The Romans were the first to set up a small town in the region of Vichy which was part of Caesar's empire. They were the first people to experience and exploit the therapeutic properties of the thermal springs. Over the next centuries Vichy prospered economically due to its natural resources. The waters of Vichy gained the reputation of having miraculous healing powers which attracted people including royalty seeking cures to all sorts of illnesses. Madame de Sévigné claimed that it was by virtue of the water that the paralysis of her hands were cured. Victoire and Adélaïde, daughters of Louis XV were responsible for more modern facilities to be built around the spas. Laetitia Bonaparte, mother of Napoleon, Charles X, and Napoleon III were some royalty that had cures at the spas in Vichy.

The history of Vichy or the region of Auvergne is not of great significance since it was always a part of a larger, more influential power. The Land of Auvergne, except the County of Claremont, was conquered by King of France Philippe-Auguste. In 1360, King Jean II le Bon transferred it to his son Jean, Duke of Berry followed by the Duke of Bourbon. This branch of the family were then kings of France until Charles X in the nineteenth century.

The period between 1890 and 1930 saw great progress in Vichy. The Opera House, the spa hall and a great thermal spa establishment in an oriental style were opened. In 1900, the Parc des Sources was modernized and covered by a metal gallery. Private hotels and facilities for tourists were built during this period.

In the 19th century more investment was put into Vichy to diversify its activities and create new centers of attraction. The construction of the Parc Omnisports and Audiovisual Center for Modern Languages which attracted sports men and students from all over the world.