Parc des Bourins

Its avenues and lawns are dotted with conifers and hardwoods: North American redwoods, larch, Japanese pines, blue firs, cedars, plane trees... But also rare or remarkable species: purple or weeping beeches, American or Kabylie oaks.

More than a century after it was laid out, this harmonious green expanse on the shores of Lac d'Allier is home to 591 trees. Generations of children have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, their shade. From the outset, Parc des Bourins has been dedicated to them. From 1920 to 1930, children's festivals and competitions were held here, such as the most beautiful baby or the parade of flowering baby carriages. This approach was reinforced by the Compagnie fermière with the construction of the Parc du Soleil in 1936. The aim was to care for and entertain the curists' children.

Spread over two hectares enclosed within the Parc des Bourins, the Parc du Soleil is distinguished by its long building, the entrance to which is on avenue de France. For many years, part of this building housed the Guignol theater, transferred from the Parc Napoléon III. Performances continued until 1981. At the time, the Parc du Soleil was designed for leisure activities and physical education for the children of spa-goers. This led to the construction of playrooms, gymnasiums, changing rooms and a doctor's office. When it rained, the courtyard was used for games of skill such as frogs. In front of the building's terrace, a paddling pool, no longer in existence, echoed with the laughter of children playing under the supervision of Compagnie fermière staff wearing pale green aprons. On the playgrounds: apparatus, rings, swings, gantries, manual merry-go-rounds... encouraged flexibility and prowess. Equipment was provided for a variety of sports: climbing, long jump, soccer, basketball and tennis. Under its pointed roof, a refreshment stand, open onto the park, dispensed snacks and glasses of milk, essential for the good health of the young public. Since 1983, the Parc du Soleil, taken over by the City of Vichy, has been a leisure center. It also welcomes schoolchildren for gymnastics classes and sports and dance clubs.

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