Vichy Property Insight

Vichy (Allier department) is the town centre of an agglomeration. It is situated at the heart of France, in the north of the Auvergne region and in the middle of the Bourbonnais area. The Allier River runs through the town and allows a pleasant lifestyle. Vichy is the second town of Auvergne after Clermont Ferrand in terms of population (26,555 inhabitants).

Overview

Vichy is home to a great architecture displayed all over the quarters. In the old town, 19th century architecture can be seen: some edifices have a stone or half-timbered front façade. From 1861 and due to the construction of the spa, the architecture is renewed and different styles appear: neo-classic, neo-medieval, neo-renaissance and neo-flemish.

Located at the edge of the Allier River, Vichy allows the locals and visitors to practise about 50 sports and activities. Some examples: petanque, canoeing, kayaking, tennis, climbing, boxing, volley ball… Another site not to be missed is the Parc Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, where you can visit the volcanos.

Vichy Immobilier & Property Market Trends

A property in 2009 in Vichy is sold €1350 / sq m. Compared with the Allier department property price of €1,180 / sq m, houses and apartments in Vichy are slightly more expensive, but this is probably due to the tourist attraction of the spa. However, if we consider the France’s average of €3,197 / sq m, it appears that the town is very affordable.

Thanks to the numerous assets of Vichy, amongst which the rental opportunities, buying a property there should be worthwhile, either for investors or for people who want to settle in a quiet area. In terms of rentals, a property is worth €7.12 / sq m a month against €12.22 / sq m a month on average.

To get updated info about the property prices in Allier, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Vichy

• Pastilles de Vichy: these sweets are internationally renowned and are the proud of both Allier and Vichy. The pastilles were made for the first time in 1825. They have digestive properties. Indeed, they contain thermal waters from the town. Different flavours: mint, lemon or anise.

• Tourism: water, open spaces, sport, culture, heritage, balneotherapy and many other activities available; Vichy is an excellent destination for short terms holidays. Thus, it is an attractive location for investor looking to buy a property there.

• Tranquillity and scenery: looking for relaxation, détente and fresh air? Vichy is perfect for you. Located at the heart of a huge park (140ha) and close to the thermal centre, Vichy offers quietness and peaceful way of life. Furthermore, the town is renowned for its art de vivre and quality of environment: numerous open spaces are situated in the different areas of the quarters.

• Location – transport infrastructure: by train, you can reach Vichy from Clermont Ferrand, Lyon, Roanne, Moulins or Le Puy en Velay. Other train routes connect Nevers, Paris, Beziers, Lyon, Marseille, Tour and Nantes to the town. In the town centre, you can easily travel thanks to the bus network which serves Vichy and some surroundings towns. By plane, Clermont-Auvergne airport flies towards international destinations and is less than 40 minutes from Vichy.

• Rental opportunities: as exposed previously, Vichy is a popular tourist location and thus offers good rental opportunities, especially for short term lets. Indeed, many visitors come to the town for week-ends (in the spa amongst others). Furthermore, 57.7% of the residents are tenants, against 39.8% on average in France, which makes Vichy rental market excellent.

Property Styles and Architecture in Vichy

• Apartments: over 70% of the dwellings of Vichy are apartments. They have no particular architectural style, but represent a great kind of investment if you are looking for a buy-to-let or a second home. Some flats may include a garage and terrace.

• Detached houses: some properties in Vichy are modern and look like French villas i.e. white walls, luminous, land, swimming pool… Other are more ‘classic’ but also more affordable. Houses in general come with a piece of land, garage, courtyard and terrace.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Auvergne.