Fete de Belle Epoque

[Owens88]

'The "Belle Epoque" festival - 11th anniversary - 25th - 28th 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 partieswere 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. '

Extracted from Tourist Board site.

Something a bit different  ???

[Owens88]

Please note I corrected the date. The tourist office web-site had not been updated. Sorry.