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The striking volcanic landscape of France’s Massif Central can take much of the credit for Vichy’s popularity and fame. Since the visits of Napoleon III in the 1860s, people have swarmed to this beautiful spa town seeking relief from ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis in its curative thermal baths, whose mineral water is literally on tap due to the underlying topography. When not immersed in water Vichy has plenty more to charm its visitors, from faded belle époque architecture and tranquil parks to a lively music and dance programme at the Salle d’Opera and a surprisingly low cost of living to match. It is also on the doorstep of a huge adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with the added advantage that once you’ve exhausted yourself hiking or skiing you’ll know exactly where to go to cure aching limbs.
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