Casino de Vichy

The building known as the Casino de Vichy, now the Palais des Congrès-Opéra, is the great Art Nouveau theatre of the spa town and one of the most extraordinary interiors in central France. Vichy rose to fame in the nineteenth century as a spa for the aristocracy and for the court of Napoleon III, who took the waters here in the 1860s and encouraged the construction of grand buildings, parks and promenades. A casino, with a theatre, ballroom and gaming rooms, was built in the 1860s as part of that effort. At the start of the twentieth century, it was enlarged and remodelled, and in the early years of the century, the auditorium assumed the form that visitors see today, designed by the architect Charles Le Cœur in the exuberant style of the Belle Époque.

The auditorium holds about fifteen hundred spectators, arranged in tiers of balconies and boxes that curve around a gilded ceiling. It is decorated throughout in shades of gold and ivory, with rounded forms, flowing lines and floral motifs that are typical of Art Nouveau, and it is regarded as unique in France, the only theatre of that style with this colour scheme. The sculptural decoration, the ornamental lamps and the painted ceiling make the room feel like the inside of a jewel box. For those who attend a performance, the effect is as much part of the experience as the music on stage.

The building was designed as a place of entertainment for the visitors who came to Vichy for treatment, and it reflects the social life of the spa season, with its balls, concerts and operas. The Opéra de Vichy still presents lyrical works and concerts, with a season that runs mainly from autumn to spring, and the hall is also used for congresses and cultural events. In June, the town hosts festivities recalling the days of Napoleon III. It is a good idea to check the programme before travelling and book tickets in advance.

Vichy has a great deal to see around the opera. The Parc des Sources, a covered gallery and gardens around the town's springs, is next door, and the Boulevard de la République, the Église Saint-Louis and the Hôtel du Parc are nearby. The Hôtel du Parc has a notable history, since the government of the French State under Marshal Pétain made its base in Vichy from 1940 to 1944, and the hotel housed part of it. The town's springs, including the one used for the famous bottled Vichy water, can be tasted at the Hall des Sources.

The building suits opera and architecture lovers. Check performance dates, guided visit times and ticket arrangements before you go.