It is a place designed for eating, drinking, having fun, shopping or simply a game of pétanque.
Food courts, an idea that came 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 each year. With its 38 cooking stands, 52 food trucks and several rooftop bars, the Montpellier food court, Les Halles du Lez, already has its fans.
“We had a blast all evening! The servers are super friendly and very beautiful!”three friends smile 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. This is the whole principle of the food court: a place to eat, drink and have fun, day and night, with friends, but also with family.
Spoiled for choice, from Japanese sushi to Italian burrata
For food, each stand has its specialty. “We spot it, we take a little tour, like that afterwards, everyone can pick 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 enjoyed dazzling success: 70 food courts have already been launched in France in ten years. That of Montpellier is one of the busiest, with two and a half million visitors each year. Places where the big brands are absent. Only small bosses run their businesses, from kitchens to pétanque courts, thrift stores, flea markets and other barbers.
