Tourism in vichy

Order bu Napoleon III, the Casino-theatre was inaugurated on the 2 of July 1865. The Casino-theatre became the first entertainment site in Vichy. The Large room of the Opera, inaugurated in 1903, is great for lyrical or choreographic shows. Thus the Casino-theatre becomes the first 'Palais des Congres-Opera' set up in a historical monument.

When he arrived in Vichy the Emperor Napoleon III said: 'I will do my best to be useful to this region'.

Indeed, its five stays in Vichy, between (1861-1866) have changed the city: The Emperor started to rebuilt the town almost entirely, creating large main roads, the famous 'Casino du Grand Café de Vichy', parks, the Town Hall and numerous houses of which one was owned by the Emperor himself they are called 'the chalets of Vichy' and are located on the bank of the Allier.

The old quarter of Vichy has numerous monuments, streets and other notable sites such as the Saint Blaise church and its listed quarter. There are also the 'Parcs des sources' and the 'Parc des célestins' as well as the Sévigné's House and the university.

Since the beginning of thermal activities in Vichy, gardens and parks have played an important part in the urban construction of Vichy for the well being of the inhabitants and spa clients.

Parks and gardens to visit:

• The 'Parc Napoleon III' 
• The 'Parc Kennedy'
• The 'Parc du Soleil'
• The 'Parcs des Bourins'
• The 'Parc Omnisports'
• The 'Allier Lake'
• The 'Esplanade' on the right bank (Rive Droite)

The Art Deco style buildings to see in Vichy are:

• The Saint Blaise church
• The Valery Larbaud cultural centre
• The Balmoral
• The Plaza
• L'Amirauté (Admiralty)
• The Lycée des Celestins (Celestins high school)