When it was first opened in 1957 this was a theatre and it was the hottest place in town. It’s reputation grew like fire and soon it was pulling in the biggest names in performances arts. But then a fire razed the theatre to the ground in 1873, and even though no one was hurt, when it reopened, it was a hotel. The hotel did host some great pantomimes and shows, and later in the 20th century, showcased movies. Shut down in 1966, destroyed in 1979, it was resurrected in 2004 as a municipal library of nearly 1 million documents, which include precious medieval manuscripts. There are still concerts and screenings held, but on a much smaller scale than before. It’s now thought of as one of the best library facilities in the region.

• Buses 31, 32, 70, 70S, 89, 97, 521, 526, 530, 533, 535 stop Barbusse Colbert
• Bus 55 stop Republique Carnot
• Tram T2, T3 stop Belsunce Alcazar
• Subway M1 stop Colbert Hotel de Region
• Subway M2, Tram T1 stop Noailles

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