Caligulas' Den is the hottest nightspot in the Grenoble and Lyon area. On a nightly basis it's filled with not only the locals and students of the area, but with the Tourists as well who are handed free passes by the hotels on their arrival. These passes give them admittance to Caligulas' without having to pay an entrance fee and offers them one free drink on the house.
But what is it about Caligulas' that constantly draws such crowds? In the words of a few regulars, "It's about the only place around, where you feel like you can just.. let loose and leave your inhibitions behind. No seems to care how loose you get there, hell it almost seems like it's welcomed." and in the words of a local student of History, she said "It's just so reminiscent of how the halls of Emperor Caligula must have been, pure hedonistic.. of course to a point. It's not like it's an Orgy Den.. but some of the invites to parties after closing can be.. I didn't tell you that of course"
The Club can be reached in two ways, those who hold membership in the Forum can reach it via the lobby or from the Main Showroom. Within the Danse Club, which rests beneath the Lounge area, you will find a set of spiral glass steps leading down to the Private Level of Caligulas Den.
Taking the stair from the Danse Club down, the Member finds himself in an intimate Private Lounge, its decor vibrant like the surroundings just beneath them. Those within this lounge have the unique ability to peer down onto the dance floor of Caligulas', via a heavy glass floor that allows one way viewing only. From this vantage point, it saves the viewer from having to mingle too much with the 'Herd' of clubbers below, just one more of the many advantages to being a Card Holder of the Forum.
Should the Member have found something of interest below and cares to engage in a little 'One on One' , they have merely to walk out to the large balcony that completely encircles the dance floor area. From this Vulture vantage point overhead, they can once more assure the location of their 'prey' then take the stairs at the far end down to the dance floor level after having inserted their 'Forum Club Card' into a slot along side the door.
The less fortunate who are not members of the Forum, reach it by taking Stephane Jay Boulevard, which lies between the Isere River and The Forum Complex properties. Grenoble was once Roman occupied, and as a result many Roman remnants remain throughout the City. From portions of it's Old Sewers, to the Bastille overlooking the city far below, to many intact archways strewn throughout alleyways and streets. The Owner of Caligulas' Den made use of one such archway on personally owned property, the architecture blending perfectly with the Theme of both Caligulas' Den and The Forum Complex a block away.
Once at Le Rive Gauche, you will come to an old Roman archway and a set of Old Stone steps that are remains from Roman occupation of the area. These steps lead down to the entrance of Caligulas.
At the entrance, you come face to face with a sculptured wall. The artist who created it had to have been a Master, because you would swear there is a real naked woman frozen half in and half out of that solid Black Onyx wall.
Just inside your met by Bouncers and staff who collect cover charges as well as check for weapons, the Management of Caligulas' take great steps to ensure the safety of their Customers, which also includes and is not limited to Security and off duty Police Officers. Once the patron has been hand stamped, they are permitted to walk down the stairs into the lobby of the Club.
Once inside, the true Theme of the Nightclub becomes vividly clear, Rome and its Wild Emperor from Ancient Times, yet the Roman decor has an amazing modernistic motiff. What should be Marble Columns, are instead made of heavy thick cut glass, their interior lighting shedding dim coronas of light across the areas in which they stand sentry. The ever present head wreaths also are done in amber glass, emitting the same soft amber light.
This Lobby is done in deep, plush reds and amber gold. Thick carpeting leads to red veined marble, it seems to be the walkway stones towards your destination. The Walls in this lobby are carpeted as well in deep bronze color, making the pounding music within the club much more subdued at this point. The marble walkway leads you off to the left, and into the depths of 'Caligulas Den' energy.
Arriving half an hour before opening for this tour affords a clear look at the beauty of the club, as well as a closer look at the stage, sound system and decor before the masses start streaming in and lights go down. The center of the dance floor is the spot you pick to look the main level over. Stark white marble glistens in contrast with the upholstered walls and carpeting in the seating area. The luster of the marble will soon reflect the myriads of colors by lighting system, and the gold leaf work intertwining it's way through the place glistens beneath the pure white lights right now.. but all that will change soon enough as the club springs to life. The state of the art dance floor now appears as a mirror finish, reflecting the upper level as well as the main room, but that will change as well as soon as the lights beneath its shiny surface are turned on.
Deep hues of Purples, light Mauves and Blues, with traces of the ever present crimson rests on each piece of upholstery. Especially in the booths marked as 'Reservation Only' on one side of the club, and those booths certainly afford the best view. Small sculptured cocktail tables sit neatly nestled before each booth, on their opposite side small comfortable stools, one can't help but wonder if the 'booths' are for the Masters of Fate, and the stools their waiting 'Toys'
You note that the same Gold Beveled Mirror of a Roman Woman sits between each booth, as well as bedecks the entire club in many areas. Perhaps a Lover of the Masters or Dreams of theirs?
Looking directly across the dance floor, is the massive Stage where World renown musicians are booked once a month. It sits high over the dancers reach and is flanked by the DJ booth on one side, a huge video screen on the other. Beneath it you can tell is also another screen that can be raised if needed, or is it the area the stage itself can be lowered to? Either way it's quite the contraption. High overhead, sits his Excellency Caligula, looking down upon his masses through a smoky veil that's created by the clubs fog machine.
The high tech light panels flick on, sending swirls of lights across the marble facade... Yup, it's ShowTime and the speaker system roars to life in a way that makes your very insides rumbles. The rest of the room plunges into shadows as the masses begin to hustle in. From over the stage, your heart skips a beat at what you think is someone doing a suicide dive from it's heights, but that's not the case... this club has it's own aerial team suspended on a trapeze. The aerialists wear shiny metallic suits that catches the multitudes of colors that now rage throughout the club. Watching them leap outwards from over his head, the Emperor watches as he's surrounded by Cherubim's.
Strewn around the edges of the dance floor, are head high pedestals, each one graced by one of the clubs own hired dancers. It's easy enough to tell them from the patrons, because each wears the same blonde wig and two piece lacey suit. Their invigorating snake like dance seems to entice the patron dancers into a frenzy with each shake of their shapely hips.
After taking their places, the spot lights snap to life over the dance floor, and the throngs of dancers who have stood in line for up to an hour, mob the floor. Yes.. Caligulas is in full motion now. The lights start out as a startling hue of palest blue, perhaps giving everyone a chance to eye the 'Candy' on the dance floor, but it quickly changes to a splash of every color of the rainbow
Looking upwards, the balcony for the Private Members is plunged into deep Crimson, making it quite difficult to pick out faces or attire. Or for that matter to even see what's going on up there at all. But you get this feeling that crawls up the back of your neck.. that you and the entire 'Herd' of dancers are indeed the entertainment for whatever is above. The Wreaths of Caligula lit from within, gives a strange sensation from your vantage point. Once working hard to ordain himself a God among Romans, you cant help but wonder just how many Gods are actually lurking in this place... unseen.
With everything in full swing, the giant screens take on a life of their own as well, apparently there are hidden cameras around the place because something or someone seems to be zeroing in on a few choice dancers, and highlighting them on the screens.
Giving a last glance around, you note the one area you haven't gotten to yet, and it seems the perfect time to do so...
A-h-h-h yes, the bar. Taking a seat you order up your favorite 'poison' and settle back to watch for a while. The greedy side of you starts figuring out just how much money is pouring through this place right now.. and you slam your drink back before making your way out before you get too damn depressed with your financial situation.
Perhaps another night, after 3 or 4 raises... you'll return to hang with the rest. But hell, it was a free trip in here with your hotel pass wasn't it? As the bartender states 8 Euros for your single malt, you pull out the free drink coupon... and that's when they find you, sashaying their way towards you like a Song in Motion... the most beautiful creature you ever laid your eyes on. You toss on the best of smiles .....
"gonna be a long.. long... night. Or lets hope so"
