Chateldon

At Vichy the provincial parks of the Massif Central are an agreeable day trip. The closest is Livradois-Forez, around 15 kilometers toward the south and a monster swathe of upland backwoods and farmland. Stop by Châteldon, which like Vichy is additionally feted for mineral water that is sold crosswise over France.

The prettiest spot in this tired medieval town is Place Jean Jaurès with its ring of half-timbered houses, one with a wonderful wooden display on the best floor. Segments of the old bulwarks are rebelliously in place, including the exquisite fourteenth century steeple, which bested an entryway to the town in medieval circumstances.