Thursday 13th - Sunday 16th May 2010
Fete de la Belle Epoque
The "Belle Epoque" festival - Vernet-les-Bains
In 1845, the Pacha Mehemet Ali was king of Egypt. He was surrounded by advisers from France, notably one Doctor Clot. The doctor was treating the king’s son, Ibrahim Pacha, who suffered seriously from bronchitis. Dr Clot entrusted Ibrahim Pacha to his friend Doctor Lallemand, who taught at the faculty of medicine in Montpellier. The latter recommended Ibrahim Pacha to seek treatment for his condition in Vernet-les-Bains.
The prince, accompanied by his substantial retinue, arrived in Vernet on January 8 1846. His stay there was prolonged and his health improved rapidly. Thus was launched Vernet’s international fame as a health centre.
Very soon, the cream of English society thronged the village. Facilities for visitors were improved; magnificent hotels were constructed around the park. Brilliant evening parties were held in the Casino. Celebrities of the day came to Vernet: Rudyard Kipling, the Princess of Battenberg (daughter of Queen Victoria), Lord Roberts and his wife, Scott O’Connor and others.
To recall this period,known as the "Belle Epoque", a festival of that title is held each year during the weekend of the Ascension (usually in May). The festivities are held over a period of four days. The people of Vernet invite you to their "costume dramas", in which episodes from the Belle Epoque period are reconstructed, and to enjoy the musical presentations, the exhibitions, the processions of vintage cars, and the many other activities and entertainments which are held during the weekend.
This year’s them: « Il était une fois : LE CASINO»
Built in 1880 by architect Viggo Dorph Petersen, the casino is typical of the architecture of the period in Vernet. It is part of the ’ quartier thermal’ and used to be a théâtre frequented by the international aristocracy. Today, with its park, ’kiosque à musique’, villas and hôtel du Portugal, it remains an important part of Vernet.
Programme
Thursday
vide grenier (all day Place de la République and in the streets
Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil »
PLACE de la REPUBLIQUE - Morning market
10h30 PLACE de la REPUBLIQUE - music - caricature.
11h00 ECOLE HOTELIERE - Opening of exhibition "Histoire des bains Mercader"
12h00 - Menu « Belle Epoque » in Vernet restaurants
14h - LE PARC DU CASINO EN FETE
local product and craft market
caricature
Model boats on the lake
Pony rides
15h00 - period costume parade - place de la République - Parc du Casino
15H30 - bathers by the lake
Woodwind concert
Sharing out of the ’Galette Belle Epoque’
16h00 - CASINO
Tea dance (free)
21h00 - THEATRE DU CASINO
Historical reconstruction « Il était une fois : LE CASINO»
Friday
17h00 PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Bal Guinguette with
« Latino Cocktail» and Quadrille des Lanciers
Saturday
All day - Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil » (coach rides)
Morning
place de la République
Market
Breakfast - « LES GROSSES TARTINES »
confitures, chocolat râpé, pâté de campagne etc..
Dancing and magic show
15h00 - PARC DU CASINO
fashion show - 1900s + accordian
17h00 - PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Concert and bal with harmonie d’Osseja
21h00 THEATRE DU CASINO
« « Opérette Passionnément » » - Operetta and song - 10€
Sunday
All day - Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil » (coach rides)
10h30 - Mass at Eglise Saint Saturnin
10h30 - Vintage car procession
10h45 - Concert « Comme à la Belle Epoque » with the Orchestre Champêtre
12h00 - Menu « Belle Epoque » in Vernet restaurants
14h00 - LE PARC DU CASINO EN FETE
market
Caricature
Planète jeux (ancient games)
Poney rides
15h00 - IN FRONT OF THE CASINO
Historical reconstruction «« Il était une fois : LE CASINO»
16h00 CASINO
Tea dance (free)
16h30 KIOSQUE A MUSIQUE
« Comme à la Belle Epoque »
with the Orchestre Champêtre
Sharing out of the ’Galette Belle Epoque’
More info:
Office de tourisme
2 rue de la Chapelle
(accès Place de la république)
66820 Vernet-Les-Bains
tél : 04.68.05.55.35