La Bohème, the oldest nightclub in France, celebrates its 100th anniversary: its boss tells
Through Julien Bottler
Published on
“Are we going to Bohemia? » For 100 years, this phrase has resounded in the streets of Rouen. In effect, France’s oldest nightclub celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. Georges Rebelo, son manager, tells 76news its history with nostalgia and always so much love for its discotheque.
La Bohème, an abbey turned nightclub
The regulars know the places and keep unforgettable memories. “Incredible memory of a late night in the flower boxes opposite the exit,” says a user on our Facebook page. “The best years, 80’s and 90’s music! », enthuses Isabelle. “I celebrated my mother’s 70th birthday, she loved it,” testifies Michèle.
More than 300m² hidden behind a large wooden door, on the place Saint-Amandone of the most beautiful of Rouen. Inside, a large marble arch, a stele, some testimonies of what the place once was: part of the Saint-Amand abbey which housed Benedictines.
But since then, portraits of renowned singers have adorned the walls: Birkin and Gainsbourg but above all Charles Aznavour. Because here, we are at La Bohème!
A nightclub celebrating its 100th anniversary!
In 1923, “it became a kind of tavern, you can still see the hooks for hanging the meat”, shows Georges Rebelo, who has managed the establishment since 2007. “We offered to feed the traders there, then little by little, we pushed the tables to dance and put on music”. What is instead the reputation of being the oldest nightclub in France. A title also claimed by The broocha few kilometers away, opened in 1965 but also by The Pink Millclose to Rouen.
At 64, Georges obviously did not know the first hours of the place. But he was a regular. “I used to go there when I was 18. I met my wife at the bohemian 30 years ago, ”smiles the sixty-something while toasting a cigarette.
In 2007, “the box fell into disuse, we let anyone in. It was in liquidation. They came to get me to take it back, ”recalls Georges.
I wouldn’t have invested in any nightclub other than La Bohème. It was sentimental.
80s music and karaoke nights
The boss recognizes it, “the recovery was tough, the box had a bad reputation, there were often fights. On a paddle”. But by dint of “customer selection, advertising and word-of-mouth, customers came back”.
Partygoers containing by the assumed atmosphere of the discotheque: “Here, it’s the 80s. We don’t play electro or young music, apart from the hits of the moment”.
What has long earned Bohemia the reputation of “box of old”. However, young people also appreciate the place, especially during Wednesday karaoke nights.
Over the years, Georges has made a few friendships, “but not many because you have to put up barriers”, and has become attached to his loyal team whom he invites every year for New Year’s Eve and whom he took on vacation to Marrakech last year. A way to reward hard work. “Don’t think that working in a nightclub is party time! “recalls George.
Over the years, he has also been able to see the regulars settling in, couples forming.
Every evening, we finish with “La Bohème” by Aznavour. It’s a slow that allows lonely souls to have one last chance to conclude.
He also exceeded the covid crisis. “We were very helped fortunately. Now on a recall more customers than before. »
Bohemia is for sale
Inevitably, at 64, with fifteen years at the head of the establishment, Georges begins to tire even if he is there every weekend with his wife. He put Bohemia up for sale but warns: “I will not sell to anyone and at any price”.
He then plans to travel, “to see friends because for years we eat bohemian, we sleep bohemian. We live upside down to people”.
Georges is confident whatever happens for the future of his box. ” To me, the future of discotheques is in the city center. Here, people come on foot, there are no problems like in campaign clubs with police repression. »
And he already promises, if he has sold the establishment by then, to be present for the 100th anniversary party, at least as “honorary president” because as he points out: “The birthday parties here are always exceptional! »
La Bohème, 12 place Saint-Amand in Rouen. Open Wednesday to Saturday.
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