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Vichy
Vichy is best known for its role as seat of the government of 'unoccupied France' during the Second World War, under Marshal Pétain. Not the high point in its history and not a fact that gets played up much in the town. You might like to stand in front of the Palace of Congress, from where Petain operated, and reflect on those that have stood here before you.
Vichy is also an important spa town, very popular among those seeking the healing powers of the local water.
If the above aren't enough to attract you to the town, there are also some pleasant boulevards and parks to amble around.
Much of the town dates from the 19th and 20th centuries, in part due to the development of the spa waters industry since that time (it was Napoleon who first brought them to the attention of the public).
Note particularly a couple of interesting buildings - the Convent of the Celestins and also Castle Franc are both attractive, and there are some other impressive houses of the gentry scattered around.
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about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Vichy.
Places to visit - Vichy
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Vichy are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
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