Halles de Béziers file: the successful example of in-house entertainment in Narbonne

For 26 years, Stéphane Romain has been the one-man band bringing the halls to life and life. Philippe Leblanc

The market halls of Narbonne organize major evening events twice a year, which are very popular. Archive Philippe Leblanc – L'Indépendant

Les halles de Narbonne ont su se forger une image forte auprès des Narbonnais mais aussi bien au-delà.

Since 1998, Stéphane Romain has been the one-man band responsible for bringing the market halls of Narbonne to life. Recurring events, partnerships, seasonal operations… the man pulls out all the stops to add extra soul to this covered market.

The reputation of the market halls of Narbonne is well established, which attract a large number of visitors throughout the year, from throughout the region –  some Biterrois even take a little trip there from time to time. Of course, the unmissable Bebel stand puts on a show, but that's not all.

The key to this success is perhaps to be found in the dynamic animation led for 26 years by Stéphane Romain, tireless juggernaut when it comes to defending his land and the traders and artisans who populate this covered market.

An animator paid by the stalls

After a top-to-bottom renovation in the early 1990s, the question "how to bring the place to life" posed itself acutely. "The professionals present could have chosen to take charge of the animation themselves to defend their halls and their profession but volunteering, when you have such demanding jobs, is a must. out of breath quickly.

The Association of Traders and Craftsmen (ACA) of the Halles de Narbonne therefore chose to hire and pay a dedicated person in 1998. While the City, owner and manager of the premises, pays in this capacity an annual grant.

Propose partnerships

The rest comes from contributions from ACA members and from own funds generated by gourmet lotos, bodegas and other sponsorships put in place. 

"It's not just about doing events but also about proposing partnerships. We ensure, for example, the reception of new Narbonne residents. Not only are they entitled to a tour of the premises but also to a buffet prepared by the market traders.

Places of conviviality or market ?

Evenings twice a year, educational workshops with children around a theme, lotteries to win a shopping bag, wheel of luck, operation to highlight a profession like " To the little kidneys" for the guts, "This way the good soup"…

For Stéphane Romain, "the wealth comes from this patchwork side of the stalls. Even if you can come and eat and have a drink and there is always something going on, we wanted to keep this market aspect. With Biltoki, it seems to me that we are talking more about places of conviviality than about the market itself.