Vichy

In northern Auvergne, on the very edge of the region, is its only major spa, Vichy, which had its greatest days in the 19th C and for a brief period during World War II played a political role. By far the most important tourist resort in the hills is Le Mont-Dore, lying at an altitude of 1,050m/3,445ft below the Puy de Sancy. Other resorts are Chaptel-Guyon (a mineral and thermal spa), Bourbon-l'Archambault (thermal spa), Néris-les-Bains (thermal spa), Chaudes-Aigues (thermal spa), Royat-Chamalières (thermal spa), La Bourboule (thermal spa, with baths for children) and St- Nectaire (thermal spa).