Vichy - Queen of the Old Spa Towns - France 🇫🇷

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2024-04-17に共有

Vichy, where we spent two nights, is located in an old volcanic area that has been dormant for the last 150,000 years. The heat that remains below ground is responsible for the existence of nearly 300 springs, many of them hot. The town became well established and popular during Roman times. The curative effects of the waters was brought attention in 1676 when the Marquise de Sevigny visited and the town through her contacts and writings started to become fashionable. Two daughters of Louis XV arrived in the 1760`s and after a later visit in 1785 they persuaded their nephew, Louis XVI, to build more luxurious accommodations. After revolution Napoleon`s mother arrived and the Parc des Sources was laid out. The town`s increasing popularity saw the arrival in 1861 of the Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie. Separate houses (cottages) were built for the Imperial couple and other luminaries of the Second Empire. Parks, grand boulevards and a building boom followed. After the fall of the Empire the "Belle Epoch" saw continuing growth with more grand buildings, spa facilities and a new Opera House. WW1 saw only a temporary pause in growth and the town became a really popular destination for tourists from French Algeria. WW2 though changed everything. Vichy found itself the capital (although Paris remained officially capital) of the rump "State of France" comprising that area not annexed by Nazi Germany. Vichy France could do little other than collaborate with the Nazi`s. After the war the town resumed its life of leisure welcoming many crowned heads and film stars. It acquired the name "Queen of Spa Towns". By 1963 the river Allier was dammed and a lake created alongside the city. A couple of decades of decline though followed but today a revival is now well underway. Since the end of the 20th century works have been taking place to restore much of the grandeur of the spa town. While we were there the Parc des Sources was being restored and a facelift has been given to many grand buildings. Some though still await renewal. We explore the town beginning in a district to the south of the centre where many Art Nouveaux buildings can be seen. The church of St Blaise has a fabulous interior in the Art Deco style.
After wandering through the heart of the city we follow the line of parks that separate the built up area from the Lake Allier and complete a circuit of the waters. It was a surprisingly hot afternoon with brilliant blue skies and calm reflective waters. Somewhere else we hope to be able to visit again.

#france #vichy #vichyfrance #riverallier #lakeallier #artnouveaux #artdeco #louisXV #louisxiv #napoleon #louisnapoleon #napoleonIII #empresseugenie #queenofspatowns #vichyopera #saintblaise #worldwarone #worldwartwo

コメント (21)

@Packsalot 3ヶ月前

Beautiful stained glass. Awesome walk through the area. That riverfront was beautiful. Those reflections were amazing. Thanks for the tour. Have a wonderful day.
@SUPERGENKI 3ヶ月前

Such a beautiful place - great to explore with you. Many thanks for sharing with us my friend. Warm greetings, Thomas
@FloridaFlipFlops 3ヶ月前

Like 13 👍 💯 ❤
@exploringtvtv4748 2ヶ月前

We always love seeing the old churches - they are so elegant and elaborate!! Wow - the mirror reflection on that lake was incredible!
@FloridaFlipFlops 3ヶ月前

Hello from your friends in Naples, Florida. Wow, that is a beautiful town. We enjoyed, and have to compliment you on the music selection. Thanks for sharing the amazing views with us, have a great week 👍 💯 ❤
@TheJournalofanExplorer 3ヶ月前

What a beautiful, idyllic location! That artwork in the Church was truly stunning.
@trvlnthru 3ヶ月前

I love the painted ceiling and all the stained glass at the church. Vichy looks like a lovely town. We enjoyed seeing all the fountains and architecture - and enjoyed reading about its history in the description as well. Thanks for sharing Vichy with us!
@CowboyJojosAdventures 3ヶ月前

Beautiful scenery and chateau. Loved the landscape. Thank you for taking us along Robert and Ivor. Have a wonderful weekend. :face-red-heart-shape::hand-pink-waving:
@inbetween-days 3ヶ月前

Hi Ivor and Robert. Stunning view from the bridge. The water is so beautiful. Stain glass windows are so colourful. Amazing ceilings. Love the Opera House. Water features are fantastic. So many wonderful places. Always enjoy watching the swans. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes Dave and Dawn ❤️
@Terry.W 3ヶ月前

Lots of wonderful history.
@oliviagames23 3ヶ月前

amazing place , new friend here.
@billyb5057 3ヶ月前

awesome church there hot springs nice views amazing buildings much to see thumbs up👍Au💯full view always
@kevinandange 3ヶ月前

Wow. What a lovely town. The church is beautiful . The scenery is fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us my friend 😊👍
@CraigKoppel 3ヶ月前

That church is beautiful. I love all the stained glass. Cool to see Napoleon’s chalet too. Nice showing off of the lake too. 👍
@wendingourway 3ヶ月前

So beautiful and peaceful feeling!
@ervinslens 3ヶ月前

Just gorgeous work, such a alluring and lovely atmosphere!
@IcelandVideoGallery 3ヶ月前

Always you amaze me with your beautiful videos. The church looks beautiful and all the surroundings. Great views. Thank you so much for making my day happy with beauty.
@EURAMBLER 3ヶ月前

Good sharing 👌
@NBNatureTrailvan 3ヶ月前

What a wonderful place Ivor. Throughout the vid some absolutely stunning reflections 😍. The stillness is very beautiful. The Eglise Saint Blaise is fantastic!! 😍😍😍
@FrankenTravelers 3ヶ月前

Great shots. Thank you for showing me. Have a nice day.😉