Once upon a time... the Hôtel Les Nations
The Hôtel Les Nations The Originals Boutique Vichy is one of the last remaining establishments still in operation from the Napoléon III era.
Built in 1859 under the name Hôtel du Chalet, this modest establishment originally had only three floors. However, it became famous for hosting Marguerite Bellanger, one of Emperor Napoléon III's mistresses.
In 1863, Empress Eugénie visited Vichy for the first time. During a walk in the park, she encountered Marguerite, who was accompanied by her small dog. The animal, recognizing the Emperor, joyfully approached him, which infuriated Eugénie. After this public humiliation, the Empress never returned to Vichy.
During the First World War, the hotel was requisitioned to serve as an annex to Vichy’s military hospital, where war-wounded soldiers were treated.
In 1926, after the war, the Jondet family, owners of the hotel – now renamed the Cécil Hôtel since 1923 – hired architect Gilbert Brière to completely renovate the building, giving it its current appearance. Simply look up to admire the many details on the façade.
In 1940, during the Second World War, the Cécil Hôtel was once again requisitioned, this time to house the State Secretariat for Information, along with various services related to censorship and the press. From 1940 to 1942, Marshal Philippe Pétain recorded several of his radio broadcasts here.
After the war, the hotel changed ownership in 1974 and took on its final name in 1992: Hôtel Les Nations.
In 2016, the establishment was purchased by Madame Monique Pruniaux, who began extensive renovations each winter, blending modernity with the charm of the past to create a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Finally, in 2020, the hotel joined the cooperative group The Originals Hotels and adopted its current name: Hôtel Les Nations The Originals Boutique Vichy.
The hotel’s team remains committed to offering an authentic and warm welcome, honoring the rich history of the establishment.
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