Land of rugby
Live matches, bars showing games live, shops and souvenirs… A visit to Toulouse would not be complete without delving into the world of rugby. Here, the oval ball is worshiped and the players of the local team, Stade Toulousain, are cheered on at the Ernest-Wallon stadium. Rugby is enjoyed all year round. From major international matches to local derbies and festivals, Toulouse lives along with rugby, from sevens, to league to union!
The European Rugby Champions Cup
This European competition is the reason why Stade Toulousain has so many stars on its shirt. When the Ernest-Wallon stadium hosts Champions Cup matches, Toulouse takes on the atmosphere of an international campus with English, Irish and Welsh supporters all finding a happy home in the pubs of the French Pink City.
Whether you’re a fan of one team or the other, the 3rd half brings all supporters together under the same banner: rugby and its values “respect, friendliness and conviviality”.
Le Top 14
The national championship honours its winner with the most famous trophy: the Brennus Shield. It’s the one that makes a tour of the bars in Place Saint-Pierre the day after the victory, the one that is held aloft on the balcony of Le Capitole, the one that makes the crowd jump to the tune of “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas tou-lou-sain!”!
The festivals
The Toulouse rugby festival
The Toulouse Rugby Festival brings the turf to Toulouse’s famous square and invites everyone to come and play rugby. Beginners’ courses, activities, five-on-five touch rugby games and, of course, tournaments, are all part of this summer highlight.
The Place du Capitole is transformed into a huge rugby pitch, to delight little rugby enthusiasts and older alike!
June – place du Capitole
The WateRugby Sud de France
A floating rugby field on the River Garonne, between the Pont-Neuf and the Dôme de la Grave, with the Hôtel-Dieu as a backdrop… Could there be a more beautiful setting than the Garonne for a unique game of “water rugby”?
This is the place to be if you want to have fun and meet lots of former international players. The tournaments are open to all, you just have to be prepared to get well and truly wet….
July – port de la Daurade
The “rouge et noir”
The Stade Toulousain
Whilst rugby is in the DNA of the great south-western region of France, in Toulouse it is also at its heart. 6 times champions of Europe, 23 times champions of France, each Stade Toulousain match is followed with fervour and passion, and the whole town goes into the third half as soon as the final whistle blows.
Ernest-Wallon; a temple to the oval ball
The home of the “Rouge et Noir” is the Ernest-Wallon Stadium, in the Sept-Deniers quarter. This 19,000-seat stadium plays host to the biggest European rugby clubs during international competitions.
The Whole of Toulouse in the scrum
You have to come to Toulouse the day after winning a final when the team comes to celebrate with the crowd gathered in the Place du Capitole.
The whole city, dressed in red and black, welcomes the trophy on the balcony of the Salle des Illustres or on the Ramblas of the city, and jumps happily (despite a lack of sleep) to the sound of “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas toulousain!“.
Where can you watch the match?
If the team is not playing at home or if you don’t have a ticket to the match, head to the bars that show live games and mingle with an army of passionate fans. Check out some of our favorites!
Le Grand Café du Stade Toulousain, boulevard Carnot. The Stade Toulousain has just opened its own bar-tapas-brasserie in the very heart of the city. A hotspot for rugby enthusiasts.
Café Oz, rue Gabiel-Péri. This Australian pub has a busy sporting calendar.
The Black Lion pub allée Paul-Feuga. Gastronomy and sport create a heady mix.
The Danu pub, place Dupuy. 8 screens indoors and another 2 outside.
Le Seventies port Saint-Etienne, face au canal du Midi. Opposite the Canal du Midi. Pub and pool hall.
Le Café des Sports at the casino-théâtre Barrière on the Ile du Ramier. Countless big screens above the bar.
And of course the Stade Toulousain fan’s favourite bar: Le Rouge et Noir, 3 Rue du Pont Saint-Pierre, in the Saint-Cyprien Quarter or the famous Place saint-Pierre for it’s unique atmosphere.
Where can you enjoy the famous 3rd half?
Place Saint-Pierre, of course! On the banks of the Garonne, with a view of the Dôme de la Grave, the square offers an ideal playground for all supporters. From Chez Tonton to the Basque Bar, via the Saint-Pierre, a great atmosphere is always guaranteed. On the rugby fixtures’ evenings, the square feels like a festival!
