Théâtre Côté Cour

Théâtre Côté Cour is a small municipal theatre in Mézin, housed in a former 17th-century convent building in the historic heart of this medieval town in Lot-et-Garonne, southwest France.

How did the theatre come about?

A plan for a theatre in Mézin was already discussed in 1852, but the town had to wait more than half a century to see it built. In 1909 local authorities revived the project and handed it to architect Albert Courau. Construction, budgeted at 12,000 francs, began in early 1911, and the theatre opened its doors in spring 1912 with seating for 246 people. For decades it served as a hub for performances and gatherings, but by the 1960s the venue had fallen into disuse and closed. It took a thorough renovation in the early 2000s to bring the building back to life and restore it to Mézin's cultural calendar.

Where exactly is it?

The theatre stands at 7 Cour des Religieuses, inside a building that originally served as a convent — its 17th-century stone structure now houses the auditorium added in 1911–1912. Mézin itself sits in the southwestern corner of Lot-et-Garonne, and the theatre is tucked among the narrow lanes and stone façades of the old town, typical of this part of Gascony. The town has no train station of its own, so a car is the most practical way to get there from nearby towns in the region.

What's on today?

Côté Cour is now one of the main venues driving cultural life in Mézin. Throughout the year its stage hosts plays, dance performances and concerts for a wide range of audiences. The theatre also runs educational programmes for schoolchildren, from kindergarten through middle school, reflecting the municipality's commitment to making culture accessible to everyone in town, regardless of age.

When should you visit?

Programming runs year-round, so it's worth timing a visit around the current schedule — check the season's line-up before travelling, since the auditorium seats only 246 people and popular shows can sell out. Visitors in Mézin for local events can easily combine a stroll through the old town with an evening performance at the theatre.

Frequently asked questions

How many seats does the theatre have? The auditorium seats 246 people — a small, intimate stage in keeping with the size of the town.

Is the building connected to a convent? Yes, the auditorium occupies a former 17th-century convent building, to which the theatre function was added in 1911–1912.

What kind of shows does the theatre put on? The programme includes plays, dance performances and concerts, along with educational activities for schoolchildren.

Has the theatre been running continuously since 1912? No — it closed in the 1960s after falling into disuse and only reopened following a renovation carried out in the early 2000s.