Le grand établissement thermal — Attraction in Vichy

Superb and emblematic monument of Vichy inaugurated in 1903, designed by architects Charles Le Cœur and Lucien Woog.

It is dedicated to body treatments. The main façade stretches 170 meters long, on either side of a monumental entrance. This marks the beginning of an axis of symmetry housing mixed services such as mechanotherapy, around which are arranged the services reserved for women, to the east, and for men, to the west: 130 ordinary bathing cabins in total, plus shower cabins and specialized baths.

The Romano-Byzantine style, reminiscent of oriental hammams, was chosen, notably illustrated by the dome covered with glazed tiles and two minarets enclosing the thermal water reservoirs. This picturesque style didn't prevent the architects from taking advantage of the latest hygienic improvements of the time, particularly promoting the introduction of air and light.

Indeed, when it opened on May 31, 1903, it was the most imposing thermal bath in France. It was also the best-equipped. Meeting the most modern medical and hygienic requirements, it offered a wide range of baths: thermal water, steam, hot air, etc., as well as showers with changing rooms, two large hot pools, eight individual pools with underwater showers, ten relaxation lounges, and four waiting rooms. Created in 1896, the four-handed shower massage would develop and become famous under the name "Vichy Shower." New techniques such as mechanotherapy and electrotherapy were introduced. Everything was put in place by the Compagnie Fermière to make this establishment one of the most impressive in Europe.

The interior design is also contemporary, thanks to the frescoes in the lobby created by the Symbolist painter Alphonse Osbert and the Art Nouveau tiles in the luxury cabins.

The establishment was expanded between 1930 and 1935 but was partially demolished to make way for a hotel in 1978. Today, the north wing still houses thermal treatments.

Since 1991, a transformed and modernized wing has been operated at the Dômes Thermal Center. Complemented by the neighboring Célestins Center, which opened in 1993, it embraces the concept of a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Built on the site of the former operating buildings, the thermal baths today form a vast rectangle divided by six lateral wings on two levels. They extend on either side of the central pavilion topped with a Moorish dome covered in flamed sandstone. The two large towers, each with their small turquoise ceramic domes, were former water towers that supplied the treatment rooms. All the technical parts (pump room, boilers, and bottling plant) are grouped together at...

Construit entre 1899 et 1903, cet ancien établissement thermal de 1ère classe, agrandi dans les années 1930, surprend par son style néo-mauresque. Ce magnifique bâtiment acueillait sur son aile gauche, la Compagnie de Vichy. Actuellemnt son aile droite est constitué d'une galerie marchande "Les boutiques du forum". L’aile du bâtiment donnant sur le boulevard des États-Unis constitue aujourd’hui le Centre...

Très beau bâtiment historique inauguré le 31 mai 1903, qui constitue l’établissement thermal le plus imposant de France.

Sur la droite, on trouvera plusieurs commerces (fermés le lundi) et sur la gauche une magnifique fontaine, fresques murales et plafond décorés avec les motifs d'époques.

Un joli voyage dans le...