Local gems

The only substantial belle époque buildings not to be swept away by  the devastating flood of 1940 are the Hotel de Portugal and the Casino. They are  an important part of the history of the village. 

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. Built in 1880 by architect Viggo Dorph Petersen, the Vernet casino is typical of the architecture of the period in Vernet. It is part of the ‘ quartier thermal’ and used to be a theatre frequented by the international aristocracy. Today, with its park, villas and hotel du Portugal, it remains an important part of Vernet. 

Today the we okay yeahather was sunny and warm enough to dry the courts for tennis. In the afternoon, Mrs TT was hosting the sewing group so I took myself upstairs to paint. I did descend for the tea and cake of course.