Explore Vichy's Delights from Maison Decoret

On foot, jogging, rollerblading, cycling or even in a rosalie, the tour of the lake is a must. This 6 km walk takes you through the Parc Napoléon, along the new Esplanade du Lac d'Allier to the dam-bridge, then along the left bank to the Centre Omnisports, the racecourse, the marina and the golf course, with a breathtaking view over the town. At the end of this major project, Lac d'Allier was created in 1963. With a surface area of 120 hectares and a length of 2.5 km between the pont de Bellerive and the pont-barrage, this lake is in fact the extension of the first lake designed by Napoleon III in 1868. It is used for national and international water sports competitions, including rowing, water skiing, sailing and speedboating.

In 2014 , the Hippodrome Vichy -Bellerive hosted the picnic day of the 76th International cyclo- tourism federal feast. On this occasion the Vichy Tourist Office offered the participants to follow this route to discover the must see spots of the city. The event is over, but the wonders are still there ... for you to discover!

In French, C.R.A.P.A. stands for Circuit rustique aménagé de plein air (outdoor rustic run). It is an obstacle course with a length of 2.3 kilometers through the Parc Omnisports (sports park) Pierre Coulon . It is stepped with fitness exercises alternating with recovery times, all in a pleasant setting made of clearings, groves and meandering lazy river. The departure of the run is located in the car park of the Palais du Lac, in the southeast of the Pierre Coulon Arena. On the course, changes of direction at intersections are indicated by blue triangular arrows.

On your own, in a group or with the family, on foot or by bike, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Allier, France's last wild river, on the three discovery trails around the voie verte. Three loops have been laid out around the greenway, allowing visitors to enjoy the lush green surroundings of the river banks and discover the cultural and environmental treasures on offer. The comfortable, 3-meter-wide paths are safe and accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. A link between the hustle and bustle of the city and the serenity of its surroundings, this loop will let you glide gently from the landscaped banks of the spa town to the natural meanders of the Allier River, which quickly reveals its true wilderness character that some will rediscover, but many will also discover. A few kilometers after the Allier parks, created on the initiative of Emperor Napoleon III during his visits to Vichy, we discover Abrest. At the foot of the church, the railway footbridge offers a unique view of the Allier and transports you to the left bank. It's a real invitation to take a break alongside the fishermen who keep the Talon drink alive with its unique atmosphere, silences and smells. Halfway between nature and developed banks, the Boucle des Isles brings you back to civilization via the well-tended allotment gardens of Bellerive-sur-Allier, just a stone's throw from an 80-year-old black poplar. After a few meters, your olfactory senses will be awakened by the many restaurants offering incredible waterside terraces. The rest of the route takes you back to Vichy's majestic parks, where you can take a break, cool off on the beach or try your hand at the water sports on offer all summer long on Lac d'Allier. Along the way, in addition to shaded picnic areas, you can rent bikes in Abrest at the Cabane à vélo, which has set up a store along the route. Other bike rentals are available in the city center: in front of the Pôle universitaire (Vivelo˝), at Fun Loisirs in Vichy, at Cycl'Expresso in Bellerive-sur-Allier and at Gaillardin in Vichy.

On your own, in a group or with the family, on foot or by bike, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Allier, France's last wild river, on the three discovery trails around the voie verte. Three loops have been laid out around the greenway, allowing visitors to enjoy the lush green surroundings of the river banks and discover the cultural and environmental treasures on offer. The comfortable, 3-meter-wide paths are safe and accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The Boucle du Lac needs no introduction! Inaugurated in October 2019, the landscaped left bank of the Allier River is a popular walking and cycling area. Accessible for people with reduced mobility and offering uninterrupted views over the green expanses of Vichy's Parc Omnisports Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes or the racecourse, it is also a unique opportunity to race against the rowers and other sailors of the Lac d'Allier.

Between town and country, discover the rural paths just a stone's throw from the city. Château du Bost was built under Charles VI and restored by the town of Bellerive-sur-Allier a few years ago. The Château's grounds are freely accessible. Enjoy the orchard, remarkable trees, pond and square.

Departing from Cusset, this route takes you to the ancient fortified town and the Val d'Allier from the heights. On the lower slopes of the Montagne Bourbonnaise, between the Val d'Allier and the Vallée du Sichon, this walk takes you into the countryside to discover some lovely viewpoints.

Along the Allier, you'll discover the wealth of built heritage along the banks of the river, as well as wilder areas. The Allier is considered one of Europe's last wild rivers. Let yourself be surprised by the wealth of flora and fauna along this long hike.

Portion of the Via Sancti Martini itinerary between Abrest and Cognat Lyonne This stretch between Abrest and Cognat Lyonne takes you along the banks of the Allier, then on the outskirts of Vichy you come across the beautiful Serbannes forest.

Departing from the Reine des villes d'eaux, it only takes a few minutes to find yourself plunged into the heart of nature in an unspoilt, protected environment. Accompanied by the songs of the many species of birds that call the undergrowth their home, this family-friendly itinerary takes you through the meandering river Allier.

Do you like to travel through time and history? Discover Vichy at the pace of Françoise's prestige car. You'll be delighted by the different options and themes on offer. Do you like to travel through time and history? Discover Vichy to the rhythm of the "Rive d'Allier" horse-drawn carriages, on a refined and elegant tour guided by Françoise, a professional coachman and former student of the Ecole du Louvre in Paris. The 8-seater prestige carriage - which can be privatized - will offer you comfort and an intimate atmosphere. The tours on offer will enable you to discover the Queen of the Spa Towns in a personalized way, with the option of exploring in greater depth the themes of Vichy's spa industry, the Second Empire or the 1940/1944 period. Tours can last 35 minutes or one hour. Commentaries are available in French, English and, by prior arrangement, Spanish or German. Les Calèches "Rive d'Allier" also makes its other carriages available for groups (by reservation), weddings, or any other event (village festivals, Christmas markets, company or family celebrations...). Les Calèches "Rive d'Allier" has been awarded the "Qualité France Energie Animale" label for its horse-drawn services (respect for regulations and animal welfare). Depending on climatic conditions (heatwaves, etc.), services may be subject to modifications, in order to respect animal welfare.

The Club Nautique de Vichy is an association under the French law of 1901, and comprises three sections: Sailing, Water Skiing and Wakeboarding and Stand Up Paddle. Three sections: - Introductory and advanced sailing from age 4, as well as free practice (rental). - Water skiing and classic wakeboarding, slalom and baby skiing from age 4, - Stand-up paddle, for free practice, supervised practice or as a walk from age 11. Situated on a 100-hectare lake in the heart of the town, the water sports center also offers towed buoys. All activities are supervised by qualified, registered staff. Approved by the French Ministry of Education and the Allier Departmental Directorate for Social Cohesion and Population Protection.

Today, the complex offers 14 clay courts, 4 of which are covered, in a privileged setting close to Vichy town center, near the golf course and along the redeveloped banks of the lake.

Close to Vichy, this 18-hole, PAR 72 (5,893 m) course lies in the heart of a forest of hundred-year-old oaks, and has a teaching structure suitable for all. Slightly undulating, enhanced by water features, the course will appeal to the most demanding golfers. Club House (bar; 7/7 lunchtime restaurant).

If you want to try out a fun, easy-to-access sport, go for it!

15th-century renovated barn, authentic, which combines modern and old properties. It is surrounded by a flowered garden, with a viexwon the rolling countryside and a lake for fishing.

A walk with family or friends on a formerly forbidden area: an old railroad track! 3 circuits from 10 to 26 km for 1h15 to 3h15. The velorails are electrically assisted. A ride with family or friends on a previously forbidden space ... an old railway ! 3 tours are proposed from 10 to 26km for 1:15 to 3:15 ride. Booking is recommanded.

Craft brewery offering a dozen different organic and local beers. The store is open late afternoon on weekdays. Full tours and tastings by appointment. our beer: organic, craft, natural beer, no additives, no technological aids.The Brewery is located in the ancient commons of the Château de L'Anglard, a 15th century building that features a medieval painted chapel representing the Last Judgment and which gave its name to the brewery.

A theme park dedicated to paleontology, Paléopolis, the dinosaur hill in Gannat (03), tells the most fascinating story of all: the evolution of life. In 2025, the park will present 5 new large animated sculptures of prehistoric animals! Located in a preserved natural environment, Paléopolis is a theme park dedicated to palaeontology. A trip of 4 billion years is waiting for you with exhibitions, workshops, animations… Through exhibitions, you will discover the whole evolution of life with more than 300 fossils of species which inhabited the Earth with the famous T-Rex as a star. Varied workshops are offered to children to wear the shoes of a palaeontologist. Exhibitions with an important scientific content, a cinema, life-size dinosaurs, virtual reality and an optical theatre will provide you a unique experience. Novelties: the movie "Le monde perdu de la Limagne" offers a trip 23 million years ago, when the Limagne was a tropical land, and "Retour vers le passé", a 3D movie offering you a trip between past and present, sea and land, T-rex and Mosasaurus...

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

In 1898, the outdated appearance and inadequate services of the Napoleon III Casino required its expansion to be included in the major civil works programme imposed on the Compagnie Fermière when the lease came up for renewal. This led to the building of a new 1,480-seat theatre by architects Charles Le Cœur and Lucien Woog; at the time, the largest theatre in France after the Opéra Garnier. It was inaugurated on 2nd June 1901 with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida. Its innovative metal exoskeleton, unobstructed by columns, and its shimmering gold and ivory Art Nouveau decoration, combining floral motifs with features relating to drama and music, made it an exceptional venue. The stunning decor was created by a team of talented young artists: Léon Rudnicki for the painting, Pierre Seguin for the ornamental staff sculptures, and Émile Robert for the wrought iron work. Up until the 1960s, the opera house attracted conductors, soloists, and stars from major European venues that were closed during the summer season. It also maintained an orchestra of 80 musicians, performing around 90 performances each summer. On 10th July 1940, the Opera House provided the stage for the vote granting full powers to Marshal Pétain, despite the opposition of 80 parliamentarians. A complete refurbishment in 1995 restored the Opera House to its former glory; it now hosts performances throughout the year.

Located where the Chomel and Grande Grille springs emerge naturally, on the site of the first spa establishments, the Hall of Springs (Hall des Sources) was built in 1903 by architects Charles Le Coeur and Lucien Woog. The design was modelled on the German trinkhalle, the idea being to gather a spa establishment's main springs at a single, easily accessible site, thus making it easier for curists to take the waters, facilitating the work of the water givers, while also encouraging foreign visitors to socialise and meet others. The hall's bright, open, airy cast-iron structure was created by Émile Robert, a wrought iron craftsman. He designed the elegant Art Nouveau-style railings and reproduced here the thistles decorating the promenade gallery. In 1928, the hall underwent major refurbishments: the perimeter railings were replaced by glass windows to protect visitors from draughts; the gargoyles were removed to clear the central area, and the glass skylight was raised and fitted with diamond-shaped panes to limit the greenhouse effect. A subsequent modernisation campaign in the early 1970s led to the removal of the original drinking stands and the water givers.

Inaugurated in 1903, this iconic building in Vichy, Queen of Spa Towns, designed by architects Charles Lecoeur and Lucien Woog, is dedicated to spa culture. The main façade, 170 metres long, runs either side of a monumental entrance that opens onto a symmetrical axis housing a range of services such as mechanotherapy, around which are arranged women's services, to the east, and men's services, to the west: a total of 130 standard bathing cubicles in all, in addition to shower cubicles and special-purpose baths. The architects chose an extravagant Romano-Byzantine style, evocative of luxurious oriental hammams, with a large dome covered in colourful glazed tiles and two decorative minarets standing guard over the thermal spa water tanks. The opulent style didn't stop the architects incorporating the latest health and hygiene refinements, though, designed to provide an exceptionally light and airy environment. The building's interior decor also reflected current fashions, with frescoes in the lobby by symbolist painter Alphonse Osbert and Art Nouveau tiles in the luxury cubicles. After being extended between 1930 and 1935, the baths were partially demolished to make way for a hotel in 1978. Today, the north wing is still used for spa treatments.

Bandstands are part of the street furniture essential to any spa town, providing both entertainment and a sociable space where people can meet up and relax. They enliven the waiting period between treatments and water intakes. This bandstand, designed in 1902 by Lucien Woog, replaced the previous one, which had been removed to make way for the opera house. A second bandstand, known as the Kiosque de la Restauration (now relocated to the Parc des Bourins), built in 1874 behind the current Casino, was used primarily for children's dances. Lucien Woog, a young architect, graduate and teacher at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, adopted an Art Nouveau style, to which he added an Oriental touch with a polylobed awning, thistle friezes, and a ceiling with an intricate star design. He commissioned the famous wrought iron craftsman, Émile Robert, to create the decorative railings composed of musical scores on which were inscribed the notes of six traditional children's songs. These featured the opening bars of J’ai du bon tabac, La boulangère a des écus, Au clair de la lune, Frère Jacques, Sur le pont d’Avignon and Nous n’irons plus au bois. During the Belle Époque, spa visitors rented chairs to attend concerts by members of the Grand Casino orchestra, starting at 8:30 a.m. Even today, the bandstand hosts numerous daytime and evening events during the summer months.

The last of the grand palaces built in Vichy, the Ruhl Hotel was also the largest and most luxurious (boasting 350 rooms and 300 bathrooms). At the time, the site was occupied by the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). Gifted by Napoleon III in 1865, by the early 20th century the building was considered too small. Architect Antoine Chanet began construction of the hotel in 1910, but the project was halted a year later. Eventually, Henri Ruhl, a hotelier who already owned several palaces in Paris and various seaside resorts, decided to take on the project himself. Ideally located between the two parks, the building occupies a block bounded by streets: its monumental appearance is emphasised both by the absence of adjoining properties, and by its opulent sculpted decor. At its centre is a vast Louis XVI-style dining room with a magnificent glass roof. The Ruhl opened its doors in 1913 but, with the advent of World War I, was soon converted into a temporary military hospital. In 1922, it was purchased by Joseph Aletti, who renamed it hôtel Radio, thus allowing him to retain the "HR" monogram on the hotel's china and linens. Requisitioned in 1940, it was converted into a private residence after the Liberation.

Despite the creation of a committee and the launch of a fundraising campaign immediately following the end of the First World War, the people of Vichy had to wait until 1935 to be able to honour their fallen brethren. A first competition opened in 1922 was won by sculptor Paul Roussel, winner of the First Grand Prix de Rome, who had already sculpted the mermaids, seahorses and water lily leaves that adorn the facades of Vichy's Grand Thermal Baths. However, having missed the deadlines, it was ultimately Charles Plas, winner of a second competition, who delivered the monument, also with considerable delay. The monument is built around a central bas-relief: a winged Victory, clearly modelled on the figure that dominates François Rude's Departure of the Volunteers on the Arc-de-Triomphe, guides representatives of the various army corps: cavalryman, infantryman, artilleryman, mountain infantry, sailor, and even a chaplain stretcher-bearer. The scene's realism is emphasised by the depiction of a soldier's everyday objects (water bottle, satchel, gas mask, etc.). The monument is surmounted by a soldier who, dressed simply in an antique tunic, armed with a sword, and leaning on a shield bearing the city's coat of arms, has sparked heated debate among veterans.

The Horseshoe Gallery shopping arcade perfectly illustrates the sophisticated elegance and vibrancy surrounding Vichy during the Belle Époque. After the hospital was moved to the outskirts of town, the Compagnie Fermière de Vichy, responsible for completing the park's development and landscaping up to the Hôpital spring, commissioned architects Charles Le Coeur and Lucien Woog to build a horseshoe-shaped shopping arcade around the bandstand. In keeping with the style of the gallery surrounding the park, this complex culminated in a rest room, demolished in 1945, which preceded the spring. Twenty-six stores, mainly dedicated to luxury goods, opened their doors as from the 1899 season. Most of the stores have preserved their beautiful original interior design, attesting to their occupants' sophistication and upmarket business activity. For instance, gallery owner Pierre Lintilhac (N° 7-8) preferred a resolutely classical style, as did the antique dealer "Au vase de Sèvres", (N° 11-13) who commissioned the architect Antoine Percilly to refurbish his store in the Louis XVI style in 1908. Martin et Lacrampe (N° 17) and Sapio (N° 1), had their jewellery stores modernised in the Art Deco style by Gilbert Brière in 1927 and 1939 respectively.

From the early 19th century onwards, this site was occupied by the Hôtel Sornin, ideally located between Vichy's historic town centre and the nascent Vichy thermal spa establishment, bordering the park. In 1888, following its acquisition of the neighbouring hotel, the establishment was expanded and renamed the Grand Hôtel Bonnet et de la Restauration. Some twenty years later, the complex was demolished to make way for the Hôtel Astoria. At this time, the new building, designed by Moulins-based architect René Moreau and inaugurated in 1910, was managed by Léon Soalhat, owner of the neighbouring Hôtel International. The hotel stood on a plot the shape of which imposed a "ship's prow" profile, a principle that would also be adopted in 1932 for the Hôtel des Célestins, in view of the Rue du Maréchal Foch opposite. The hotel boasts an unusual interior layout with a Société Générale branch office on the ground floor, while the hotel's communal areas, such as the lobby, lounge, and dining room, are relegated to the mezzanine. During World War II, the Hôtel Astoria housed the Tunisian Office and the General Secretariat of the LVF (Legion of French Volunteers Against Bolshevism). It closed its doors to be converted into a residence in 1988.

Known since ancient times, the Hôpital Spring, first named the Gros Boulet and then the Rosalie Spring, takes its name from the 18th century civilian hospital that was built nearby. The current rotunda-shaped pavilion, based on a design by architect Louis Aublet, was built in 1946. During construction work, the spring's ancient Roman catchment was rediscovered, attesting to its use over a period of nearly two thousand years. Previously, the drinking gallery was housed in a bandstand designed in 1907 by the Compagnie Fermière architect, Gustave Simon, in the style of the promenade gallery and the bandstand in the centre of the Horseshoe shopping arcade. The water from this spring, rich in carbon dioxide, emerges at a temperature of 34°C. It is recommended for digestive, gastric, and intestinal disorders and to treat diseases of the liver, colon, and pancreas. Declared an object of public interest by imperial decree in January 1861, Hôpital spring water is used as an ingredient in Vichy cosmetic products.

Due to building works, the Protestant church in Vichy will be closed from 1 July to 31 December 2026. After practicing their religion in various hotel dining rooms, in 1866, they obtained permission to build a first temple behind the present-day post office; however, this building rapidly outgrew its original scope and was also too far from the spa district. The construction of the current temple was largely financed by spa visitors from the Anglican community as, at the time, the British represented about 40% of Vichy's foreign spa clientele. The project was entrusted to architect Samuel Henriquet, the son of a pastor and already the designer of the temple in Castillon-la-Bataille (Gironde). A enthusiastic follower of the Neo-Gothic style, Henriquet opted here for its late English version, the Perpendicular Gothic Revival style, notably illustrated in the temple's finely ribbed fan-shaped vaults, of which Bath Abbey is one of the finest examples. The temple held its first service on 2nd August 1914. Unfortunately, in the 1960s, the facade was stripped of its gable pediment. Today, the Protestant Temple serves as a reminder of how the thermal baths shaped the city, attracting a cosmopolitan population that has left its mark on Vichy's cultural and architectural history.

A cosy bar-restaurant where homemade food is king, right down to the charcuterie. Chef Benoît trained as a pork butcher and caterer.

Bar-restaurant

Cuisine from near and far. Customised meals available on request. Grocery shop.

Artisanal pizzas. This pizzeria offers diverse pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, desserts and ice creams. On site or to take away.

By historical N7. On the premises and to take away.

Traditional French cuisine with fresh products. Bistro ambience. Terrace during summer. Traditional French cuisine with fresh products. Bistro ambience. Terrace during summer.

Homemade bread,world wines,local products, no menu, all homemade . Cool, vintage, clasic frame..that happiness! Reservation required Homemade bread,world wines,local products, no menu, all homemade . Cool, vintage, clasic frame..that happiness!! Reservation required

Situated on a rest area in the nice, warm and relaxing surroudings of a landscape garden and a pond.

The Auberge des Tureaux is both a bistro with 40 seats for the daily menu and a gourmet restaurant to take your time. Possibility of welcoming groups. Whether for the dish of the day or the seasonal menu, Didier Neboud is a fervent defender of local products and makes it a point of honor to serve only fresh products.

Small pub; feeling at home ambience. Good humor guaranteed. Musical nights on the last Thursday of each month.

15th-century renovated barn, authentic, which combines modern and old properties. It is surrounded by a flowered garden, with a viexwon the rolling countryside and a lake for fishing.

Large holiday house (130m²) in the bourbonnaise countryside, situated near a farm, near a large pond which offers the possibility of fishing, and near hiking pathes, le Pal and historic sites

Great and quiet holiday house with a pleasant view.

Night parking possible. Sewage draining.

18th-century arge house with its centenarian trees park. Sunbathing, nap in the shade of a horse chestnut, soothed by song of the birds... Relaxation and serenity garanteed.

Settled in a centenarian trees park of a 18th-century large house. Sunbathing, nap in the shade of a horse chestnut, soothed by song of the birds... Relaxation and serenity garanteed.

Isolated house for a festive weekend.

Quiet house with small garden and near shops, swimming-pool and sporting installations.

Veronique and Christophe welcome you in their Bed&Breakfast "Maison of Prince de Condé " dated from XIII and XVIII centuries. situated in Charroux one of the most beautiful villages in France. 5 bedrooms all confort Veronique and Christophe welcome you in their Bed&Breakfast "Maison of Prince de Condé " dated from XIII and XVIII centuries. situated in Charroux one of the most beautiful villages in France. 5 bedrooms all confort

With its yard in front of the house, this charming small house is situated nearby the town center.