Five years ago, Bath and Vichy were among eleven European spa towns to be recognised by UNESCO for their outstanding spa culture and thermal waters. Since the nomination was confirmed in July 2021, Vichy has marked each anniversary with a celebration weekend dedicated to one of its partner spa towns. This year honours, Bath.

The Mayor of Vichy and his team have put together a full weekend of events celebrating Bath and its cultural heritage. Highlights include a performance by a local orchestra for gathered guests, a light-hearted presentation of Bath’s Roman and Georgian history from the Natural Theatre Company, and a workshop and procession led by the Jane Austen dancers.

The Bath Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to take part in the celebrations, with CEO Allison Herbert presenting a short history of Bath, accompanied by an illustrative film, at the invitation of the Vichy team. Allison also seized the opportunity to use her French language skills to give the presentation.

“It is a huge honour to be here as part of the Bath delegation,” said Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID. “Taking the time to share and understand what we have in common, our hopes, our fears, our challenges and our potential solutions. It feels like a great way to connect with other places and I am very grateful to the town of Vicy for their hospitality.”

Celebrations are already underway in Vichy, with flags and bunting flying across the town and a photographic exhibition on display in the Parc de Sources, where visitors can also sample the town’s famous waters.

Flags flying off a bridge over a river in Vichy and an exhibition image of Bath Abbey