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A weekend in Vichy: what to do in 2 days

Published 28 October 2026

Vichy is easy to explore in two days, almost entirely on foot. Here is a simple plan, to adapt to the season.

Saturday: Belle Époque Vichy

• The Parc des Sources. Start at the heart of the spa town and its 700 metres of covered galleries, restored between 2022 and 2026. The bandstand still hosts concerts on some summer Sundays.
• The Hall des Sources. Built between 1898 and 1902, it houses several drinking fountains, including Grande Grille and Chomel. Taste the water if the fountain is open: access varies with the season.
• The Opera. Opened in 1901, it is Vichy's Art Nouveau jewel, with its gold and ivory auditorium. The tourist office runs guided tours.
• In the evening, the light and water show on the façade of the Opera, Thursday to Sunday.

Sunday: parks, market and waterside

• The covered Grand Marché, place Charles-de-Gaulle: Bourbonnais producers, goat's cheeses, Saint-Pourçain wines. Check the opening days before you go.
• The Napoléon III and Kennedy parks, created under the Second Empire along the Allier, with cedars, sequoias and the famous chalets on boulevard des États-Unis.
• The circuit of the Lac d'Allier: around 6 km, flat, 1 hr 15 on foot or half an hour by bike.
• To finish, a tin of Vichy pastilles, created in 1825 from the salts of the springs.

Where to stay?

For a weekend, the most convenient option is our Cœur de ville (town centre) quarter, between the station and the Parc des Sources. Our apartments can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.

Want to go further? Also read 10 things to do in Vichy.