Vichy

Vichy is a commune in central France, located in the Allier department. It lies on the banks of the Allier River and is best known for its thermal springs and spa facilities. The town has a population of around 25,000 inhabitants and serves as a regional center for health tourism and commerce.

Vichy developed as a spa resort in the 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting visitors with its mineral waters, hotels, and promenades. The town also became a site for conferences and leisure, contributing to its architectural and urban growth.

In 1940, after France's defeat by Germany, the government of Marshal Philippe Pétain established in Vichy the État Français, a regime that governed the unoccupied zone and collaborated with the Nazi occupation. The Vichy regime pursued conservative reforms, restricted civil liberties, and implemented anti-Semitic laws; it has been characterized by collaboration with Germany and participation in the deportation of Jews. The regime lasted until the Allied invasion and liberation in August 1944, after which Free French authorities and the Allies assumed control of the country.

Today, Vichy remains a spa town with thermal baths, a historic center, and cultural facilities. It continues to attract visitors for health treatments and for its position as a gateway to the Auvergne region and central France.