Vichy celebrates Napoleon III at the Hippodrome
Dive into the elegance of the Second Empire! Enjoy a festive evening with costumes, music, and imperial flair at the Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive.
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Bellerive-sur-Allier
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ℹ️Practical info — Bellerive-sur-Allier
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- For a striking view of the Vichy skyline, take a walk along the Bellerive side of the Allier river, especially at sunset.
- Parking is generally much easier and often free in Bellerive compared to crossing the bridge into central Vichy.
- Use the pedestrian and cyclist bridges to easily access Vichy's parks without needing a car.
- The town is very sports-oriented; look out for sporting events or rent equipment to enjoy the river.
🍽 Food
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Auvergne Cheeses
Buy local favorites like Saint-Nectaire and Cantal from the fromageries or the weekly market.
🍽
Traditional Brasserie Fare
Look for riverside restaurants offering hearty French classics with a view of the water.
🍽
Vichy Pastilles
Though famous from across the river, these minty sweets are readily available in local shops.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Sporting Goods
Thanks to its active vibe, you can find excellent specialized shops for cycling and water sports.
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Sunday Market
A great place to gather fresh regional produce for a picnic by the Allier.
🧘
Boucle des Isles
This scenic loop trail is first-rate for a tranquil walk or bike ride along the natural riverbanks.
🧘
Parc du Pont de l'Europe
A quiet green space away from the main sporting hubs, offering peaceful shaded areas.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Bellerive en Fête with 80s Orchestra
For over 50 years, the Bernard Becker Orchestra has been touring central France and beyond, bringing great music to the stage.
Night Market
Enjoy lovely summer strolls along the promenade at the Bellerive-sur-Allier night markets, organized throughout the season.
Cromzanfolie Happy Days 2026
Come celebrate the club's 40th anniversary with us on July 4th and 5th, 2026, in Bellerive sur Allier!
Aperitif Concert - Mae & Valentin
Maé & Valentin revisit French variety classics and international hits for a perfect musical aperitif.
Dance Night - Bloody Mary
The traditional open-air dance evenings are back to bring a festive vibe to the city!
Night Market
Organized by Bellerive-sur-Allier, these night markets offer wonderful moments for a stroll along the promenade all summer.
Aperitif Concert - The Black Charts
The Black Charts is a soul and rhythm'n'blues group, perfect for a groovy musical evening.
Dance Night with Patrick Fradin
Every two weeks, the Place de la Source intermittente hosts warm and festive dance evenings for everyone to enjoy.
Galea Valerio Cup 2026 in Vichy
The Galea Valerio Cup brings together Europe's elite U18 boys' tennis teams in Vichy from August 3rd to 5th, 2026.
Situated directly across the river from the illustrious spa town of Vichy, Bellerive-sur-Allier stands out as a lively center for sports, leisure, and relaxation in the Allier department. The elegant Pont de Bellerive bridge seamlessly connects the two sister towns, providing fantastic, sweeping views over the dammed river, which takes on the majestic appearance of a calm lake. Bellerive is nationally recognized for its top-tier athletic facilities, most notably the CREPS center, a premier training facility for elite French athletes and Olympic teams. A definite highlight for visitors is the historic Hippodrome de Bellerive, a beautifully wooded racecourse dating back to the late 19th century. On race days, the track bursts to life with an elegant atmosphere that vividly recalls the glamour of the Belle Époque era. The well-maintained, tree-lined promenades along the Allier River offer the first-rate setting for long, peaceful walks or leisurely cycling trips away from city traffic. With its abundance of green parks perfectly integrated into the urban landscape, the town acts as a refreshing green lung for the area. Additionally, Bellerive-sur-Allier serves as an excellent base for exploring the rural Bourbonnais region, known for its hidden castles, authentic farms, and rich culinary traditions.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Vichy-Bellerive Racecourse · Bellerive Bridge · Napoleon III Omnisports Park
- Nearby: Cusset (4 km)
- Population: ~8.943
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 35 | 44 | 59 | 78 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 52 | 64 | 64 | 52 |
Geography
Facts
- Total area: 18.97 square kilometers.
- Postal code: 03700.
- Elevation range: 243 to 337 meters.
- Part of the Vichy Communauté metropolitan area.
- The Lac d'Allier covers about 120 hectares of water surface.
- Home to more than 50 different sports clubs.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bellerive-sur-Allier (7)
Frequently asked questions
Is Bellerive-sur-Allier located directly opposite Vichy?
Yes, the town is separated from Vichy only by the Allier river; both towns are connected by several bridges.
What sports facilities are there in Bellerive?
There is a racecourse (Hippodrome), a golf course, and a large aquatic center (Stade Aquatique).
Are there parks along the riverbank in Bellerive?
Yes, the paths along the Allier are good for walking, jogging, or picnics with a view of Vichy.
Can you visit the Hippodrome?
During the racing season (May to September), trotting and galloping races are regularly held and open to visitors.
What is the architectural heritage of Bellerive?
The 15th-century Château du Bost, which now houses a gourmet restaurant, is the landmark of the town.
Bellerive-sur-Allier: where is it located?
Bellerive-sur-Allier is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Bellerive-sur-Allier: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vichy-Bellerive Racecourse, Bellerive Bridge, Napoleon III Omnisports Park.
Bellerive-sur-Allier: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bellerive-sur-Allier: why is it worth visiting?
Situated directly across the river from the illustrious spa town of Vichy, Bellerive-sur-Allier stands out as a lively center for sports, leisure, and relaxation in the Allier department.
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