The History of Café de l'Union
A VILLAGE BREWERY SINCE 1912
Located in the heart of the village of L’Escarène, the Café de l'Union is a Historic brasserie of the Alpes-Maritimes, founded in 1912 by the Rodilla family. This village restaurant, typical of Niçois Country, quickly established himself as a Must-go meeting place, as much for the residents as for passing travellers.
A place for sharing, between terroir and traditions
At the beginning, the brewery welcomed the local producers to deposit their tonnes of olive oil, of wine or seasonal produce. This Traditional restaurant was much more than just a coffee: a Living crossing point, where mingled Provençal flavours and exchanges between generations.
A Second Life with Tobacco
A few years later, a Tobacconist's was founded in the establishment, strengthening the role of the Cafe as Local shop. An emblematic place of L’Escarène, this brasserie is still today a central point, true to its heritage and the friendly village atmosphere.
A STORY RELATED TO
Escarene Village
L'Escarene: A Village of History & Transit
A MILLENNIUM-OLD MARKET TOWN
L’Escarène is cited from the 11th century : en 1037, a Saint Peter's church is mentioned there, and the village was then part of the fief of Lescarena, under the authority of the’Saint-Pons Abbey, Nice. Un château médiéval y fut même construit au XIIIe siècle, avant sa destruction en 1252.
VILLAGE ANECDOTES
The oldest houses date back to the late 13th centurylike the maïoun dé Piéa building with no doors or windows Safranierin the Safranier district, accessed only through the roof by ladder.
Until the 16th century, L'Escarène developed on the slopes of mont Pifourchierbefore becoming independent from the commune of Peille in 1520.
A STRATEGIC CROSSROADS
Thanks to "salt road"connecting Nice to Piedmont through Escarene and Luceram the village became an important trading stopover.Later, the construction of the royal road through the Col de Tende reinforced its role as a key waypoint,placing Café de l'Union at the heart of a lively passage through the Nice hinterland.
The railway station, 1928, marks a new milestone for the village, now connected to Nice and Cuneo by train.
A LIVING MEMORY OF THE VILLAGE
The Café de l'Union embodies this strong local identityblending heritage, conviviality and Southern cuisine. More than a century after its creation, it remains a landmark for the locals,a place of meeting and transmission,where dishes and memories are shared in equal measure.
Notre engagement
Le Café de l’Union est partenaire de l’association UMAY et labellisé Safe Place UMAY. Nous participons activement à la lutte contre le harcèlement et les situations d’insécurité en offrant un espace d’accueil bienveillant à toute personne qui en ressent le besoin.
