Saint-Louis church

Nestled at the end of this scenic esplanade, you’ll find the charming Saint-Louis church. It’s Vichy’s main church and its history is fascinating. So how did it come to be? Or rather, thanks to whom? Back in 1861, Emperor Napoleon III was in Vichy for a spa treatment. While there, he decided to attend a mass at the only church in town back then, that of Saint-Blaise. But the priest was mortified! How could he receive the emperor in such a small, unimpressive temple? So he did what any resourceful priest would do: he appealed directly to the emperor to build Vichy a new church, one worthy of God. And guess what? It worked! Within ten days, an imperial decree greenlit the construction of a new religious edifice in the historic district. The works started in 1862, and by July 1865, the first mass was held. Napoleon financed the project himself, not with his own funds, but with his personal endowment. There’s an inscription above the main entrance acknowledging his financial contribution. The emperor invested so much time and effort in the construction of the Saint-Louis Church for it’s a tribute to his son, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte – hence the name! Inside, you’ll find nods to the imperial family. Take a look at the stained-glass windows in the choir, for example, designed by Antoine Lusson. You’ll see several important figures from Napoleon III’s circle immortalized alongside Christ, including his wife Eugénie, his mother Hortense, and even his uncle, Napoleon I. Looks like there’s no limit to what the emperor can have, even more so when he’s the one paying for it!