Napoléon III Park, Park in Vichy, France

Parc Napoléon-III is a large park in Vichy, in the Allier department, running along the Allier River and covering around 13 hectares. It is laid out in the English style, with winding paths, open lawns, groups of trees from many parts of the world, and a pond with swans.

The park was created in the 1860s as part of a project to drain a side channel of the Allier River and improve Vichy as a spa town. The work was led by engineer Jean-François Radoult de La Fosse, and the landscape was designed by horticulturist Joseph Marie from the nearby city of Moulins.

Many Vichy residents use this park daily for walks or a break outdoors. Since 2008, the town has organized the Napoléon III festivals here each summer, bringing together local history, food, and activities that families can enjoy together.

The park is open year-round and easy to reach on foot from the center of Vichy. Comfortable shoes are a good idea since the paths wind through large open areas, and on warm days it is worth bringing something to drink.

A side arm of the Allier was dammed and drained to create the park, which opened in 1861. Five wooden chalets were built inside it as summer quarters for Napoleon III and his retinue; the emperor's name was given to the grounds. Across avenue Aristide-Briand, Parc Kennedy continues the riverside walk.