A getaway to Vichy for art and pleasure

Vichy is a breathtaking city. It took off in the 19th century as a spa town, under the impetus of Napoleon III. It became a must for Parisian and foreign socialites alike. Today, it is resolutely looking to the future, with various urban development projects (the quays of the Allier, etc.) and superb exhibitions.

To stay in the city is to be intoxicated by its many possibilities, to indulge in its pleasures. Since 2008, the town has been celebrating its past in all its glory with Les Fêtes napoléoniennes. Three days – April 26, 27 and 28 this year – provide the perfect opportunity to explore this era. Incredible festivities where extras and the public can literally feel transported to another period. Crinolines and tails fill the city, parks and public spaces. With emotion, it’s possible to imagine what life was like back then. Horse-drawn carriages punctuated the avenues, while horses punctuated the rhythm of the fanfares with their steps. The program of festivities is dense and diversified. Every year, it gets better and better. The Opera House, built in 1863 by Charles Bagder, was commissioned by the Emperor. In 1865, it became Vichy’s first entertainment building. During festivities, it played a key role in the town’s historical interest. Almost a must-see, it is much visited. This year, Jean-François Vinciguerra presented an original creation, Il Viaggio…à Vichy!

This is a pastiche featuring excerpts from works by Offenbach, Rossini and others. The theme is playful, as several individuals hope to make it to Vichy. Stuck at the departure station, will they manage to reach the city before the festivities come to an end? Presented on the evening of the inauguration, this truculent blend of real-life experience and lyricism won over the audience.

On Saturday, a superb exhibition showcased two great French houses, Christofle and Mellerio. Both were official suppliers to the Imperial Household. The former, present since 1830, produced various dinner services for the imperial couple. Here, pieces dating from the imperial period reveal the quality of the workmanship and the excellence of the style.
Lectures on the Art of the Table provided an insight into Court etiquette.

The Mellerio family, prestigious since 1613, sees its history intimately linked to Empress Eugénie. Delicate ornaments, brooches and other jewelry items were created for her.

To celebrate their 400th anniversary, these jewelers are unveiling part of their heritage. The finesse of their creations testifies to their extreme sense of aesthetics.

In addition to the exhibits, archives were also presented.

In the evening, a dinner and dance introduced the audience to mazurkas, polkas and waltzes. Many historical re-enactment enthusiasts were present.

Some of them, young women, create their outfits year after year. Tracking down antique patterns and precious fabrics, they meticulously elaborate a silhouette.

Gloves, shoes, fans and other accessories are also studied. Between the twirling dresses, the dazzling music and the tasting of food prepared according to recipes from the era, the moment is precious.

The following day, theatrical guided tours took place. These guided tours of the city, in the style of the “Emperor”, demonstrate the latter’s impact on the urban landscape. The tour was punctuated by historical re-enactments. In the morning, a Verdi aperitif was organized at the Hotel Aletti, in the presence of the Roma 800 dancers, invited as part of the Verdi year, to demonstrate their speed and sense of Italian elegance.
A little later, a Costume Parade brought together nearly 300 extras, dancers and musicians.

The dance parade featured a Flash Mob finale. Masks, facsimiles of Second Empire masks, were handed out to encourage participation.

In the evening, a grand ball set the Grand Casino alight.

Vichy offers other, equally cultural pleasures. It is currently offering the first edition of Portraits A photography-related event designed to raise public awareness of the art of photography. From portraits of the anonymous to celebrities, this exhibition features a range of beautiful images. Between worldly snapshots and photo-reportage, the subject matter oscillates. The mix is captivating.

Encountering the work of J. Bonnet, her captures of celebrities such as Tilda Swinton or Korean director YangIk-June, takes on another dimension when compared to the clichéd works of Vanessa Winship, and her Ecolières d’Anatolie.

Liu Bolin’s extraordinary ability to stage the unspeakable moves us. Bodies emerging from an omnipresent background, bodies trapped in a system.
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Sarah Moon, Denis Rouvre and others suggest other universes. Talent allows us to dream, to explore, no doubt … In parallel, a photo competition is being organized, supported by Magazine Photo. The exhibition will run until September 1.

http://www.chambre-hote-vichy.fr/
Photo credits J. Bonnet, V. Winship, Liu Bolin, Emmanuel Lattès,Ville de Vichy, Maison Moinet, Sofia Lafaye.

Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)