Toulouse a la réputation d’être joyeuse, estudiantine et festive. Passons en revue quelques-uns des lieux et quartiers où se retrouver en soirée.
Fancy a tipple?
It is best to walk from square to square if you want to discover the favourite haunts of the people of Toulouse. There are the unmissables: the Capitole for major events, Wilson, Victor-Hugo, La Trinité and Les Carmes for cafés and restaurants.
In the late afternoon, you are sure to appreciate an aperitif at the square or the port of La Daurade, enjoying sunset over the River Garonne, or a spot of tapas on one of the immense terraces of the Place Saint-Georges.
More intimate, but still decidedly festive, neighbourhoods are also worth a detour: Saint-Cyprien and its bistros on Le Ravelin and l’Estrapade squares; near Saint-Sernin and Arnaud-Bernard, where the university bars set the tone (Place du Peyrou, Tiercerettes…).
The bars on Place Saint-Pierre are favoured by students and rugby fans wanting to follow the match. Here, the ambiance comes to a crescendo during the famous third half!
Looking for a trendy night out? Head for the music bars around rue Gabriel-Péri and allées Jean-Jaurès.
For lovers of roulette and slot machines, the Casino Barrière sits on the Île du Ramier. To give your soirée a holiday feel, you could also opt for a tasting of local beers or cocktails, discover the talent on the Toulouse music scene…
As for hardy souls who can stay awake until the early hours, are you ready for a last drink at Victor-Hugo Market? Failing that, you could always order a coffee (with a Chocolatine pastry, of course!).
An air of the past
There are also timeless spots that have endured since the XX Century in Toulouse: Au Père Louis, Le Quinquina, the Café Authier or the Café de La Concorde are just some.
These cafés have kept their old zinc and the old-fashioned decoration which gives them so much charm. Leaning at the counter or on the terrace, you can imagine the Toulouse of the past.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation. Party responsibly, respect the neighbourhood.