Vichy, << VIHSH ee or vee SHEE >> (pop. 24,383), is a resort town on the Allier River in central France. People have bathed in the town’s hot mineral springs since Roman times. Vichy became a famous spa (health resort) in the 1800’s. The sparkling water from local springs, known as Vichy water, is sold throughout the world.
During World War II, Vichy served as the capital of unoccupied France from July 1940 until November 1942. Marshal Henri Philippe Petain headed the Vichy government. In November 1942, German troops occupied all of France, and Vichy became the seat of the German-controlled French government. French officials in Vichy cooperated with the Germans, and the name Vichy came to represent collaboration with Germany. In 1944, Allied troops freed the city.
