Vichy, Auvergne, France

The Town Hall of Vichy, Auvergne, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vichy-hoteldeville.jpg
Author: Thbz


Vichy is a town in Allier district, in Auvergne, France. The town covers only 6 sq km (2 sq mi) and has a population of 25,000 people (2012 estimate), but has an urban area of over 80,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest urban area in the Auvergne region after Clermont-Ferrand. The river Allier flows througfh the town from the Massif Central plateau.

Archaeological evidence provides proof of human habitation here going back to the Gallic period. The earliest settlement is believed to have been established by the Romans in 52 BC, upon returning from their defeat by Vercingetorix in the Battle of Gergovia. The site was chosen probably because of the hot springs in the area which has therapeutic values.

Église Saint-Blaise et Notre-Dame in Vichy
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eglisevichy.jpg
Author: Tej


The hot springs of Vichy led to the construction of thermal baths in the town. A famous patron of the thermal baths was the marquise de Sévigné who visited it in 1676 and 1677. The daughters of Louis XV, Adélaïde and Victoire, also visited the spa in 1761-62.

During the Second World War, Vichy became the capital of the French State (État Français), the territory not occupied by Nazi forces. Some six hundred members of the French Parliament relocated there from Paris. The Vichy Government lasted until August 1944, when the regime began its gradual collapse, culminating with the recognition accorded by the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union for the Provisional Government of the French Republic headed by Charles de Gaulle.

Today the town of Vichy is still noted for its thermal spa. The health and beauty industry is the mainstay of the local economy.

How to go to Vichy

Vichy is located to the northeast of Clermont-Ferrand. From there, take the A71 (E11) expressway heading north till Exit 12, then continue on Route D998 heading east to reach Vichy.

Places of Interest in Vichy

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