Nantes
Within the one-time LU biscuit factory (crowned by an iconic angel-sculpted, domed tower, which you can ascend for €2), this industrial-chic lieu unique …
Must-see entertainment in Southwest France
Bordeaux
Admire the art-deco domed ceiling and original octagonal windows of this former post office, telephone and telegraph centre where Bordelais once queued to…
Bordeaux
Up to 11,300 spectators can fit in Bordeaux's sparkling new arena, a curvaceous white 'pebble' designed by French architect Rudy Ricciotti, 5km south of…
Bordeaux
For summertime music on the Rive Droite, there is no finer spot than this seasonal guinguette (open-air dance hall), with a couple of bars, casual food…
La Rochelle
La Rochelle's premier concert venue and nightclub, 10km west of the Vieux Port, blasts out everything from hip hop, funk and metal to world music, punk,…
Bordeaux
A longstanding veteran of 20-odd years on the drinking and music scene, Le Fiacre continues to pull in the crowds with its live rock concerts and…
Bordeaux
Catch live jazz, blues and world music at this garden-styled cafe-bistro, next to the Botanical Gardens on the Rive Droite (Right Bank). Kudos for its…
Nantes
This café concert is just that – a cosy and eclectic space for lounging over drinks and live jazz, soul, funk and electro from around 9pm. On Tuesday…
Bayonne
Hidden down a backstreet, this atmospheric trinquet (indoor court) stages main nue pelota (bare-hand pelota) matches under an impressive timber-framed…
Bordeaux
Catch live bands at Rock School Barbey, funky host to a stream of up-and-coming French and international indie bands. Admission prices vary depending on…
Toulouse
This concert hall has been vibrating with the sounds of rock, pop, world music and DJ sets for more than 30 years. It's at the southern end of metro line…
Bordeaux
Designed by Victor Louis (of Chartres Cathedral fame), this grand 18th-century theatre stages operas, ballets and concerts of orchestral and chamber music.
Toulouse
Party hard on a converted canal boat, with regular electro, disco and rock nights. Check its website for events (timings vary depending on the gig).
Bordeaux
Music concerts embracing all genres – classical, jazz, blues, world music, orchestral performances – take to the stage at this concert hall.
Bayonne
Down an alley in the old town, this venerable late-night cabaret venue serves up a mixed program of comedy, world music, salsa and live jazz.
Toulouse
Catch live jazz at this slinky, speakeasy-style bar-restaurant with a tasty (though rather pricey) menu of fish and meat dishes (from €42). Certain events…
The Pyrenees
The Stade du Hameau is the home arena to Pau’s rugby team, Section Paloise, as well as Pau FC, the city's semi-pro football club. The 18,000-seat arena is…
St-Jean de Luz
In summer, frequent pelota matches take place at Jaï Alaï St-Jean de Luz, 1km northeast of the train station. The tourist office can supply times and…
Nantes
This art-house cinema screens the latest in foreign and alternative films, many in VO (version original; original language). To save cents, come on…
Bordeaux
Occasional art exhibitions and cultural happenings are held in this former covered market hall, an eye-catching glass-and-iron structure designed by…
Bordeaux
Plays, dance performances, variety shows and concerts. Buy tickets in advance at the box office inside Galerie Bordelaise.
Bordeaux
For theatre tickets and tickets for concerts, gigs and so on, head to this ticket office inside Bordeaux's covered shopping gallery, Galerie Bordelaise.
Biarritz
Biarritz' stadium, 2km east of the centre, is home to the local rugby team, Olympique, and hosts professional pelota matches in the complex.
Biarritz
From July to mid-September, the open-air fronton (pelota court) has regular matches. Ask at the tourist office for match times.
Biarritz
Pelota (ball game) matches are held virtually year-round; ask the tourist office for schedules.
The Pyrenees
Non-dubbed films screen regularly at Cinéma Le Méliès, which is set in an old church.
Nantes
Constructed in 1788, neoclassical Théâtre Graslin is home to the Nantes-Angers Opera.
Toulouse
Toulouse is a city that lives or dies by the fortunes of its rugby team, Stade Toulousain, who have won the European Cup a record four times (most…
