By greenway from Vichy to Saint-Yorre
Between Vichy and Saint-Yorre, a greenway hugs the Allier’s side, offering easy cycling. The Allier is the omnipresent star along this stretch, revealing a variety of sides. Pedalling along beside the water, discover a mosaic of landscapes, heritage treasures along the way inviting you to explore the waterside parishes, with their many activities, shops and riverside restaurants, or guinguettes. Whether travelling solo, in a group or as a family, by bike or by foot, take in all the different atmospheres, landscapes and noises of the Allier, known as one of Western Europe’s last-remaining wild rivers, and make the most of three discovery circuits that add further options to this green outing.
Imperial secrets
Delve into Vichy’s history, wandering around town with Countess Valevsky, a young Slav aristocrat and lady-in-waiting to Maria, Grand Duchess of Russia, staying at the Chalet des Roses. The Countess marvels at the splendour of Napoleon III’s French court and invites you to follow her around mid-19th-century imperial Vichy. A charming guide, only rarely showing her serious side, she’ll confide in you on matters ranging from the thermal spa treatments, the period fashions, the music in vogue and the places to be seen to Emperor Napoleon III’s holidaying in Vichy, of course. The Countess will keep you riveted, while startled passers-by may believe they’ve spotted a real princess walking along with you!
A pampering weekend in Vichy
Find refuge in a gentle, warm cocoon, close your eyes and put yourself in the hands of specialists in well-being at the Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel, these spa facilities linked to a 5-star hotel with restaurant. Enjoy the benefits of the iconic Douche de Vichy, ‘‘the original treatment since 1896’’; it takes the form of a synchronized, four-handed massage given under jets of Vichy thermal water, promising complete relaxation. Make sure to test it out for yourself! Prolong your well-being break by booking one of the establishment’s 129 rooms in the heart of the Parc Napoléon III, beside Allier Lake.
At Vichy Opera House, your emotions stirred
Come evening in Vichy, head for the opera house. Its majestic façade dons colourful costumes, in the form of video-mapping projections lasting a quarter of an hour. Entitled "Sur le chemin du thermalisme", this show transports spectators, via six themed set pieces, to the rich, varied and sometimes turbulent past of this queen of French regional thermal spa resorts. To experience further emotions, book seats for one of the many shows put on at this splendid period piece of a place.
Map of the route
Map of the route
5 Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule / Vichy
