 12 talking pictures that deliver the artist's voice, surrealist installations anda film retracing his career. The tour ends with a boutique offering 200 limited edition numbered prints and lithographs. A must-see for art lovers and escape seekers alike!
Petit Futé tip: Want to discover Vichy and the surrounding area while enjoying exclusive benefits? The Vichy pass is valid for one year and entitles you to discounts at various local partners, as well as free admission to the Vichy Opera, museums, the medieval fortress of Billy, the Château de La Palice, bike hire and mini-golf.
3. Kizou Vichy, an indoor amusement park dedicated to children
Kizou Vichy is an indoor amusement park specially designed for children aged 0 to 12. Ideal during the school vacations, it offers a multitude of activities to entertain the whole family. Children can safely explore a variety of play structures and themed areas, and enjoy fun activities that stimulate their imagination. Meanwhile, parents can relax in the cafeteria while keeping an eye on their little adventurers. At Petit Futé, we can't hide our love of the themed evenings organized throughout the year! And weather permitting, you can also head to the Kids' Atoll for outdoor fun.
4. The Museum of African and Asian Art
Housed in an elegant Belle Époque building that used to be the Vichy water laboratory, this human-sized museum takes visitors on a journey through the arts of non-European countries. It features an astonishing collection of works, mainly from China, Southeast Asia and Africa. You'll discover objects brought back by missionaries and colonists: decorative arts, religious iconography, as well as artifacts from former French colonies and Catholic mission territories. A rare immersion in the richness and diversity of traditional art from elsewhere, right in the heart of Vichy.
5. What to do in Vichy Visit the Migratory Bird Observatory
Meet the king of rivers: the Atlantic salmon! This migratory fish travels thousands of kilometers from Greenland to come and reproduce... right near Vichy. The Vichy observatory, equipped with 22 fish passes installed in 1997, offers you a unique opportunity to admire their incredible migration up the Allier River, thanks to large underwater windows. Unique in Europe, this site allows you to observe aquatic life at close quarters in its natural environment. In addition to the famous salmon, four other migratory species that frequent the Allier are revealed before your very eyes: large shad, sea lamprey, sea trout and eel. A fascinating experience, both educational and poetic.
6. Allier parks with games, mini-golf and a beach ideal for swimming
The parks along the Allier stretch over 140 hectares, combining nature, leisure and heritage, in the very heart of Vichy and on the outskirts. Start your discovery with the Parc des Bourrins: in the center, the Parc du Soleil offers a secure play area for children. Continue on to the Kennedy park, where you'll find a pathway running alongside the park, overlooking the promenade de l'Allier. Two large slides will delight the little ones, as will the playground, paddling pool and Célestins beach. Don't miss the bust of the Marquise de Sévigné. Cross the Pont de Bellerive and enter the Parc Napoléon III, where native plantations and rare trees such as redwoods and cedars blend together. You'll also discover the Emperor's charming chalets.
And don't forget you can also take advantage of the promenade along the Allier for a ride in a rosalie, a game of miniature golf or a moment of relaxation with inflatable games, refreshment stands and snacks. Finish in style at the Rotonde, the high point of this green, family-friendly escapade.
7. See the Napoleon III chalets
Located along Boulevard des États-Unis, these six chalets were built between 1862 and 1864 by architect J. Lefaure to accommodate Emperor Napoleon III and his retinue. Inspired by both Swiss chalets and American colonial architecture, these buildings are a refined blend of stone, brick and wood. The first to be built was Chalet Marie-Louise (no. 109), erected in 1863 for the Emperor. But the Emperor only stayed there for one season, judging that the large balconies opening onto the street infringed on his privacy. He then built a second chalet, the Chalet de l'Empereur (n°107), this time facing the park. Its wrought-iron door still bears the letter "N" surmounted by the imperial crown. The Chalet de l'Impératrice, or Chalet Eugénie (n°105), was reserved for Napoleon III's distinguished guests.
Read more: What to do in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? The 19 must-sees
8. What to do in Vichy The library-museum of Vichy writer Valery Larbaud
On the second floor of the mediatheque is an intimate and precious place: the library-museum of Valery Larbaud (1881-1957), a renowned writer from Vichy. This singular space houses almost 15,000 works, carefully preserved in period furniture,offering a veritable voyage into the author's literary universe. In addition to this impressive collection, visitors can discover a wealth of personal memorabilia : portraits of ancestors, manuscripts, autographed works, as well as testimonials to literary friendships. Explanatory panels shed light on the life and work of this cosmopolitan man of letters. Visits are free all year round, and guided tours can be organized by appointment for groups.
9. The Vichy Opera Museum
This museum invites you to delve into the history of the Vichy Opera, a living place dedicated to artistic creation. The only one of its kind in France, and the only theater museum in the French provinces, it boasts one of the richest and most original archives in Europe. Photographs, costumes, posters... this exceptional collection is regularly enriched by donations. Some rooms retrace the history of Vichy and the Casino, with magnificent models, including that of the first casino dating from 1865 and that of the theater hall inaugurated in 1907.
Please note the permanent exhibition is renewed every year, offering a constantly fresh discovery.
10. How to get to the Célestins spring
Situated in the heart of a green setting, this remarkable elliptical pavilion houses vichy's most famous natural spring. At the entrance, large semi-circular arches rise majestically, flanked on either side by semi-circular exedras. Inside, the pavilion is bathed in light thanks to an elegant collar of bull's-eye glass that surrounds it. In the center, admire the fountain and its stone basin from which the Célestins spring gushes forth.
Read more: Where to go for a spa treatment? The 14 best destinations
11. What to do in Vichy? Climb aboard the Petit Train
Leaving from the tourist office, climb aboard the Petit Train de Vichy for a one-hour guided tour of the spa town's history and anecdotes. You'll admire the Palais des Congrès-Opéra, the Pavillon Sévigné, the Célestins spring, old Vichy, the Hôpital spring, the thermal baths, the lake and the Emperor's chalets. On the right bank, you'll also see the sports center, the racecourse and the golf course. Along the way, the guide will show you the grand hotels and buildings that were requisitioned between 1940 and 1944.
12. What to do in Vichy? Taste the region's typical dishes
Auvergne's rich and generous gastronomy features authentic local produce such as green Puy lentils, tasty cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Cantal, and quality meats from local farms. Among the must-try dishes, let yourself be tempted by a truffade, a rustic gratin made with potatoes, fresh tomme and bacon, or by a comforting potée auvergnate. Finally, finish on a sweet note with Vichy's emblematic verbena cream, or an artisanal ice cream made with local mineral waters.
Where to stay in Vichy?
Vichy, a spa town with a rich heritage, offers a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are a few suggestions to help you choose where to stay during your stay:
- Best value for money: Hotel California
Bookable right here, this family-run hotel just a stone's throw from Vichy town center offers all the comforts you could wish for. The family room is ideal for tribes. We appreciated the quality bedding and the extras such as the relaxation lounge, the card games and the little patch of greenery. In short, a haven of peace offering excellent value for money.
- The most luxurious: the Midland Hotel
Bookable herethis hotel-restaurant with its 1900s architecture is located on a quiet street in the heart of town. Rooms are spacious and contemporary. Depending on the category, they feature a shower or bath, multi-jet shower or whirlpool bath. As for the restaurant, we liked the lovely traditional cuisine prepared by a Maître Restaurateur. The welcome is personalized and smiling, and the staff are very attentive.
- The perfect hotel for lovers: Hotel les Nations
Bookable here, this charming hotel from The Originals Boutique cooperative offers every comfort. Each room is a cocoon of softness, with plush bedding and some with balconies. For a romantic getaway, rose petals are available on request, as well as a half-bottle of champagne and an hour's private spa treatment.
What to do in Vichy with your family
Vichy is an ideal destination for family outings, offering a multitude of activities suitable for all ages.
- For children, the indoor Kizou Vichy amusement park offers a safe, playful area where the little ones can have fun on a variety of play structures, while parents relax in the cafeteria.
- Outdoors, the vast Allier parks with their redwood and cedar trees, playgrounds, mini-golf course and landscaped beach invite you to stroll and swim.
- The Petit Train de Vichy offers an original guided tour, perfect for discovering the city without tiring.
- Curious families can also explore the Vichy Opera Museum or visit the Migratory Fish Observatory for a fun and educational experience.
- Last but not least, the many cycle paths and bike rentals make it easy to take full advantage of the natural surroundings.
What to do in Vichy in 2 days?
In just two days, you can discover the essence of Vichy and its unique charms. Start with a stroll through the spa district to admire the Palais des Congrès-Opéra, the Pavillon Sévigné and famous springs such as the Célestins. Enjoy a gourmet break tasting local specialties in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Allier parks, vast green spaces perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family game of mini-golf.
On the second day, let yourself be tempted by a cultural visit to the Musée de l'Opéra or the Valery Larbaud Library-Museum, to immerse yourself in the city's literary and artistic history. Then board the Petit Train de Vichy for a guided tour of the city's historic districts and major sites. Finally, end your stay with a trip to the banks of the Allier, perhaps by renting a bike or visiting the migratory fish observatory, for a moment of nature and wonder.
What to do around Vichy?
The area around Vichy offers a wide variety of activities and sites to explore.
- A few kilometers away, the medieval fortress of Billy plunges you into history with its impressive ramparts and breathtaking panoramas. The Château de La Palice, with its remarkable Renaissance architecture, offers guided tours and events throughout the year.
- For nature lovers,the hilly landscapes of the Bocage Bourbonnais invite you to hike, cycle or discover the typical villages.
- History and heritage enthusiasts can also visit the charming village of Charroux, listed as one of the most beautiful in France.
- Last but not least, water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the leisure centres around Lac d'Allier to sail, paddle or simply enjoy a picnic by the water. A real playground for all tastes!
