Belle Époque Festival of Néris-les-Bains
On July 14th, Néris-les-Bains goes back in time and relives the splendors of the Belle Époque
About Belle Époque Festival
A Journey Through Time in the Heart of a Preserved Spa Town
Every July 14th, the charming spa resort of Néris-les-Bains, in the Allier region, travels back a century to relive the splendors of the Belle Époque. In an architectural setting that has remained virtually intact since the early 20th century, with its elegant facades, tree-lined parks, and the majestic André-Messager Theater, this costumed festival has become a must-attend event in the department. Organized by the Intercommunal Tourist Office, it attracts thousands of visitors each year to share this timeless day.
Costumes, Carriages, and Automobiles from Another Era
The charm of this festival lies in the enthusiastic participation of everyone. Residents, spa guests, and tourists adorn themselves in their finest attire: women wear long crinoline dresses, parasols, and floral hats, while gentlemen don frock coats and top hats. The streets of the spa town feature magnificent vintage cars from the AMVA (Association des Mécaniques du Val d'Allier), period bicycles, and carriage rides. A grand costumed parade in front of the André-Messager Theater is the highlight of the day.
Music, Entertainment, and Popular Traditions
The festival is filled with the sounds of yesteryear: hurdy-gurdies, barrel organs, brass bands, and guinguette tunes echo through the streets and parks. Demonstrations of traditional baton twirling and old games punctuate the day. Children enjoy an old-fashioned carousel where they can ride in a hot air balloon, on an elephant, or in a caravan. Traditional wooden games are set up for the whole family to enjoy. A popular dance concludes this festive day in the purest July 14th tradition.
Over Twenty-Five Years of Festive Tradition
Born in the late 1990s, the Belle Époque Festival of Néris-les-Bains celebrates the exceptional heritage of this spa town whose architecture has endured for decades without major alteration. The town's naturally "Belle Époque" setting, with its thermal baths, gardens, and listed theater, provides an authentic and immersive backdrop. Each edition is a true journey through time, a joyful and elegant interlude that brings all generations together around the memory of a carefree and refined era. The event actively contributes to the tourist appeal of the commune and the Pays de Commentry-Néris.
Belle Époque Festival — edition 2026
The Belle Époque Festival returns on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Néris-les-Bains, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, on the Casino esplanade. For an afternoon, the spa town of Allier goes back a century in time: costumed parades, period dances, swing concert, horse-drawn carriages, and Belle Époque costume entertainment for the whole family. Free admission.
2026 Edition: join us on July 14 on the Casino esplanade
The Belle Époque Festival of Néris-les-Bains will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, on the Casino esplanade (avenue Boisrot Desserviers). Organized by the Intercommunal Tourist Office, this festive and free day invites residents and visitors to immerse themselves a century back in time, into the heart of the Belle Époque.
On the program
Throughout the afternoon, the esplanade comes alive with period costume dance performances presented by the companies « À la Cour Impériale » and « Impressionne Moi », as well as a whimsical parade « Les filles de l'air » by Les Baladins du Rire. At the end of the day, from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, the swing band Lazy Birds will give a concert mixing jazz standards, French songs, and international hits.
From 2 PM to 6:30 PM, the public can also enjoy numerous activities: caricaturist, Belle Époque photo session, carriage rides, old-fashioned carousel, vintage cars (AMVA), traditional wooden games, and on-site catering. Wearing period costumes is highly encouraged to fully participate in the celebration.
Programme Belle Époque Festival 2026
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — Casino esplanade (2 PM-6:30 PM)
- 2 PM-6:30 PM: continuous entertainment — caricaturist, Belle Époque photo, carriage rides, old-fashioned carousel, vintage cars (AMVA), wooden games, catering
- Period costume dance performances — companies « À la Cour Impériale » and « Impressionne Moi »
- Parade « Les filles de l'air » by Les Baladins du Rire
- 4:30 PM-6 PM: concert by the swing band Lazy Birds (jazz standards, French and international songs)
Highlights Belle Époque Festival 2026
What to Expect in 2026
- July 14, 2026: Full day of Belle Époque festivities
- Costumed parade in front of the André-Messager Theater
- Vintage cars and period bicycles in the streets
- Traditional music: hurdy-gurdies, barrel organs, brass bands
- Family entertainment: carousel, carriage rides, wooden games
- Popular dance in the evening
Prices Belle Époque Festival 2026
Practical information — Belle Époque Festival
Practical Information
Access
By car: Néris-les-Bains is located 8 km south of Montluçon via the D2144. Free parking in the town center and near the Parc des Thermes.
By train: Montluçon SNCF station (8 km away), then bus or taxi.
Date and Times
Every year on July 14th, from 10 a.m. until nightfall. Costumed parade in the early afternoon in front of the André-Messager Theater. Carousel from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices
Free admission. Some activities (carousel, carriage rides) may be subject to a fee.
Contact
Intercommunal Tourist Office of Néris-les-Bains: 04 70 03 11 03
Website: www.cmnc03-tourisme.com
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Where does it take place — Belle Époque Festival
Esplanade du Casino
Avenue Boisrot Desserviers, 03310 Néris-les-Bains