Vichy PLM poster – Vichy travel poster – Frederic Hugo d’Alesi – 1895 This beautiful vintage Vichy PLM poster was produced for the French Paris, Lyon, and Mediteranean (PLM) railway by the renowned poster artist Hugo d’Alesi. It is one of many posters created by the French artist. It features an image of two fashionably dressed women and a child sitting in front of the famous Casino de Vichy. As the Vichy PLM poster testifies, the casino was a Belle Époque wonderland, a glittering oasis amidst the serene beauty of the French countryside. Rising from the banks of the Allier River, the Casino de Vichy was an architectural marvel. Its Moorish-inspired façade, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful tiles, gleamed under the Vichy sun. Grand arches framed the entrance, promising a world of opulence and excitement. During the Belle Epoque era the Casino de Vichy was an impressive playground for the elite. Inside, the casino buzzed with life. Gentlemen in top hats and ladies in extravagant gowns promenaded through opulent salons, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow on plush carpets, gilded mirrors, and velvet-draped chairs. The air hummed with the anticipation of fortune and flirtation. Roulette wheels spun, cards were dealt with practiced flourish, and the clatter of chips echoed through the halls. Baccarat, roulette, blackjack – every game imaginable enticed players with the promise of wealth and thrills. Skilled croupiers presided over the tables, their calm demeanor a stark contrast to the emotions swirling around them. The casino was more than just a gambling den. It was a cultural hub, a place to see and be seen. Grand balls were held in the opulent Salle des Fêtes, their music drifting out onto the terrace overlooking the river. Concerts and theatrical performances entertained the wealthy patrons, while art exhibitions showcased the works of the era’s finest talents. Complementing D’Alesi’s main image, he has included two more must-visit sights as cameo shots. The first is the renowned Le Grand Grille, the centerpiece of Vichy’s thermal springs complex, inaugurated in 1861. Its waters, believed to possess various curative properties, attracted thousands of visitors seeking health and rejuvenation. This early spa was housed in a majestic pavilion in the heart of Vichy, adorned with elegant columns and topped with a graceful cupola The second is the Source des Célestins! The most famous among Vichy’s 14 springs, with a history as rich and sparkling as its mineral water. Originally an open-air well within the grounds of a 15th-century monastery. But as its fame for its purported medicinal properties grew, so did its architectural aspirations. In 1857, a first pavilion was built, housing the spring in a charming grotto-like setting. This quaint structure served Vichy’s thirst for health and leisure for a while. By the turn of the 20th century, Vichy was booming. The old pavilion couldn’t keep up with the demand for the Célestins’ water. So, in 1904, a new era dawned. Architect Lucien Woog created a magnificent neo-classical pavilion, a grand hall boasting seven arches open to the park. This iconic structure, still standing today, became the face of the Source des Célestins and a symbol of Vichy’s Belle Époque elegance. Original copies of this Vichy PLM poster deliver auction prices of over £1,500.
