Rebuilt in 1950 on the site of the ballroom of the Hôtel de la Réunion, destroyed by bombing in 1940, l’Escale opened on 6 October 1951. Its young owner, Michel Wattelier, held dances and concerts with local associations, then from 1953 booked singers alongside accordionists and bands. He dreamed of welcoming Édith Piaf, whose song gave the venue its name; illness prevented her.
From the 1950s to 1989, the great French and international stars followed one another on its stage: Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Johnny Hallyday, Sidney Bechet…
Renovated by the town in 2004 and run by AGEM, the venue offers a varied programme — rock, French chanson, jazz — and remains a springboard for young talent.
“La légende de l’Escale” by Alain Vincent (Éditions de l’Armançon) is on sale at the Tourist Office.
