It is a place designed for eating, drinking, having fun, shopping or simply a game of pétanque.
Food courts, an idea coming from Asia and the United States, are multiplying in France.
Sept à Huit wanted to understand the phenomenon by going to the Halles du Lez, in Montpellier, which is enjoying great success.
Two and a half million visitors flock to this gourmet haunt every year. With its 38 food stands, 52 food trucks and several rooftop bars, Montpellier’s food court, Les Halles du Lez, already has its fans.
“We had a blast all night! The waiters are super nice and very handsome!”, smile three friends in the video at the top of this article. On the rooftop, five bars each with their own specialty, from the most festive to the most cozy. Enough to vary the atmospheres according to the mood. That’s the whole principle of the food court: a place to eat, drink and have fun, day or night, with friends, but also with family.
Spoilt for choice, from Japanese sushi to Italian burrata
For food, each stand has its specialty. “We spot, we take a little tour, that way afterwards, everyone can draw what they want!”explains a mother. It must be said that there is plenty of choice as the options are so varied, from sushi to cod fritters, to churros and other Italian burratas, you just have to wander around to make up your mind. The promise: ultra-fresh recipes, made on site. No table service, however: the principle is to collect everything yourself and then choose your seat, anywhere in the hall. In total, for four adults and four children, the group that our team followed paid 24 euros per person, drinks and desserts included.
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The concept, imported from Asia and the United States, has been a resounding success: 70 food courts have already been launched in France in ten years. The one in Montpellier is one of the most popular, with two and a half million visitors each year. Places where the big brands are absent. Only small owners run their businesses, from kitchens to pétanque courts, thrift stores, second-hand shops and barbers.
