after the closure of its emblematic rum factory, what future for the Saint-François district of Le Havre?

Located in the heart of the Saint-François district, the Cyclamen, one of the legendary bars in this district of the city, is permanently closing its doors. Its owner is retiring. A great loss for this rapidly changing neighborhood, which is already suffering from numerous establishment closures.

It’s a storefront that generations of Le Havre residents know well. The Cyclamen is part of the walls of the Saint François district in Le Havre, known for bringing together Bretons and fishermen from Le Havre. But after 42 years spent enlivening the days and nights of his street, Alain Gabriel, its owner, bows out.

“J’ai seen here the grandparents, the parents and the grandchildren, so I really have to give up my place.” he smiles. It is not without a pang of sadness that the latter leaves his place… but to whom?

It's a page that is turning for this bartender but also for this neighborhood, which is changing rapidly.

I see him changing, he's a little suffocated. The new generation is arriving on the field but it will take a little time. In three years, it will become St François again. Well, I hope!

Alain Gabriel, owner of Cyclamen

There’s the frustration there too. In the absence of a buyer, the closure of the bar is permanent. A situation which is increasing in the former festive heart of Le Havre. “Before, we went to a restaurant in the neighborhood and then followed up with Cyclamen. Today, we go to eat in other neighborhoods and our bar disappears” confides a regular.

What future for the neighborhood?

Another emphasizes. “We are losing a major institution but at the same time, it will be an evolution on other things.”
In the parallel streets, the announcements for sale cover the facades. This is never a good sign for the future.

But the local residents firmly believe in it, they will not let Saint-François down. For a restaurateur, revitalizing the neighborhood to preserve it is essential.

We must not let the Saint-François district down. For example, young people took control of the neighborhood association to make things happen more. We are in full renewal.

Françoise Menard, restaurateur

Renovation work is also planned in the district until 2025. Enough to breathe a little life into this little emblematic corner of the city of Le Havre.