France Guide
Poitou-Charentes and the Atlantic coast
Bars and nightlife
1 L'Alligator 3 place du Général-Sarrail Out of season, this bar is full to the rafters with student-types enjoying the party atmosphere, with a dancefloor downstairs. In summer, it's more chilled out; the music gets turned down a few notches and the terrace is a great place to enjoy a drink in the sun.
2 Calle Ocho 24 rue des Piliers-de-Tutelle Bordeaux's best-known salsa bar has an unrivalled party atmosphere and is packed out most nights till 2am. They serve real Cuban rum and mojitos, and the self-inebriating bar staff frequently showers the crowds with water sprayed from the bar tap.
3 Chez Auguste Place de la Victoire Friendly bar with plenty of outside seating on the sunny side of the square, occupied by a young crowd enjoying a cocktail list as long as your arm.
4 Connemara 18 cours d'Albret 
www.connemara-pub.com For the homesick pining for a pint of Guinness, this is Bordeaux's most active Irish pub, with free concerts (Sat), open mic nights (Tues) and a good atmosphere for sporting events. They also do reasonably priced pub food. Happy hour is 6–8pm daily.
5 Dick Turpin's 72 rue du Loup Opposite the wisteria-filled courtyard of the municipal archives, this is a pretty good rendition of an English town pub with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and an international clientele. There's the standard range of beers – Guinness, Bass and Newcastle Brown. Happy hour 5–8.30pm.
6 Bar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) 4 rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville Friendly little gay café-bar which stages a variety of free events every other Sun (10.30pm)
7 Le 4 Sans 40 rue d'Armagnac www.le4sans.com Often hosts good DJs (mainly electro and techno)
8 Comptoir du Jazz 57 quai de Paludate 
05.56.85.98.85 Jazz and blues fans
should head south down the river to this respected venue.
9 Blueberry 61 rue Sauvageau 05.56.94.16.87 Informal jazz club
10 Rock School Barbey 18 cours Barbey www.rockschool-barbey.com Bordeaux's home of rock music hosts recognized international bands quite regularly.