Hall des Sources — Attraction in Vichy

THE place in Vichy which is a superb glass and steel vessel marking the culmination of the promenade gallery, the Hall des Sources was built in 1903 by Charles Le Cœur and Lucien Woog. Replicating the emblematic thistle frieze from the Parc des Sources, the wrought iron artist Émile Robert contributed to its construction, while the painter Léon Rudnicki decorated the interior lateral tympanums. This rectangular building of 1,580 m² illustrates the architectural and medical evolution of European thermalism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Built on the site of the 1821 thermal establishment, which was demolished for the occasion, the Hall des Sources is dedicated solely to the water intake. This is where the Chomel and Grande-Grille springs naturally emerge, with two additional springs (Lucas and Mesdames) being piped onto the site. Compared to a market hall where mineral water would be served, the place became a gathering point for spa guests...

Gone were the old, cramped and unsanitary drinking fountains. Covered with glass and copper bells, the springs, displayed in marble basins equipped with pressure taps, were protected from contamination. Concealing the metal structure, an interior vault of wood paneling added a warm touch. Drinkers could now move freely around this space, combining utility and aesthetics, designed in the Art Nouveau style. Like the Pump Room in Bath or the Trinkhalle in Baden-Baden, it became the place for all kinds of encounters: romantic, intellectual, or social. Thus, in "Northanger Abbey," Jane Austen, who lived in Bath with her family, writes ironically about the spa rituals, including "the frequentation of the Pump Room where they would wander for an hour, looking at everyone without ever speaking to anyone (…)."

The transformations, which took place during successive agreements between the State and the Compagnie Fermière, accentuate the highly social nature of the place. The Hall of Springs continues to bring together spa guests. Whether for exhibitions and other events organized or for the balls held on-site twice a week during the season, it represents a strategic location sheltered from both rain and sun. Unique in France due to its structure and its hipped roof, which allows for the passage of air and light, it has evolved while preserving its...

Joli endroit RÉSERVÉ aux curistes qui possèdent la carte magnétique d'un côté (là où se trouvent les sources Chomel, Grande Grille, ...) à boire sur prescription médicale du médecin de la cure. Et un autre côté OUVERT à tous (curistes et NON-CURISTES) où seule la source des Célestins est accessible. Depuis quatre cures que j'effectue ici et chaque année c'est pareil. Des NON-CURISTES se faufilent ou se font ouvrir par des porteurs de cartes. Les NON-CURISTES viennent sans gobelet gradué et boivent directement aux sources, ou se lavent les mains, le visage. Faut-il parler des "engueulades" quand vous expliquez à un NON-CURISTES qu'il ne "doit" ou ne "peut" par accéder à cette partie du site. Ce matin j'ai encore assisté à une de ses scènes. Une dame insistant pour rentrer en disant qu'elle paie des impôts donc elle PEUT rentrer. Puis elle insulte le curiste qui lui expliquait gentiment que lui a la carte magnétique. Le monsieur a fini par rentrer et la dame s'est faufilée derrière lui avant que la porte ne se referme. Elle a continué, à l'intérieur de la halle, de hurler sur le monsieur. Bonne ambiance dans cet endroit qui devrait être un havre de calme entre deux prises d'eaux ! Comme ce phénomène est plus que récurent, pourquoi ne pas mettre un employé de l'Office de tourisme qui expliquerait les règles : CURISTES / NON-CURISTES. Cette personne pourrait également renseigner, documenter les curistes qui ne connaissent pas Vichy. Bien entendu il y a une autre solution : SUPPRIMER LA CARTE MAGNÉTIQUE mais distribuez des verres aux NON-CURISTES ! À...

This is a very curious place indeed. What you can expect: a spacious and well-lit lobby where you can taste water from the sources of Vichy and see the thermal water bubbling up. You can probably snag a plastic cup like we did or buy one there, but I recommend to bring an empty water bottle. The water is tasty and you might want to take some along with you for the day. The doors for the public are hard to find -- walk around to the street side of the pavilion and you'll find...