In
among all the nightclubs, saunas and restaurants to enjoy and explore is a quaint
and quirky gay bar by the name of Le Couloir that has been a part of the LGBT
community in Nice for over 20 years.
Le Couloir may not be on the map as much as some of the other more
happening places around the city but it is still worth a visit
to take in its history and perhaps get a break from the usual.
You’ll find that the patrons are from around the neighborhood and always seem
to be willing to tell you more about what you should see and do in the city, along
with letting you in on some of the local gossip. The drinks are not that expensive and the
friendly bartenders usually join in on the conversation with yourself and the
others in the bar too.
Now that the gay scene in the French Riviera seems to be expanding year by year,
and thankfully so, I like the idea of revisiting some of the old haunts once in
a while to respect the history of such longstanding businesses. Imagine if those walls could talk.
Le Couloir is a very unassuming bar that can be found at: 1 rue Alberti.
When
you walk into Le Couloir, that’s the whole bar, expect dim lighting and a décor
that is eclectic in taste. No fuss, no
bother, just a cute little place giving you no reason to rush but around for
you to relax and enjoy.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Le Couloir is the kind of bar where everyone seems
to know one another yet new faces are more than welcome.
Nice
has such a vibrant nightlife, it’s great to have the choice every weekend of
going from nightclub to nightclub in the early morning hours to check out all
of the events happening around the scene.
Now there is one more optionin the LGBT community to add even more spice
to your social life, and that place would be The Garden Organic Bar & Club!
Opened
in October 2012, The Garden is off to a rousing
start! I was fortunate enough to be able
to attend the opening night and the place was packed and continues to be weekend
after weekend.
Located in central Nice, the club is situated at: 18 Rue du Congrès.
The
Garden is ideal in the way it is set up, not too large, yet not cramped
for space. The layout makes it very easy
navigate…and for having some fun in a darkened corner with someone special.
Once you enter The Garden and are greeted by the staff, go past the coat check and take the few stairs down to get completely inside the club.
The main area is dominated by a large bar in the center of the club.
This means no matter which end of the club you are in, there is enough
room for everyone to easily get a drink from one of the very stylish and sexy
male or female bar staff members.You’ll find the staff are quick on the mark and no
matter how busy they are, you always get service with a smile.
The
seating options throughout the space are well suited for you and your group of
friends and there are the more intimate options available for yourself and your
lucky significant other.
At the far end of the club you will find the DJ booth next to the dance floor
with even more seating at the back. Be
warned though if you are in that part of the club, the variety of DJ’s and
dance music being played will certainly get you out on the floor! You will hear new mixes being played with
dance club hits from days gone by that you had totally forgotten about, it all
makes for the perfect blend!
The
crew at The Garden have been doing an excellent job of keeping everyone
coming back with fresh ideas on a variety of themed nights. There are plenty of beautiful (yet
approachable) people for not only the men, but the women as well. In the summer months, I would expect to see
the side garden bar and lounge next to the building available for refreshing cocktails in a relaxing and sociable environment.
If it’s your first time in Nice and you are wondering where
to get the night going or better yet make a whole evening out of it, then The
Garden is for you, my friends and I have had a great time on every visit
and will continue to make it one of our top choices in nightclubs in the city!
Photo & Video Credit: The Garden
UPDATE: The Garden Club closed in late 2013 and re-opened in 2014 under the name GClub. Find the article in the archive under March 2015.
