After the pandemic left the Gare du Sud’s first relaunch in tatters, the historic establishment in Nice has reopened anew, and it’s well-worth a visit!
The Gare du Sud has been part of Nice’s history since it was first opened in 1892 as an elegantly designed neo-classical train station in the Libération neighbourhood, found just to the north of the city centre.
The station was operational until 1991. After its closure, the property remained unoccupied and unloved until 2013, when plans were put in motion to convert it into a library, with a food court selling regional delicacies, as well as the possibility of adding in a fitness centre, cultural and events space, and offices.
OPEN AND SHUT
A grand launch was held in May 2019 and was a celebrated event in the city, but disaster soon struck. The pandemic took hold not long after its opening, and along with management and air conditioning issues repeatedly cropping up, officials finally decided to shutter the premises in April 2022.
Now, just over a year later, the Gare du Sud is giving it another go, this time with a fresh approach and new management courtesy of Renato Iera’s Italian Trattoria restaurant group.
The huge space is Mediterranean to the core, with an indoor-outdoor feel, lemon trees seconding as sign posts, rich colours and – perhaps most importantly – a welcoming atmosphere. Food from every corner of the Mediterranean basin fills the room with delightful aromas and taste temptations.
Additionally, the hall is also a place where exhibitions, a play area and a training school can be found, making it a real family-friendly space.
“The Méditerranéo concept, dedicated to quality Mediterranean cuisine, offers a journey around Italian, Greek, Spanish, Niçois and Lebanese gastronomy,” says the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi. “A rich offer of quality that should satisfy and make visitors travel [to see it].”
IT’S A HIT
The official reopening on Monday 17th July saw a full house and a buzzing crowd. It is hoped and anticipated that this will continue, especially as there are only limited spaces available at the moment.
For the first few weeks, the management has decided to restrict guest numbers to 300 people per day to ensure any bugs are worked out before throwing open the doors to capacity crowds. As Gare du Sud can seat 750 indoors and another 300 outside, this seems a wise decision.
In any case, this revamped new addition will bring life to the Libération quartier and give locals and tourists a chance to travel around the Mediterranean without buying a single ticket!
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Photo credit: Ville de Nice