The site for this bar, a 17th Century building facing onto the markets of the famous Cours Saleya in Nice, also backs onto to the Cite du Parc.  The brief was to create a cool venue serving breakfasts, light bites and pies, which would adapt from dawn to dusk. 

The challenging space necessitated the construction of a basement for kitchens, beer stores and toilets so that the ground floor could be devoted to bar space servicing 160-seater front and rear terraces and the first floor converted to lounge areas. Internally, custom-designed high-level seating makes the most of a deceptively small space, catering for 118 people seated and many more standing at elegant wrought iron drinkshelves. The creative location and design of two separate staircases for staff efficiency and for customer use, transforms practical solutions into impressive features. 

The design for Le Bateleur was inspired by Tarot's Magician. The interior is dark, relaxed and comfortable with a sense of mystery, reflecting the hidden nature of the card. Light from crystal and blown glass pendants bounces off reflective surfaces and oeil de sorciere (Witch’s Eye) mirrors, playing tricks of light. Adding to this intrigue, the interior is adorned with taxidermy and many other objets de curiosité.The decor creates a sense of exploration as it unveils and reveals from floor to floor.

With styling by Creative Director Denise Ryan, Photographer Julia Dunin captured this ambience and the essence of the brand.