Le Shakirail

One of those semi-official squats seemingly always on the brink of closure, Le Shakirail has nevertheless found the time to flourish into one of the city’s most spirited contemporary art venues. This is thanks to the careful curation of Curry Vavart, the collective responsible for converting this former SNCF office into the artists’ residence that it is today. The sixty-odd habitants cover a wide range of disciplines between them: depending on the day, Le Shakirail’s sizeable rooms variously play host to fine art exhibitions, indie gigs, dance classes, experimental plays and themed film screenings, all delivered with the enthusiasm and professionalism that have come to define the collective’s projects around the city. To top it all, cheap beer and homemade samosas often make an appearance in the makeshift bar downstairs. Head over before the council either shuts it down or converts it into something less vibrant.