As the Vichy city is called throughout the world. Where to stay in Vichy. Thermal center Les Thermes Callou
The Vichy resort is located in one of the most fashionable cities in Europe, Vichy. Thanks to its favorable location in the central part of France, Vichy is rightly called the “king of resorts”. But the city became famous throughout the world not only for its favorable climate and respectable place for recreation, but above all for its rich natural resources, which were first discovered more than 400 years ago.
Healing properties mineral springs were successfully used as cosmetics in 1931, and since then Vichy thermal cosmetics have conquered the whole world. Almost every country has a specialized Vichy store; moreover, Vichy cosmetics are sold by a chain of pharmacies.
It is noteworthy that the thermal water in resort town is also recognized as drinking water, already 6 out of fifteen sources mineral water passed official testing. The most popular source of St. Luke is included in the main component of the entire Vichy cosmetic line.
There are also three spa centers where you can improve your health with healing water. After water procedures Don't forget to take a stroll through the evening city of Vichy, which also has many other attractions, such as parks, casinos, golf courses and theatre.
Coordinates: 46.13417000,3.42547800
Castle Billy
Castle Billy is a historical landmark in the small town of the same name in the Allier department, France. It was built in the XIII-XIV centuries by the Bourbons, who were its owners for several centuries. In 1789, as a result of the French Revolution, the castle was badly damaged. Currently it is in a dilapidated state.
Castle Billy is shaped like an oval with a hexagonal watchtower. The latter towers over the entire building and small houses located at the foot of the mountain along winding paths. On the southern side there is a passage in the castle wall, through which you can see beautiful panorama Allier Valley.
As of today, Castle Billy is announced historical monument According to the decision of the French Ministry of Culture, tourists from different parts of the world come to see its ancient walls.
Coordinates: 46.23671500,3.42858200
What sights of Vichy did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Hohenburg Castle
Hohenbourg Castle is a once powerful and prestigious castle in Vinjean, near Wissembourg. Currently, the ruins of the castle only reflect how great its power was in the past. The castle was built in the middle of the 13th century, on the very high peak northern Vosges mountains. Its origins remain unclear; the first known inhabitants were the pullers known as the Hohenbourgs.
Part of the castle's enclosure remains, and the lower levels of the northern building, a room carved out of rock with arched doors, have also been excavated. The castle was modernized between 1420 and 1440. At the beginning of the 16th century, Franz von Sickingen modernized it. Partially destroyed in 1523, the castle was rebuilt in 1542. Abandoned during the Thirty Years' War, the castle was destroyed in 1680. During the work carried out in 1879 and 1880, numerous sculptural elements were discovered, from the Gothic to the Renaissance periods. Almost all of them were later stolen.
Hohenbourg Castle has been classified as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture since 1898.
Coordinates: 49.05570000,7.78361000
The Castle of Toury is one of the old castles of France, located in a small town called Saint-Poursin-sur-Besbres in the Vichy department. It was built in the 15th century. The founders of the castle are considered to be the lords of the Turi family. Several centuries later, the building came into the possession of the Konni family, which continues to be its only rightful owner.
Turi Castle is located in a small meadow decorated with colorful flower beds and green trees. It is representative of the castles of the Middle Ages, as indicated by the presence of a courtyard and high watchtowers, as well as plain brickwork. A small stone bridge leads into the building through a bulky passage in the front tower, which is not intended to protect the territory and the courtyard, since it is always open.
Coordinates: 46.47995100,3.64029900
Napoleon III Park
Parc Napoleon III has been considered for many years a unique place. It is located on the banks of the Allier River in Vichy, France. Since 1861, Napoleon III began to often visit a small town in France at that time, which was famous not only for its charming nature, but also for its mineral springs.
It was at this time that the emperor decided to plant small plantations on the banks of the river. The gardener Joseph Marie did this. Soon, an artificial stream was made in the park, replaced today by two ponds. In 1993, a hotel was built on the territory of Napoleon III Park, welcoming guests from all over the world. From here you have beautiful views of the Vichy Golf Club.
Coordinates: 46.12532200,3.41595100
Palace of Congresses (casino)
The casino (currently the Palace of Congresses) was built in stone in 1865. It included a theater, a ballroom, a reading room and a veranda. In 1995, the casino was rebuilt into a convention center. The southern façade of the building, facing rue du Casino, is designed in the neo-Louis XIII style. The northern façade, facing the park, is made in the neo-Baroque style. It consists of a central part and two facade projections, decorated with four caryatids representing the seasons. The caryatids are supported by two pediments, with a clock on the left and a barometer on the right. In 1901, the casino was expanded with the addition of a stone building that contained saloons, a promenade, a grand hall, and a theater. The theater hall was designed for 1,400 seats.
Thermal center "Dom"
Thermal center"House" is located in France, in the city Vichy. The thermal center offers treatment and wellness programs. The duration of treatment programs ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, health programs are recommended to be completed within 7-10 days.
Flexible treatment schedule, warm bathrobes and towels, spacious treatment rooms, attentive and caring staff. Procedures used: 4-hand massage in the shower with mineral water, Charcot shower, hydromassage, mud therapy, carbon dioxide baths, intestinal lavages, aerosols, therapeutic exercises in a mineral water pool, drinking mineral water. The dermatocosmetic center of the Dom hospital operates on the basis of Vichy cosmetics and mineral water from the Luke spring.
The Dom Thermal Center has both medical and cosmetology rooms where you can get help for various diseases, as well as simply improve your health and have a great rest.
Some of the most popular procedures with mineral water among the guests of the “House” include more than ten types of showers, hydromassage, bubble and mud baths.
Coordinates: 46.11670000,3.41670000
The most popular attractions in Vichy with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Vichy on our website.
Individual and group
The Vichy resort is located in the central Auvergne region of France, on the shores of a picturesque lake and the Allier River, in the heart of Bourbon - the “Bourbon Province”. This modern French resort is located a 4-hour drive from the capital of France - Paris.
Resort type
Thermal spa
Description
The city of Vichy is the recognized “king” of resorts, a charming town with a rich culture and a developed entertainment industry. The Vichy resort gained wide popularity during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, after whom one of the central parks is named.
The resort of Vichy is now one of the most beautiful resorts world, it is literally surrounded by the greenery of gardens and reserves, of which there are almost 160 hectares in the city, and the surrounding forest, in which more than 500 species of various animals are found.
The thermal waters of the Vichy resort are known throughout the world for their beneficial effects on the body, so many celebrities and famous people. There is hardly a person who has not heard of this elegant spa resort, which is famous for its dermo-cosmetic treatments from the Vichy brand of the same name, whose products have a unique composition and contain valuable mineral elements through the use of thermal water from the Lucas spring.
It is worth noting that UNESCO included the Vichy resort in the list of world heritage in the group “Thermal Cities of Europe” in 2014, which makes it even more popular place for recreational and restorative holidays.
The balneological resort of Vichy attracts guests not only with its mineral and thermal springs, the water from which has healing properties, but also with a warm climate, picturesque nature, big amount beautiful green parks, as well as the opportunity to combine treatment with relaxation at a prestigious resort in France. For its sophistication, beauty and aristocracy, this resort can rightfully be called “little Paris” on the Allier River.
It is at this resort that guests have a great opportunity to combine wellness holiday with visits to famous restaurants and cozy cafes known for their amazing French cuisine.
Vichy is ideal for a calm and relaxed holiday, as well as for guests who like to be active free time. Despite the development of the resort area in this city since the 17th century, modern Vichy lives a rich social life: the city has entertainment and leisure for every taste.
Video about the resort of Vichy, France
Type and properties of thermal water
- There are a total of 15 cold and hot springs at the resort, 6 of which are drinking.
- Vichy mineral waters are hydrocarbonate-sodium, rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, the water temperature in the springs ranges from 16°C to 75°C
- Fluoridated mineral water from springs
The alkaline effect of sodium bicarbonate helps combat the acidity of food. It is a favorite water of athletes in the fight against cramps and fatigue, stimulating muscle recovery.
Bicarbonates have a beneficial effect on carbohydrate and protein metabolism, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and reduce the acidity of gastric juice.
Calcium strengthens bone tissue, thickens cell membranes, and reduces bleeding.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, removes heavy metal salts and radionculides from the body.
Vichy thermal water, consumed internally according to medical prescription, complements thermal treatments. Being a biologically active natural substance, it is recommended for digestive and metabolic disorders, as well as for rheumatism.
Natural healing factors
The climate is warm, moderately humid. average temperature air temperature in January is +5°C, in July - about +22°C.
Mud therapy
The resort uses thermal mud combined with local clay and mineral water. In combination with hydrotherapy, mud therapy helps relieve muscle tension, improve lymphatic drainage and microcirculation and speed up metabolism.
Indications for mud therapy
- Degenerative joint diseases (arthrosis, rheumatism, osteoporosis)
- Post-traumatic deformities
- Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis)
Indications for treatment
Externally
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis)
- Skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, eczema)
- Respiratory diseases (except tuberculosis)
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system (rehabilitation after myocardial infarction and heart surgery)
- Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system (functional disorders of the nervous system, rehabilitation after strokes, neuroses, depression, fatigue)
- Diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders
- Decreased immunity
Inside
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system with impaired metabolism of microelements (arthrosis, complications after injuries, osteoporosis, gout, periarthritis, tendovaginitis)
- Diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, biliary dyskinesia in children and adults, peptic ulcer, colitis)
- Endocrine and metabolic diseases (gout, hypercholesterolemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)
- Urological diseases (cystitis, urethritis)
- Stress, overwork, obesity
Contraindications
- Kidney failure
- Chronic bilateral pyelonephritis
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- The city of Vichy is a balneological resort.
- The city has extraordinary developed infrastructure, which makes the Vichy balneological resort the flagship of the resort business in France.
- While walking around the city, you can try water from different sources yourself.
- There are several treatment centers in Vichy, among which Célestin (specializing in cosmetic procedures) and Kalu (for the treatment of gastroenterological diseases) stand out.
- The healing properties of thermal water are widely used in the famous Vichy cosmetics brand.
- At the resort you can relax and undergo treatment with your children.
Vichy Celestins Thermal SPA
The Celestin thermal center is one of the most famous not only in France, but throughout Europe. It is connected to the hotel by a covered walkway. The procedures are carried out using mineral water from local sources. It is worth noting that it is better to immediately drink water from sources on the spot, since in air it quickly oxidizes and loses its properties. healing effect. Guests have access to a fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. Wellness treatment corresponds to the Vichy method, which includes 5 areas:
- Medical consultation and nutritionist consultation
- Carrying out Vichy procedures based on thermal water
- Special procedure by choice or according to indications
- Exercise in the mineral water pool or fitness room
- Proper nutrition, cuisine based on mineral water
The Celesten Center is one of the largest SPA centers in Europe, with treatment rooms covering 7,500 sq.m.
The dermocosmetology center at the Celestin SPA center offers services for diagnosing skin conditions, determining its type and biological age, as well as procedures for men and women based on Vichy products. Mud treatment procedures with wraps, plant-mineral mud wraps are carried out, which improves the condition of the skin. The SPA center offers a wide selection of SPA programs for excellent well-being: “Royal Luxury”, “Especially for Women”, “Especially for Men”, “Rejuvenation” and others. The Celesten center also offers a wide range of beauty and health programs, which include procedures for facial rejuvenation (anti-aging care), detoxification of the body, weight loss, treatment of back, neck and joint pain.
Thermal center Les Thermes Callou
The Kallu Baths opened in 1990 and are open from April to October. The following procedures are available in the thermal baths: baths, jacuzzi, jet shower, underwater shower, dispersed shower, mud therapy, massage, fitness, care procedures. The Kallu Center specializes in the treatment of gastroenterological diseases.
Center Thermal des Dômes
The Dom Baths are open from February to December. The thermal baths offer the following services: drinking cures, thermal pool 35°C, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, cardio zone, open pool. The dermatocosmetic center of the Dom thermal center operates on the basis of Vichy cosmetics and Luke spring mineral water.
Vichy is a resort that offers guests a lot of social entertainment: performances at the Opera House, concerts under open air, horse racing, elegant shopping, casinos, evenings in trendy bars and restaurants, yacht racing, rowing competitions, and romantic walks through the city park, the front embankment, and the medieval streets of the city. The surrounding area of the resort is conducive to travel: ancient castles, extinct volcanoes, the royal estate of Randan.
Excursion opportunities
Vichy is distinguished by a variety of architectural attractions. The eclecticism of the resort amazes tourists; the city is replete with a mixture of classical, Gothic and Venetian styles. In the old part of the city you can visit the Notre-Dame des Malades church, built in the Art Deco style using various decorative techniques (painting, mosaics and stained glass). The city is concentrated a large number of parks, where you have a great opportunity to take a cozy walk, breathe fresh air and just relax on a sunny day. Often in the evening, resort guests attend performances at the Opera House. The outskirts of the city have ancient castles, a park extinct volcanoes“Vulcania”, not far from Vichy there are cheese factories and wineries where you can organize unforgettable excursions.
Sports opportunities
Organizing an active pastime in the French resort of Vichy will not be difficult: excellent conditions for horse riding and golf have been created especially for guests; the parks are equipped with jogging and cycling paths. Guests who love to exercise can visit sports complex and the Vichy water stadium.
Entertainment for children
You can also relax in Vichy with children; for this purpose, the resort has not only therapeutic capabilities, but also entertainment, comfortably integrated into the atmosphere of the city.
For example, a city tour on a mini-train will be an unforgettable adventure not only for children, but also for their parents. In the Vichy Springs Park you can find carousels for your children. Some Vichy centers, for example, the Kallu center, specializing in gastroenterological diseases, carry out balneological procedures for children, preventing the development of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Nearest major cities
Lyon - 150 km
Dijon - 220 km
Limoges - 240 km
Paris - 360 km
Distance to airports
Clermont-Feran - 54 km
Lyon - 170 km
Paris - 340 km
Sometimes I look how much strange places me and my friends, my husband or local residents visited in different countries, and the realization hits me: how much is still unknown! After all, somewhere there are small and big cities, which must be touched so that they leave behind good impressions. Therefore, I am glad, for example, that I was able to visit Vichy. Beautiful small town. Although with its quirks.
Pros of a trip to Vichy
If you go to the city from Paris, you will have to spend quite a lot of time on the road; so we captured it when we were looking at Nevers, Bourges and many other towns in this area. It was decided to go to Vichy right away, not to stay overnight there, but to spend some time on it, because it’s a resort! Thermal springs! You can please yourself! These, of course, are not expensive SPA hotels, we thought, but still very, very good.
The result is that I think I will return to Vichy someday...
We arrived there on a wonderful summer morning. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, the most better weather for walks.
The place is historical, there is little left from the Middle Ages and Roman eras (although the Romans had great respect for thermal springs), but the heritage of the 19th-20th centuries is very strong. Famous historical figures, including emperors, came here to relax, and therefore the majesty of some buildings is mixed with the modesty of what mere mortals use.
For example, the Church of Saint-Blaise, where we visited in a cultural impulse before going to enjoy the springs, is very simple and elegant, and not at all pretentious. Light stained glass windows casting splashes of color on the floor, softly scented lilies and a modest altar. A beautiful church, I recommend checking it out.
Then, after a quick snack, we decided to plunge into the SPA. We quickly googled the centers and thought - just go for a walk. We chose the Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel, which has a huge SPA center, and went there. A significant drawback was discovered there (I will write about it below), and in order to get into the center, we had to talk the girl at the reception down. Fortunately, she spoke reasonable English, and the hotel was five stars and the service was up to par. If people want to come in and pay money, the issue can be resolved. As a result, a manager came and decided that even if we were not staying at the hotel and were not signed up for procedures, so be it, he would let us in. I suppose our dusty appearance aroused his pity. In short, we ended up going to SPA and didn’t regret it at all. The hotel is luxurious, the center is beautiful, we quickly signed up for a massage and spent five hours relaxing from the heart. We swam in the pools, sat in the salt baths and crawled out satisfied and exhausted. Here are some inexpensive SPA hotels for you! We assumed that there would be some public places, where you paid 10 Eur and splash around, but, alas, no. Business here is clearly divided. Therefore, from what is available, if you have to choose, then the best.
After visiting the SPA, I still had to find the strength to go and drink mineral water. There are many springs in the city (five main ones), water of varying degrees of saturation, and I no longer remember which one we were drawn to. But they found it. We drank and considered the mission accomplished. The water, by the way, is delicious, and it’s not for nothing that it’s so famous.
My friend, who was driving, decided that if she got behind the wheel now, she would immediately fall asleep, so we ate and went to wander around the city a little more - to cheer up. With half-liter glasses of amazingly delicious coffee in your hands, of course. The city looks rich, which is not surprising, considering what kind of crowd mostly comes here. The luxurious casino building, the opera, mansions - all this creates a certain impression, which I call “you can’t forbid living beautifully.” Tourists are driven through the streets on stagecoaches and carts drawn by large, well-groomed horses. Here and there there are majestic trees, buildings mix eclectically, and in general, despite the high cost, the atmosphere is... kind of kind. This is strange, I have a rather cool attitude towards distinctly posh places, but here the character of the city turned out to be in tune with mine.
Disadvantages of a trip to Vichy
Now there will be a surprise. It turns out that you can’t just come to Vichy and go to the first SPA you come across or take a dip in the spring. Vichy is an expensive resort, and everything here is based on programs. The usual vacation program in thermal springs is designed for a week, and not everyone can afford this, especially migratory tourists like us. Yes, and it turns out uneconomical. Therefore, if you go, you need to either budget for this week or five days (in different places different programs), or talk the staff down, as we did.
The famous Vichy cosmetics are more expensive here than in many other places in France, and are sold only in pharmacies. They looked, shrugged, and left. Bought in Bourges.
Practical questions
It is better to walk around the city in comfortable shoes, because it is always better.
Food - most of the restaurants we came across sparkled with some indecent price tag. Finally, we found a place where we were not so insolent, and ate there. It was tasty, but I don’t remember anything outstanding.
Shopping, of course, is up to par: a fairly wealthy crowd comes to Vichy. Lots of boutiques, sparkling displays and goods without price tags. Souvenir shops sit modestly between all this splendor.
As for housing... For me, if you’re going to such a place expensive place, then have a blast. I really liked that hotel where we went to the SPA, and I keep dreaming of saving up some money, going there and not getting out of the pool for two weeks and massage rooms. Well, okay, in two weeks I’ll get bored, but this week is the best. Because the service, because the place is cool and because I came once - so why artificially limit yourself? No need.
conclusions
Vichy - very interesting place, something that hooked me, and I would probably visit there again. But this time having knowledge about this place and being prepared. And stock up on money, because in such a city they decide everything. To feel completely comfortable there, it is better to have a good cash reserve.
In the center of France, in the volcanic region of Auvergne, the city of Vichy is located - a land rich in natural resources. The city of Vichy with its thermal springs, located in central France, has been known since the time ancient Rome. One of the first mentions of “thermalism” (thermal water treatment) dates back to 52 BC. Returning from another battle, the Roman legion set up camp on the banks of a deep river. The Romans noticed that the warm water of the springs had therapeutic properties and helped get rid of many ailments. One of thermal springs, having healing properties - Lucas, received recognition in medical circles back in the 17th century. It was he who inspired the creators of the VICHY brand to use thermal water in cosmetics 85 years ago.
The history of the VICHY brand began in 1931, when the leading manager of the perfume company Parfums Grenoville, Georges Guerin, and the manager of the VICHY thermal society, Dr. Prosper Aller, met in the city of Vichy. Guerin ended up in the province due to a wound on his foot that did not heal for a long time, which Dr. Aller advised to irrigate with thermal water from the Lucas spring. The effect of the treatment exceeded all expectations, the wound healed surprisingly quickly. And the enterprising Guerin, by no means a newcomer to the world of beauty, had an idea: why not use thermal water in cosmetics?
Combining the power of nature and SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
Proposing to classify skin by type, Dr. Aller created unique formulas to care for each of them. This is how the famous “Secret de VICHY” creams appeared - 8 care products for dry, very dry and oily skin, based on healing thermal water.
These products have been developed using the most advanced technologies and are produced under strict quality control. The scientific approach, the conclusion that different skin types need different care, and the desire to know what consumers want was a real revolution for that time.
Having turned into the philosophy of the brand, they largely determined its success, first in France, and then throughout the world.
Women appreciated such touching attention to their individual characteristics and needs. The emblem of the brand for many years has been the sculpture “woman at the source”, carved from marble by the famous sculptor Camus.
INDIVIDUAL APPROACH TO EACH WOMAN
VICHY's mission is that, thanks to the brand's products, the skin of any woman, regardless of external (for example, polluted air, hard water and cold weather) and internal (for example, puberty, pregnancy and menopause) factors, as well as image features life (for example, stress, lack of sleep and unbalanced diet) looked well-groomed and remained healthy and young for a long time.
Through ongoing collaboration with dermatologists, gynecologists and nutritionists, VICHY Laboratories have a unique set of knowledge necessary to understand the individual needs of the skin at each stage of a woman's life.
VICHY dermatocosmetics do not superficially correct problems, but take into account the causes of their occurrence, effectively and safely transforming the skin, even the most sensitive.
Perfection in everything
The main components of VICHY active cosmetics are the latest scientific developments in the field of molecular biochemistry, biotechnology and many others. scientific disciplines related to the regulation of metabolic processes in the skin. These are highly effective components of both natural and synthetic origin that can affect the functional activity of skin cells.
To confirm the effectiveness of finished products, VICHY experts draw up test protocols using more than 50 different methods. The final products are then clinically tested using the most innovative scientific methods, such as proteomics studies of critical skin biomarkers.
Since its creation, the VICHY brand has been distinguished by the quality and safety of its products. Just like VICHY Mineralizing Thermal Water, all products are subject to careful control according to numerous criteria, which ensures their high safety even for sensitive skin. Each active ingredient and future cosmetic product is tested in laboratory conditions (in vitro) and then in clinical conditions (in vivo).
The finished product is systematically compared with the reference formula to ensure that it meets the VICHY brand requirements for appearance, color and smell. The quality of the texture is checked under a microscope, and the stability of the formula is tested using a special centrifuge. VICHY's strict safety regulations also include packaging evaluation and functional controls.
Thanks to such strict control, compliance with the basic principle of VICHY is achieved - 100% safety. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. Also, VICHY Laboratories specialists pay great attention to the texture of the products. They must be adapted to the different needs of the skin, pleasant to use and demonstrate maximum effectiveness.
All formulas are tested under the supervision of dermatologists with the participation of at least 100 volunteers, under conditions of exposure to external and internal factors, to guarantee hypoallergenicity even for sensitive skin.
By clicking anywhere on our site or clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of cookies and other technologies for the processing of personal data. You can change your privacy settings. Cookies are used by us and our trusted partners to analyze, improve and personalize your user experience on the site. These cookies are also used to target advertising that you see both on our site and on other platforms.