Giboin Passage

We’ll now stroll down President Wilson Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. Take a breath of fresh air at the Parc des Sources, marvel at the grand old hotels, and peek into the charming little covered passages that whisper stories of a bygone era. Let’s take a look at this one – it’s local favorite for its uniquely quaint, old-world aesthetic. It’s known here as the Giboin Passage. This little covered walkway dates back to the late 1800s, just when Vichy was blossoming into a famous spa town. It serves as a link between the city’s shopping district and wellness district. It was built in 1888 by a discharged soldier named Raymond Giboin, in the gardens of the now defunct Hôtel Mombrun. To bring his vision to life, Giboin enlisted Antoine Percilly and Jean Barrody, two local architects who would go on to work on many buildings in Vichy and its surroundings. Inspired by Parisian covered passages, they designed a beautiful gallery, constructed right through the neighboring buildings and topped with a gorgeous glass roof resting on a wrought iron frame. While certainly elegant, this architectural gem also allowed the wealthy citizens and many spa-goers to stroll through the city center with ease, unfazed by the elements or the din of the surrounding crowds. Plus, people could shop their way through the arcade, browsing the many boutiques – that’s still the case today! So you see, the Giboin Passage is a must-see. This hidden gem is equal parts historic and artistic, undeniably adding to the charm of the city.