The city of Vichy officially became the owner of its thermal domain which had belonged to the State for 500 years, after the signing of the deed of sale this Friday by the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire.
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“
This is a historic moment for the city of Vichy
” and “
it makes all the more sense as Vichy is a city with an exceptional cultural heritage.
This will allow you to promote this heritage
”, declared the Minister, facing the mayor of the city Frédéric Aguilera.
Hydrotherapy “
is not an accessory activity.
It is fundamental for economic activity, tourism and the life of many of our municipalities,
”said Mr. Le Maire.
"
Drama
"
He recalled that the sector benefited from the solidarity fund and had been included on the list of activities for which fixed costs can be covered up to 10 million euros.
Aware of the "
drama
" represented by the closure of the thermal baths due to the health crisis for some cities, he said he was "
ready to open discussions
" with the players in the sector on "
additions that could be made
".
Bruno Le Maire also gave his “
total and absolute support
” to Vichy's candidacy for Unesco World Heritage, along with ten other European spa towns.
The last state-owned spa complex, the area was acquired by the city for 25 million euros.
It is made up of two thermal establishments, but also numerous springs, hotels, shops and around a hundred brands such as Vichy Célestins.
This acquisition should notably enable the city to modernize the Parc des Sources, a vast area of six hectares located in the heart of the city.
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"
We also had to face the facts: for many years, this model had become a brake on our development
".
With this transfer, "
the town becomes master of its own destiny
", welcomed Mayor Frédéric Aguilera.
"
We are going to be able to support the Compagnie de Vichy
", concessionaire of the domain until 2030, which has initiated a vast plan to renovate the thermal tool to the tune of 50 million euros, he added.
"
We are going to close a chapter in the history of French hydrotherapy, that of the era of state spas
" and "
Vichy is well on its way to becoming the queen of
spa towns again
", he concluded. .