A Legacy of Entertainment: Exploring Royat’s Historic Casinos and Theatre
Tucked away amongst the rolling hills of France, the spa town of Royat has long been a haven for relaxation and joie de vivre. While its thermal baths offer rejuvenating waters, the town’s vibrant history is also intertwined with the glamour and excitement of casinos and theaters. Throughout its history, Royat has boasted not one, not two, but three casinos, each leaving its unique imprint on the town’s social fabric.
The Dawn of Le Chalet: A Neo-Norman Gem
In 1873, architect Jacques Cournol gifted Royat with its first casino, a charming neo-Norman structure adorned with red brick and wood. Dubbed “Le Chalet,” this architectural marvel housed an array of game rooms and assembly halls on its upper floor, inviting guests to indulge in both chance and camaraderie. The ground floor welcomed patrons to a restaurant, while a dedicated auditorium, built in 1875 and known as “Le Cercle,” provided a stage for captivating performances and social gatherings.
A Second Act: The Rise and Fall of Casino Samie
Not long after the grand opening of Le Chalet, another casino emerged in Royat in 1882. Designed by architect Lecat, the Casino Samie offered a new venue for entertainment, though sadly, only a trace of its existence remains today. Nestled within Chamalières, the villa des Champs-Elysées (12 avenue Pierre et Marie Curie) stands as a testament to the Casino Samie’s legacy. Originally the home of Dr. Basset, Royat’s medical inspector from 1864 to 1880, this villa once housed the casino’s reading rooms and administrative offices. The rise and fall of Casino Samie adds another layer to Royat’s captivating history, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of even the most ambitious endeavors.
From the Ashes: The Art Deco Elegance
Tragedy struck Royat in 1919 when a devastating fire consumed Le Chalet, leaving a void in the town’s entertainment landscape. However, from the ashes rose a phoenix – a new Art Deco casino, commissioned by the architect Guillaume Tronchet, the visionary behind many Parisian landmarks, including the Petit Palais. This architectural masterpiece took its place alongside a grand theater, designed by Théodore Charpentier just a few years earlier. Constructed with a captivating combination of brick, stone, and iron, Royat’s theater boasted a gallery offering views of a lush garden. Large windows flooded the auditorium with natural light, creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and grandeur.
A Stage for Legends
Royat’s theater became a magnet for celebrated personalities, drawing some of the biggest names in music hall and comedy. Audiences were spellbound by the talents of Sarah Bernard, Aristide Bruant, and Edith Piaf, each performance adding a new chapter to the town’s rich tapestry of entertainment.
The legacy of Royat’s casinos and theater goes beyond mere entertainment. These iconic venues played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s identity, attracting visitors from far and wide and fostering a vibrant social scene. Today, as you wander through the charming streets of Royat, you can still feel the echoes of laughter, applause, and the thrill of a winning hand, a testament to the enduring power of entertainment.
What were the names of Royat’s three historic casinos?
## A Trip Back in Time: Exploring Royat’s Casino Legacy
**Today, we’re joined by local historian and author, Marie Dubois, to discuss Royat’s fascinating past, particularly its unexpected connection to the world of casinos.**
**Interviewer:** Marie, Royat is famous for its thermal baths and spa culture. But how did casinos come to be such a prominent part of its history?
**Marie Dubois:** Royat, in the late 19th century, was a flourishing spa town attracting visitors seeking respite and relaxation. But the allure of entertainment was strong too. Casinos sprang up as places for social gatherings, offering a mix of gambling, dining, and performances.
**Interviewer:** You mention multiple casinos. Can you tell us about them?
**Marie Dubois:** Royat actually hosted three casinos throughout its history! The first, “Le Chalet,” built in 1873 by architect Jacques Cournol, was a beautiful neo-Norman structure [1]. It housed game rooms, assembly halls, a restaurant, and even a dedicated auditorium called “Le Cercle” for performances.
**Interviewer:** That sounds truly impressive. And what about the others?
**Marie Dubois:** Another casino, the Casino Samie, emerged in 1882, designed by architect Lecat. Sadly, this one didn’t stand the test of time. Today, only the villa des Champs-Elysées in Chamalières remains as a reminder of its existence.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating. What about modern-day Royat? Are there any remnants of this casino culture visible today?
**Marie Dubois:** While the physical structures of most casinos are gone, their legacy lingers. The Casino Partouche [1], still operating today, is a testament to Royat’s enduring connection to the world of entertainment. Plus, the town’s historical records and architecture offer glimpses into a glamorous past that continues to captivate visitors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Marie. This has been a truly enlightening journey through Royat’s fascinating history.
