Fete de la Belle Epoque
The "Belle Epoque" festival - Vernet-les-Bains
- Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th May
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.
Taken from the Vernet OT site
Programme
Thursday
vide grenier (all day Place de la République and in the streets
Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil »
10h30 PLACE de la REPUBLIQUE - Music with Nini and Dany - 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
Nini et Dany
Model boats on the lake
Pony rides
15h00 - period costume parade - place de la République - Parc du Casino
15H30 - KIOSQUE A MUSIQUE
Duo « Belle Epoque » with Nini et Dany
sharing out of the ’Galette Belle Epoque’
16h00 - CASINO
Tea dance (free)
21h00 - THEATRE DU CASINO
Historical reconstruction « les années 1830 à Vernet les Bains »
Friday
15h00 - ECOLE HOTELIERE
Guided visit of the exhibition « Histoire des Bains Mercader »
17h00 PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Bal Guinguette with
« Latino Cocktail»
Saturday
All day - Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil » (coach rides)
Morning
place de la République
Market
The olden days
Music with Nini et Dany
15h00 - PARC DU CASINO
fashion show - LES CRINOLINES
16h30 - PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE
Folk dancing with « JUVENTUT »
21h00 THEATRE DU CASINO
« Chants de Si de La » - Operetta and song - 10€
Sunday
All day - Balades with « Les Calèches du Soleil » (coach rides)
11h00 - Concert de l’Harmonie Fanfare d’Osseja
12h00 - Menu « Belle Epoque » in Vernet restaurants
14h00 - LE PARC DU CASINO EN FETE
market
Nini and Dany
Caricature
Planète jeux (ancient games)
Poney rides
15h00 - IN FRONT OF THE CASINO
Historical reconstruction « les années 1830 à Vernet les Bains »
16h00 CASINO
Tea dance (free)
16h30 KIOSQUE A MUSIQUE
Concert de l’Harmonie Fanfare d’Osseja.
sharing out of the ’Galette Belle Epoque’