Toulouse’s theater, dance, and opera are often on a par with those found in Paris. It’s also a city of festivals throughout the year from a world-famous Piano aux Jacobins in the cloister of the Jacobins to rock and world music. Contact the Tourist Office for detailed information.
Performing Arts
The city’s most notable theaters are Théâtre du Capitole, pl. du Capitole (www.theatreducapitole.fr; tel. 05-61-63-13-13), which specializes in operas, operettas, and works from the classical French repertoire; and Halle aux Grains, 1 pl. Dupuy (www.onct.toulouse.fr; tel. 05-61-63-13-13), home of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse and the venue for mostly classical concerts. Théâtre Garonne, 1 av. du Château d’Eau (www.theatregaronne.com; tel. 05-62-48-56-56), stages plays, dance from classic to flamenco, and a wide variety of music. Another important venue is the Zénith de Toulouse, 11 av. Raymond-Badiou (www.zenith-toulousemetropole.com; tel. 05-34-31-10-00), one of France’s biggest rock music venues with variety acts and musical comedies from other European cities as well. Another venue, with a roughly equivalent mix of music, theater, and entertainment, is Théâtre National de Toulouse, 1 rue Pierre Baudis (www.tnt-cite.com; tel. 05-34-45-05-05).
Bars & Clubs
The liveliest squares to wander after dark are place du Capitole, place St-Georges, place St-Pierre, and place Wilson.
The best wine bar, possibly in France, is N5 Wine Bar, 5 rue de la Bourse (www.n5winebar.com; tel. 05-61-38-44-51), which has over 3,600 bottles to choose from. For bars and pubs, La Tantina de Burgos, 27 rue de la Garonette (www.la-tantina-de-burgos-bodega.com; tel. 05-61-55-59-29), has a Latin flair popular with students. The busiest English-style pub in town, Le Frog & Le Roast Beef, 14 rue de l’Industrie (tel. 05-61-99-28-57), has its own microbrewery, hosts quiz nights, shows football, and is usually crowded with the city’s English-speaking community. The iBar, 3 rue Gabrielle-Peri (www.i-bar.fr; tel. 05-61-62-08-07), with restaurant, bar, and club lounge, is the smart place for tapas and cocktails before dancing to the DJs’ tunes.
For dancing in a LGBTQ+ friendly setting, dress your best and head to Limelight, 23 Bis Boulevard Riquet (www.limelight-club.com; tel. 05-61-23-37-80). It’s open nightly from midnight to 7am, entrance is free during the week and cover on weekends is around 10€.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.
