5. Cabaret Lion d’Or

Founded in 1930, the Lion d’Or was an authentic cabaret with a master of ceremonies hosting shows with the era’s most popular entertainers, like singer Alys Robi (seen in the mural above). It closed between 1974 and 1987, until it was bought by the owners of the restaurant next door, Au Petit Extra. Today, it is a popular concert hall, favored by newcomers and well-established artists looking for an intimate venue.

Over the years, the vast majority of these types of cultural venues were destroyed to make place for new buildings. Those that weren’t destroyed were often left to such abandon that renovations became extremely costly, so these 5 beautiful venues are among the lucky few that have found new owners with enough money and passion to find a new purpose for them, all the while maintaining their past grandeur.