Since some time, the Old Nice, especially Rue Francis Gallo and its vicinity, have undergone a transformation in the style of businesses that have set up there.
Sapho Bar, Rock Coiffure, Engrenage… these are all businesses newly arrived in the neighborhood and managed by gay merchants.
This marks a new chapter for Old Nice, previously lesser-known as a meeting place for the local homosexual population, but the results can only be satisfying when you see the new liveliness in the streets where these new merchants are setting up.
But who better to give us a feel for this sudden enthusiasm for the Old Town than one of these new business owners?
We met Gabrielle, owner of Sapho Bar, located on Rue Colonna d’Istria.
A real gem of interior decoration, often modified according to the themes of the evenings, this club is exclusively reserved for gay and lesbian patrons.
It has now become a must-visit spot in the Nice gay nightlife.
An eclectic music selection, a festive atmosphere, and a warm welcome make the Sapho Bar a unique place where the lesbian majority of the region especially gathers on weekends.
Franck Viano
Nice Première: How long has Sapho Bar been established in Old Nice?
The Sapho Bar opened on July 15, 2001.
NP: How did you come to be in Old Town?
It was love at first sight; I felt completely at home among the merchants of the old town. The narrow streets create an ambiance found in certain villages in Southern Europe, where dialogues, encounters, and the scents from restaurants mix—you only miss the cry of a fishmonger!
NP: What are your favorite spots?
I try not to settle so as to continuously discover other concepts, the good initiatives from my fellow night owls.
NP: What is the clientele of the Sapho Bar?
A homosexual clientele, predominantly lesbian.
NP: What kind of events do you organize?
Very eclectic: we go from the 30s to the 90s.
NP: What are your days off, and what are the opening hours of the Sapho Bar?
We close on Mondays and Tuesdays. The bar opens from 10:30 PM.
NP: Have you ever encountered any major problems in the neighborhood?
Almost never; moreover, my neighbors support my activity and keep a vigilant eye on any potential security issues that I might encounter at my doorstep.
NP: In your opinion, what is the best restaurant in the neighborhood?
I believe I’ve frequented them all; I have too much respect for the tough profession of catering to establish a preference order, apart from Fran Calin you often see me at Tire-Bouchon.
