Rugby-themed experiences and places of celebration

Supporters rugby © OT Toulouse

Before, during, after... rugby is a party © OT Toulouse

Whether before, during or after the match, rugby is a celebration for all these moments, a source of joyful experiences to be shared with "locals," who will happily find a place for you in their friendly "scrums." But where should you go for a true rugby experience in Occitanie?  Visit one of the region's great rugby stadiums, revel in its places of celebration or watch games live on the big screen. 

Discover the home of Stade Toulousain

Matchdays and guided stadium tours

Watching the 21-times French champions, and five-times European champions, Stade Toulousain live at Stade Ernest-Wallon is an incredible experience. Dubbed "Le chaudron" ("The cauldron"), the historic and legendary Stade Ernest-Wallon awaits. 

Go on an unforgettable guided tour of the home of Stade Toulousain, seeing what goes on behind the scenes and its highly impressive facilities. After visiting the dressing rooms graced by champions, the VIP areas, and the training room where the players pump iron in front of their "gaffer," Guy Novès, you will know all there is to know about the team in red and black.  

Find out more

Stade Ernest Wallon - Toulouse

Stade Ernest Wallon - Toulouse

Visit the other great stadiums in Occitanie

  • Contact USAP Perpignan (USAP) directly (USAP Hospitalités) for a guided tour of Stade Aimé Giral and to see what goes on behind the scenes at the club.
  • Stade Raoul Barrière in Béziers is home to Association Sportive Biterroise Hérault (ASBH), the third-most decorated club in French rugby history, having won 11 French league titles. The atmosphere at Bézier's rugby ground is incredible. You can even enjoy the game over a spot of fine dining from the "Côté Vestiaire" Brasserie, a restaurant directly overlooking the pitch unlike most stadium eateries in France.

    There is also the GGL Stadium in Montpellier, Stade Pierre Fabres in Castres Stade de Sapiac in Montauban, and Parc des Sports et de l’Amitié in Narbonne .  
Match de rugby © OT Perpignan

Rugby match © OT Perpignan

Bouclier de Brennus - Toulouse

A once in a lifetime experience 

The presentation of the Bouclier de Brennus trophy at Le Capitole

Le Bouclier de Brennus trophy is awarded each year to the French league winners in mid-June. Whenever Toulouse wins this trophy, the whole city is draped in the Stade Toulousain colours: red and black. The most iconic moment during this time of immense joy and celebration is the day after the title triumph, when the players cross the city in a procession and present the trophy to a jubilant crowd from the balcony of Le Capitole, Toulouse City Hall. 

Quote

“Rugby isn't played over two halves, but three, entailing pre-match fervour, in-game bravery and post-match fraternity,” according to former international rugby star René CRABOS.  

Away from the stadiums

Big screens and places of celebration 

Big games are shown on giant screens across the region's main rugby cities (Place du Capitole, Toulouse, and the square outside Montpellier City Hall), where large crowds can safely enjoy the action together, while other rugby enthusiasts prefer to watch the game from the comfort of the region's rugby bars, taking in their equally typical rugby-like atmosphere. 

Our best addresses for bars and pubs

  • The Danu – 9 rue du pont Guilhemery: Founded by the former Irish international Trevor Brenna, The Danu is now Toulouse’s no. 1 sports bar, with a whopping eight screens. You will also see the odd Stade Toulousain player pop in.
  • Le Rouge et Noir -3 Rue du Pont Saint Pierre: Named after the colours of the local rugby team, Stade Toulousain, this bar is an unavoidable attraction in the Stade-Cyprien district, with walls and ceilings brimming with the shirts, crests, flags, scarves and pennants of rugby clubs from across the world.
  • London Town Pub – 14 Rue des prêtres: Located in Toulouse’s dynamic city centre, the London Town Pub is the ideal setting for all your outings, where you can savour the finest traditional English beer and watch live football and rugby matches on any of its three screens.
  • The Frog & Rosbif – 14 Rue de l’Industrie: Enjoy a spot of live rugby over a few pints of home-made beer and a sumptuous burger.
  • Le Ministère – 14 Rue Peyrolières.
  • Le Tommy’s Café – 52 Bd Lazare Carnot.
  • And all the bars in Place St-Pierre beside the Garonne, a particularly lively student partying hub on matchday evenings. 
  • O’Temple Bar : 22 place Nationale, at the heart of the stunning Place Nationale in Montauban, rugby atmosphere guaranteed in this friendly and gourmet Irish pub, where matches are broadcasted during major events.
  • Le Raymond : 5 place Maréchal Foch, a Montalban institution on the Allées de l’Empereur, in the heart of the city, youthful and festive atmosphere where you can quench your thirst while watching the matches.
  • Les Lansquenets : 40 avenue du 10ème Dragon, facing the Cours Foucault and a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Montauban, this warm and festive bar is ideal for the third half, the USM team often gathers there after matches.
  • L’Espagnol Bar – 215 avenue Albert 1er. Owned by Jose Diaz, who won the French championship in 1993 with Castres Olympique.
  • Limerick Irish Pub  – 48 avenue Peyramale – Lourdes.
  • Les 100 culottes – 20 place du Champ Commun – Lourdes. Iconic spot for rugby fans in Lourdes, the bar “Les 100 culottes” broadcasts rugby games and offers fresh local cuisine and tapas to its customers.