Alquié Street

Of all the Vichy streets on our tour, this one is hands down our favorite. And if you appreciate beautiful things, it may soon become one of yours too. Running alongside the Parc des Sources and the Allier parks, the Alquié Street really gives its all in these last 100 meters. Prepare to be awe-struck! Here, you’ll find a number of beautiful English-style villas, as if you were magically transported to the famous London district of Notting Hill. Designed in 1863 by Jean Lefaure, the city’s leading architect at the time, these eight mansions were built to house the officers of Napoleon III’s guard, who lived not far from his chalet. These were once identical, like military barracks, with very little decor around. They were practically summer homes, only occupied when the Emperor came to Vichy for his famous “spa cures” to treat his rheumatism and gout. For those unfamiliar with the condition, gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid build-up in the joints and surrounding tissues. After 1866, Napoleon III’s visits to Vichy became less frequent and eventually stopped altogether. As a result, the beautiful villas on Alquié Street were transformed into private residences. While their owners made some changes here and there over the years, the chalets never lost their charm. The one at number 21 is the closest to the original style. All the houses have the same door, cornice, height, and window pattern as when they were first built. Though some were requisitioned to house the German embassy and the General Secretariat of Aviation during World War II, all of them are now protected as “remarkable heritage sites”. These chalets are a must-see!