Published on 23/12/2024 17:08
Updated on 23/12/2024 17:26
Reading time: 1min – video: 6min
Aix-en-Provence: the café of the Cercle republican de Saint-Zacharie, a real institution
Aix-en-Provence: the café of the Cercle republican de Saint-Zacharie, a real institution
(France 2)
Near Aix-en-Provence, the Cercle republican de Saint-Zacharie, an associative café-bar, is the last vestige of 19th century working-class and supportive life. It is now open to all and run by Denise, who brings the place to life by welcoming regulars.
Although the beer flows freely, and the regulars are numerous, the Cercle republican de Saint-Zacharie (Var) is an association. Created in 1882, the establishment has just celebrated its 142nd candle in 2024. Denise has been attending the Circle since adolescence. It is now she who welcomes the regulars and offers them a trip into the past. Guests are seduced by the 19th century decor.
Circles existed in all the villages. There were up to 600 of them throughout the department. These clubs, very closed, were most often reserved for workers. To consume, you first had to be a member. “There are members, but as the old ones have left, now it is open to everyone, otherwise we would not be able to keep it alive”comments Denise, a membership card in hand. Former members of the Circle worked in the city's ceramic factories. Today, they have all disappeared. Only four ovens and the Republican Circle remain from this period.
Watch the full report in the video above.
