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La Churascaia: France‘s Legendary Nightclub Celebrates 60 years of Hedonism in the Camargue Marshes

for six decades, the nightclub La Churascaia, nestled in the southern French region of Camargue, has defied expectations, hosting revelers until dawn and weathering storms – both literal and cultural. The club will mark its 60th anniversary on June 29th with a grand celebration expected to draw 4,000 guests, uniting generations who have danced within its storied walls.

A Nightclub Unlike Any Other

Hidden in a copse of pine trees near Arles, La Chu, as it’s affectionately known, opened its doors in June 1965, establishing itself as one of the world’s longest-running discotheques, trailing only Los Angeles’s Whisky-a-Go-Go, Paris’s Chez Castel, and Rome’s Piper Club. Its longevity is a testament to its unique atmosphere and unwavering spirit. A defining moment came in the mid-1970s when a power outage threatened to halt a night’s festivities; the French news presenter Yves Mourousi famously drove his car into the venue, providing the power needed to keep the music playing and the dancing going.

Did you know?-Whisky a Go Go in los Angeles, often credited as the first true discotheque, opened in 1964. chez Castel in Paris and the Piper Club in Rome also predate La Churascaia, contributing to the vibrant global nightlife scene of the 1960s.

From Bull Ranches to Parisian Chic: A Diverse Clientele

La Churascaia quickly became renowned for its eclectic mix of patrons. The club’s rustic setting attracted a diverse crowd, including weathered cowboys from the Camargue’s bull ranches, young people embracing the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll scene, members of the local LGBTQ+ community seeking a safe haven, and Parisians craving an authentic and wild experience – mosquitoes included. The club’s proximity to bull pastures even presented a unique hazard, with some amorous patrons finding their pursuits interrupted by unexpected encounters with livestock.

A celebrity Hotspot

as its reputation grew in the late 1960s and 70s, La Chu attracted a glittering array of celebrities. Designer Christian Lacroix, singers Johnny Hallyday and Régine, actor Gérard Depardieu, former First Lady Claude Pompidou, and even the UK’s future Lord Great chamberlain David Rocksavage graced its dance floor. Rumors persist that Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis also made an appearance during a visit to the home of the club’s founder, Jean Lafont, in the early 1970s.

“The symbol I immediately think of is the moped and the Rolls-Royce side-by-side,” Lacroix recalled, describing the club’s parking lot. “as that’s what you saw in the parking area and inside the club, too. There was no VIP area and no bodyguards.”

Reader question:-What other unexpected combinations of people or events have contributed to the success of long-lasting cultural institutions?

The Vision of a Bull Rancher

The club’s unique blend of provincial and metropolitan sensibilities stemmed from its founder, Lafont, a manadier (bull-rancher) by day and a sophisticated aesthete by night.He frequently traveled to Paris to immerse himself in the capital’s nightlife,and ultimately decided to create his own haven closer to home. “Once he’d decided to do somthing, there was nothing you could do to stop him,” said Mario Costabel, Lafont’s longtime manager.

Together, Lafont and Costabel constructed a circular building with plaster walls and a thatched roof, reminiscent of both bull-running arenas and the traditional cottages of the Camargue cowboys.The name “Churascaia” itself is borrowed from the term for a Brazilian grill restaurant. Initially intended as a temporary venue for post-bull-branding celebrations, La Chu quickly outgrew its humble beginnings, becoming overwhelmed by crowds eager to experience its freewheeling atmosphere.

A Social Laboratory of the Night

Filmmaker Rémi Sautet, a regular in the 1960s, described La Chu as “a social laboratory of the night, one that anticipated today’s world.” He noted its strong undercurrent of sexuality and a sense of liberation,where patrons danced until dawn to the era’s most cutting-edge music.The club sourced records from parisian shops, London’s Tower Records, and even secured rare imports from the US through an air hostess contact. the Jerks, one of France’s first rock ‘n’ roll groups, served as the house band.

The club’s DJ, christian Pelatan, prioritized upbeat tempos, refusing to slow the pace. “I didn’t see the need. Why break the party mood when people have come to blow off some steam and enjoy themselves?” he stated. He was known for surprising the crowd with unexpected tracks,like a rousing rendition of “The washington Post,” which would prompt spontaneous synchronized dance routines.

Embracing Tolerance and Theatricality

Lafont’s arrival was traditionally heralded with a burst of Verdi, and he often sported a fringed western jacket, embodying the club’s theatrical spirit. “There was this aspect of a fashion show, because you didn’t go to the Chu dressed any-old-how,” Lacroix explained, recalling attending in head-to-toe red velvet. He even witnessed a man wearing a djellaba by designer Jacques Esterel as a bold fashion statement.

Lafont and Costabel’s shared identity as gay men contributed to La Chu’s unusually open and accepting atmosphere in a traditionally conservative region. In the early 1970s, to circumvent licensing restrictions, Lafont cleverly rebranded the club as an arts venue, staging elaborate drag shows on Sunday nights – parodies of operas and musicals that he frequently enough wrote and performed in himself.

Resilience and Rebirth

The original La Churascaia was tragically destroyed by fire at the end of 1981. However, it was rebuilt two years later by the modernist Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill. Lafont sold the club in 1995 at the age of 73. Over the years, it has remained a vital symbol of Camargue identity, deeply connected to the region’s bull-racing culture and a multigenerational local clientele.

Pro tip:-Rebranding can be a powerful tool for survival. By cleverly repositioning La Chu as an arts venue, Lafont navigated licensing restrictions and ensured the club’s continued operation, showcasing adaptability in the face of adversity.

“The grandparents came, the parents came, and now their children are here. That’s the strength of the Chu,” said current manager and DJ Jérémy campilongo.

Despite its age, La Chu continues to attract visitors from afar, with a music policy that can seamlessly transition from techno to the joyous strains of Abba. As it celebrates its 60th year, this enduring beacon of hedonism remains a club unlike any other. “Most of them are just black boxes,” Campilongo concluded. “But here you’ve got bulls in the fields 100 metres away, horses beyond that. You arrive at night and the sun rises on the fields in the morning. What other club has that?”

The Evolution of La Chu’s Sound: From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Techno

While the atmosphere at La Churascaia has always been defined by its inclusivity and theatrical flair, the music has played a crucial role in its enduring appeal. The music policy at La Chu, expertly curated over the decades, has reflected the changing tastes of its diverse clientele while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the dance floor.

In its early years, as mentioned by filmmaker Rémi Sautet, La Chu pulsated with the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. The Jerks, the resident band, laid the foundation for a soundscape that mirrored the burgeoning counterculture. as the 1970s dawned, the club embraced disco and funk, mirroring the global shift in musical trends. This transition was spearheaded by DJs like Christian Pelatan, who understood the importance of an upbeat tempo and unexpected musical choices.

Later, La Chu’s musical landscape expanded. With the evolution of electronic music, the club seamlessly integrated techno and house. Current manager and DJ, Jérémy Campilongo, exemplifies this modern yet respectful approach. La Chu caters to both a local and international audience, creating an environment where anything from ABBA to underground techno can unite people on the dance floor.

This ability to adapt, while retaining its core identity, is a key to surviving in the nightlife business. La Chu’s DJs understand La Chu is more than just a club. It is a place that has stood the test of time.

So,how has la Chu curated its music over the years? Here are some core practices:

• Embracing Variety: The club’s success lies in its willingness to incorporate a broad range of genres.
• Prioritizing the Dance Floor: Upbeat tempos and songs designed for movement are crucial.
• Understanding the Crowd: The DJ must read the room and adapt the playlist.
• Staying True to the Spirit: la Chu’s essence is found in its atmosphere.

The result is a nightclub that remains current and constantly evolving.

How dose La Chu stay relevant in today’s crowded nightlife scene? The club’s flexibility and the integration of a wide variety of music cater to a multi-generational audience from around the world. Is La chu’s music policy the reason for its success? yes, the musical choices at this club help create a shared, unforgettable atmosphere.

Beyond the Music: The La chu Experience

La churascaia’s lasting allure extends far beyond its musical offerings. It is the combination of carefully curated music, its setting, and its philosophy on life that has contributed to La Chu’s longevity.

It has been a setting where fashion, self-expression, and the breaking down of social barriers are key.The club’s visual identity,from Bofill’s modernist rebuild to the presence of the Camargue’s natural beauty,contributes to its distinctive atmosphere. The freedom to dress as one chooses,as seen in the descriptions of the clientele,fosters an environment of acceptance.

La Chu has survived due in part to an ability to embrace change while retaining its core values. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, la Churascaia remains a testament to the power of nightlife to create a space where generations unite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music is played at La Churascaia?

La Chu features a diverse range of music, from rock and disco to techno, house, and even pop hits like ABBA, depending on the night and the crowd.

How has La Chu adapted over time?

La Chu has seamlessly integrated emerging music genres while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity, theatricality, and its unique Camargue vibe.

What makes La Chu different from other nightclubs?

Its unique location, diverse clientele, history of tolerance, and enduring spirit of fun and fashion make it special.

What is La Chu’s legacy?

La Chu’s legacy is one of continuous reinvention and a commitment to providing an unparalleled experience to generations of patrons, while staying true to its roots in the Camargue.

What can I expect if I visit La Chu?

Expect an experience that captures the spirit of the Camargue and allows you to entirely express yourself, all while enjoying fabulous music and a unique atmosphere.