GOING OUT

Present day artists who appear on the cabaret stage (renovated 2004) are deeply moved by its past and history. We have in Migennes, one of the last temples of the golden age of the music hall.

Theatre, concerts :
Booking, guided tours and related products at the Tourist Information Office.

LE CABARET L'ESCALE, A FAMOUS MUSIC HALL

Rebuilt in 1950, on the ruins of the former dance hall "Hôtel de la Réunion", destroyed by bombs in June 1940, "l’Escale" opens its doors on October 6th, 1951. With the cooperation of the local associations, Michel Wattelier, the young owner, organizes numerous parties.

From 1953, besides the accordionists, the trumpeters and the famous orchestras, Michel begins to hire singers. His dream is to welcome Édith Piaf, to whom he borrowed the title of song (« l’Escale ») to name his cabaret.

In 1961, a letter mentions this as a distinct possibility. Unfortunately Edith falls ill, cannot honor her promise and dies in the autumn of 1963. On the other hand, continuously until 1963, then occasionally until 1989, the cabaret welcomes great stars of the song and variety world such as Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Johnny Hallyday, Fernand Reynaud, Jean Ferrat, Juliette Gréco, Sidney Bechet…
The shows usually last about thirty minutes.

In "La légende de l'Escale d'Alain Vincent, Ed. de l'Armançon (available from the Tourist Information Office)