Clone of Thermal Springs Discover the journey of the thermal waters of Vichy.

The journey of thermal water

The area that feeds the thermal waters of Vichy is actually situated in the Chaîne des Puys. This is where they reach a depth between 3,000 and 4,000 m, acquiring their thermal and gaseous properties. Then, they begin a slow underground journey, crossing the Limagne, where they are enriched with numerous chemical elements and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, fluorine, tungsten, lithium, etc.

The long journey of the thermal water (from various springs), at great depth, ensures its natural effective protection.

The richness of Vichy thermal water

With their unique thermal quality and distinct composition, the thermal waters of Vichy offer a top-quality therapeutic range.
Among them, 5 thermal springs are used for drinking treatment, which is available with a medical prescription formulated according to each individual's disorder. It is important to remember that mineral water taken from the spring remains first and foremost an active medication. Springs used for drinking treatment are located in the Hall des Sources, in the Thermal Park, as well as in the indoor refreshment stands of the Callou Thermal Spa.

Is Vichy water compatible with a no-salt diet?

Don't confuse bicarbonate of soda with sodium chloride (table salt).
Vichy Célestins contains bicarbonate, so its slight salty flavor does not come from "table salt"!
A liter of milk contains four times more sodium chloride than one liter of Vichy water!

How many thermal springs are there in Vichy?

Currently, there are 5 springs that naturally bubble up in Vichy (the Célestins, Chomel, Grande-Grille, Hôpital and Lucas Springs). These are the 5 springs that have been known in Vichy since ancient times. But the expansion of the Thermal Spas required an increase of this resource: so four more drilled springs were added, originating in neighboring towns:

• at Bellerive-Sur-Allier (France, near Vichy): the Boussange Spring (drilled in 1901, with as much flow as all the Vichy Springs at the time) and the Antoine Spring (drilled in 1991) supply the Thermal Spas of Vichy.
• at Abrest (France, near Vichy): the Dôme Spring (drilled in 1898) and the Lys Spring (drilled in 1900) are used for the preparation of thermal mud used within the Thermal Spas of Vichy.

Cold thermal springs

The most famous of all is the "Célestins Thermal Spring" which emerges at a heat of 22°C. It bears the name of a Célestins Order of Nuns, founded in 1410 by Louis II de Bourbon. Its benefits are numerous, especially its positive effect on digestion. This water is bottled and enjoyed by people in 40 countries. Studies have also shown that it can increase cutaneous hydration by 7%.

The "Lucas Thermal Spring" emerges at 27°C. It was incorporated into the Thermal Domain by Baron Lucas, the doctor-inspector of the Waters of Vichy, president of the Académie de Médecine. Used as a drinking cure and in sprays for certain dermatological conditions, it is known for possessing anti-allergen properties. This particular quality explains why it is included in all the dermatological products of the Laboratories Vichy.

Hot Thermal Springs

The "Hôpital Thermal Spring" bubbles out at 34°C into a Gallo-Roman basin. It owes its name to the existence of the former Vichy hospital nearby. It is used to treat digestive, gastric and intestinal disorders. It is high in carbonic anhydride, and it contains a high percentage of organic silicon.

In the Hall of Springs, you can see the "Chomel Thermal Spring" bubbling up (at 43°C), into a concrete Gallo-Roman period well. High in fluorine and organic silicon, as it drains, it encourages better micro-circulation of the blood.

Not far away, the "Grande-Grille Thermal Spring" emerges at 39°C. It got its name from the iron grating that in the past was used to keep animals from coming to drink here. Its activity pertains essentially to the hepatic organ (liver).