Toulouse Nightlife

The city’s student population puts the life into nightlife in Toulouse, even if glamour gets less of a look-in. Toulouse’s world-leading aerospace industry adds a cosmopolitan feel to the general Frenchness. You can find up-to-date listings about cultural events in Toulouse online at www.box.fr or on the tourist office website (www.toulouse-tourisme.com).

Bars in Toulouse

Fat Cat

You’re only steps away from Place du Capitole in this classy little spot with a cosy ambience. There’s a bit of a Twenties vibe in this cocktail bar where bartenders have come up with some creative concoctions to go with classic drinks. Occasionally you’ll have a live jazz piano soundtrack to your evening.

Le Carbet d’Oc

This animated bar along rue des Filatiers adds to the general buzz you can feel in the Quartier des Carmes. There’s some excellent tapas and charcuterie to go with its enormous selection of rums, as well as a lively terrace that’s busy even when the weather is chilly.

Telephone: +33 9 54 60 32 57.
No5 Wine Bar

Wine connoisseurs – and anyone else who wants to learn a little more about wine – have been flocking to this intimate little vaulted bar to taste some of the 2,200 wines on offer. They’re all available via a clever machine that allows you to have a glass while the wine stays fresh for ages.

Telephone: +33 5 61 38 44 61.

Clubs in Toulouse

Le Royal’s

Labelling itself as the club for those in the 25-30 age range, Le Royal’s hosts themed after-work parties as well as nights for enterrement de vie, which literally translates as “burial of life” but actually describes stag and hen dos. Tapas and early evening menus are available.

Telephone: +33 6 75 24 95 27.
Puerto Habana

Soak up the Cuban vibe in this gorgeous colonial-style space with a huge parquet floor that’s perfect to dance the salsa and bachata. On some nights of the week, you can join the dance classes, whatever your level. Enter into the spirit with the fabulous cocktails and delicious tapas.

Telephone: +33 5 61 54 45 61.
Zoom Club

Tucked away down a narrow alley off Rue Saint-Rome is this lively nightspot that doesn’t open till midnight. But at least it keeps banging on till 7am from Wednesday till Saturday in a tight space that pulses with electro, funk and house from its resident DJ. And there’s free entry.

Live Music in Toulouse

Connexion Live

This central club near the Jean-Jaurès metro station has something for everyone in its large space. Catch live music from mainly French rock, pop and funk artists on the main stage, or head to the separate bar – and its outdoor terrace – for a cocktail and some tapas.

Telephone: +33 5 34 41 62 88.
Le Bikini

Follow the Canal du Midi south of Toulouse and you eventually reach Le Bikini, one of the city’s most celebrated venues for live music. It’s had an eclectic roster of performers since it first opened in another location in 1983, and has featured everyone from Elvis Costello to Sum 41.

Telephone: +33 5 62 24 09 50.
Le Cri de la Mouette

For live music in Toulouse in a small and intimate atmosphere – and on a barge – then visit Le Cri de la Mouette. An ever-changing programme of pop, rock, hip-hop, reggae and funk keeps things fresh. You can find a full calendar of events on its website.

Telephone: +33 5 62 30 05 28.
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