Visit Théâtre Fémina in Bordeaux: Art Deco Elegance and Cultural Events in the Heart of the City

Bordeaux is the perfect place to visit because not only is it one of the most famous wine producing regions in the world, it also has a rich history that spans over two thousand years and is an epicentre of gastronomy, beautiful architecture, a vibrant nightlife, various museums and a rich culture that includes a thriving theatrical community. If you are a fan of theatre, art deco, and the charm of historic sites, then Femina Théâtre Bordeaux should be one of the first stops on your itinerary during your holiday in Bordeaux.

A Long and Vibrant History

It hosts many Bordeaux theatre events and boasts a rich and vibrant history.   The building was first constructed in the 19th century as a carriage house, with enough space to accommodate fourteen horses, their coachmen, and grooms.  As transportation became modernised, it was then used as a garage for automobiles, and then as a room to hold public auctions.

After the end of the First World War, between 1919 and 1921, the space was beautifully redesigned into a performance hall by Monsieur Bonneterre (an umbrella manufacturer) and Ulysse Sédard, who was the director of the Arcachon Casino.

It is one of the famous historic theatres in Bordeaux and opened on 31 March 1921, has a façade of Corinthian columns.  The interior design is the masterpiece of the master Jean Artus and is magnificent with a mix of beautiful Art Deco architecture in Bordeaux, along with Louis XVI designs. The 1,200-seat theatre had a color theme of cream and gold with red velvet armchairs.   Gustave Larée, a student of Bonnat and winner of the 1895 Prix de Rome, designed the dome and created a beautiful mural glorifying Pierrot, music, and dance.  Edmond Tuffet created the various decorative sculptures.

In the 1930s, Pathé-Nathan used it as a cinema and partnered with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1936, installing the iconic MGM lion in the lobby.   It served as Soldatenkino (cinema for soldiers) during the German occupation in 1941 until the end of the war. In 1446, the Gaumont-Sédard group owned and operated the cinema.  In 1977, following an agreement with the Bordeaux Council, the building was restored back into its former glory as a theatre, which included renovations and extensions of the stage, orchestra pit, and dressing rooms.

Théâtre Fémina Bordeaux is fully functioning and is one of the emblematic cultural venues Bordeaux. So, what to see at what to see at Théâtre Fémina?  There is a varied cultural programme offered throughout the year, which includes opera, theatre, comedy, dance, variety, and classical music concerts at Théâtre Fémina, which feature popular French musicians as well as an occasional international act. If you want to spend a memorable evening enjoying the finest live performances in Bordeaux, then check the theatre's website to see what programmes will be playing at the time of your visit.

Bordeaux Theatre Events

If you are a fan of theatre and live performances, then you will be spoiled for choice as Bordeaux performing arts features a rich and diverse theatrical scene and caters to different tastes and offering a variety of performances.

If you are wondering where to see shows in Bordeaux, along with Théâtre Femina, there are other famous Bordeaux entertainment venues that you can choose from:

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: Inaugurated in 1780, this neoclassical masterpiece is one of the most renowned opera houses in Europe. It serves as the home of the Opéra National de Bordeaux and hosts a range of operas, ballets, and concerts.

Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine (TNBA): Established in 1990, TNBA is a significant center for contemporary drama. It comprises three theatres and four rehearsal studios, offering a dynamic program that includes modern classical performances along with different original creations.

Théâtre des Chartrons: A neighbourhood theatre known for its unique programming and intimate setting, contributing to the local arts scene.

Théâtre Trianon: Another notable venue that adds to the city's theatrical diversity, offering a range of performances.

If you are interested in learning more about the history and architecture of the city’s most famous opera house, you can explore the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux explained for deeper insight.

Things To Do Near Grand Théâtre Bordeaux

There are so many activities close to the theatre that can be enjoyed either before or after you enjoy a theatre performance. 

Explore Place de la Comédie – The main square where all the streets of Bordeaux join to create a large square where visitors can relax on the terraces and watch as the Vie Bordelaise unfolds. Feast your eyes on the vast array of beautiful architecture, including the five-star Grand Hotel.  If you are hungry, visit one of the many cafés that overlook the square, where you can enjoy the local cuisine or something lighter.

If you enjoy shopping, a trip to Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, is in order. The 1.2-kilometre street is full of different shops that range from French high street classics such a Galleries Lafayette to smaller boutique shops.

If you are looking for a quieter experience, then take the time to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts which was founded in 1801 it is the oldest public museum in Bordeaux and has an impressive collection of fine art from the 15th to 20th century that are divided between two different wings in the museum and is a must visit destination for art lovers.

Bordeaux Free Walking Tours

Discover many of the stories behind the historic theatres in Bordeaux as you meander around the city’s beautiful streets with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. The tours are hosted by a native English-speaking local who is a professional Bordeaux cultural guide.  Put on your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to explore the old streets of Bordeaux.  Your journey will take you around to different points of interest and could include the city centre, Bordeaux attractions, and even the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Port of Moon, Bordeaux’s old town that features fantastic architecture from the 18th century, as well as elegant squares and grand boulevards. 

Your guide is a wealth of information and will share the secrets and stories behind every location that you visit and ensure that you experience Bordeaux through the eyes of a local.  Contact them for further information and availability, and book an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

To understand how cultural venues like Théâtre Fémina connect to the wider history of the city, joining a Bordeaux Walking Tour offers expert local insight while exploring Bordeaux on foot.

Bordeaux Nightlife

Once your day has come to and you can immerse yourself in the vibrant, thriving cultural scene that comes to life after the sun goes down.

Visit Les Trois Pinardiers at 2 rue Georges Bannac 33000 Bordeaux to enjoy a relaxed environment with exceptional food, wines, and attentive service that makes it one of the most popular eateries in the city.

If you are a fan of Karaoke, then you should explore the BAM Karaoke Box Bordeaux in Chartrons, where you can enjoy a lively evening and sing to your heart's content.  It stays open until 2 AM for night owls.

If nightclubs are your thing, then a visit to The Base Nightclub in Bacalan (formerly a motorcycle garage) in northern Bordeaux is one of the city's finest clubbing experiences. It has three bars, a large indoor dance floor, it also features several terraces, and the finest selection of electronic and hip-hop sounds to party the night away.

Travelling to Bordeaux

Access to Bordeaux is simple with a wide variety of options, including daily direct flights from most major European cities.  You can also travel by car on the wide network of roads or take a train that will bring you to the Saint-Jean train station in the city centre.

Bordeaux has a wide choice of different accommodations that include staying in traditional hotels or self-catering options.  There are different areas to choose from that range from the vibrant city centre to areas that are a bit further out, which feature different neighbourhoods that range from modern design to a bohemian vibe.  When choosing your accommodation, it is important that you have easy access to the activities that you are planning to enjoy during your stay.

Getting around the city is easy when you choose a Bordeaux CityPass, which offers entry to museums, local attractions, and provides free transport on all buses, trams, and even the river ferries.  The pass can be purchased for a period of twenty-four or up to seventy-two hours and can also be bought for groups.

Try to book travel arrangements and accommodation as early as possible, especially during the high tourist season, as Bordeaux has become a popular travel destination.  So, pack your cases, ensuring that you include a pair of comfortable shoes and an umbrella or rain jacket (for those unexpected downpours), and prepare for the holiday of a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Bordeaux is calling!