Start the night with a stroll around Port des Pécheurs, an ideal spot for people-watching, with its sport fishermen, restaurants, and fascinating crowds. Especially lively will be the area around Les Halles market, or in a wine bar like L’Art Dit Vin, 15 av. de Verdun (tel. 05-59-23-73-74). Closing times are flexible here—owner Laurent Lacouture says, “if there’s a crowd, I won’t close up!” Tapas-style food is on offer also, but the real draw is the 300-strong wine list at extremely good prices, with a particular focus on Spain. Another perfect mid- to late-evening hangout is The Beach House, a little further up the road in Anglet but worth the trip. At 26 av. des Dauphins (http://beachhouseanglet.com; tel. 05-59-15-27-17), it is a bar and restaurant right on the beach. It is open over April to December, but at its height in July and August the aperitifs start at 6pm and things can go pretty late.
Fortunes have been made and lost at Le Casino Municipal, 1 av. Edouard-VII (tel. 05-59-22-37-08). The less formal section, containing only slot machines, is open daily 9am to 3am (Sat and in high season until 4am). Entrance is free, no ID is required, and there’s no dress code. The more elegant section (for les jeux de table, or table games) is open Sunday to Thursday 8pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday 8pm to 4am. This section requires a passport or photo ID and more formal attire (no shorts of flip-flops).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
