Hear about our Alumnus, Valentin Durand, working at La Lune Rousse

La Lune Rousse is an independent French creative agency and event production company founded in 1997. Originally established in the world of live performance production, it has evolved over more than two decades into a multidisciplinary organization that blends culture, events, brand experiences, and place-making.

The company’s mission centers on creating meaningful connections, producing memorable experiences, and fostering social and cultural engagement between brands, communities, and the public. Its expertise spans:

• Brand events and corporate activations
• Cultural productions and artistic programming
• Design, management, and programming of hybrid urban venues

La Lune Rousse is recognized for its commitment to sustainable and responsible practices (certified ISO 20121) and for drawing together culture, gastronomy, and community in dynamic public spaces.

Ground Control Paris

Ground Control is one of La Lune Rousse’s flagship projects — a vibrant urban space launched in 2014 that has become a cultural and community hub in eastern Paris.

A repurposed former SNCF postal sorting hall (Halle Charolais) located behind Gare de Lyon, with more than 6,500m2 of public space. 

Ground Control is more than a venue — it is a mixed-use cultural platform where people can eat, shop, work, celebrate, and be inspired. It combines:

• Bars, cafés, and casual dining through a food hall of 12 restaurants
• Cultural programming: live music, exhibitions, talks and performances
• Creative retail and local makers
• Social spaces for work and socializing

The space serves as a lively meeting point, encouraging curiosity and cross-community exchange. Its programming often features collaborative and socially engaged projects, reflecting La Lune Rousse’s artistic identity.

Communale Saint-Ouen (Saint-Ouen)

Communale Saint-Ouen is the company’s newest large-scale venue, launched in 2024. It exemplifies La Lune Rousse’s vision of inclusive, hybrid urban spaces that combine cultural activity with daily life functions.

A historic industrial warehouse in the Docks district of Saint-Ouen, described as the lagest food court of Europe, the building in itself offers more than 13.000 m2.

What Communale Offers:

Communale Saint-Ouen is designed as a multifaceted social and cultural laboratory where people can meet, learn, celebrate, eat, work, and play:

• Large food hall with vendors specializing in local and international cuisine
• Performance and event spaces
• Conference and co-working areas
• Media studios and creative hubs
• Bars, terraces, and leisure activities (e.g., games and entertainment)
• Cultural events, workshops, and immersive experiences

This venue combines gastronomy, culture, and community engagement under one roof, embodying La Lune Rousse’s commitment to creating inclusive public spaces that are active every day of the week.

La Lune Rousse stands out for its ability to merge the commercial, cultural, and social dimensions of public life. Its work with Ground Control and Communale reflects a broader goal :

• Activating urban spaces with creativity and inclusivity
• Blending gastronomy, culture, and community life
• Creating places that are both experiential and socially relevant

Through its hybrid venues and experiential events, La Lune Rousse continues to redefine how urban environments can foster connection, innovation, and shared cultural life.

About myself

Born and raised in Paris, my grandparents owned a local epicerie in Paris. My quest for fine food and happy service begun at that time, and never lost me. First time behind the counter of a bar at 15 years old, I knew straight away that I was tailored for the hospitality industry, and fell in love with it. During my high school, I figured that I wanted to use both my head, and my hands for my future job, and that led me to GIHE. After 6 months in Hong Kong, the desire to explore the world grow significantly. I graduated from Glion Institute of Higher Education International Hotel Development and Finance in February 2022. 

Straight after my diploma, I joined the conception of Europe’s biggest food court , called « Communale » in Saint Ouen sur Seine. I was in charge of the commercialisation of all booths, and ran the project for 2 years.

I became the venue’s director from the opening in 2024, until now.

This venue called Communale gathers 8 restaurants, 8 boutiques, 5 bars, an immersive club, a performance venue with a capacity of 600 peoples, and a lot of workspaces. Communale generates 10 million € per year, and welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors in those 365 days. Communale now has more than 70 employees, and generates more than 150 workers.