TOULOUSE
Capital city of expertise and legacies
Warm, spontaneous, passionate, Toulouse is the capital of Occitania. It welcomes you to its orange brick haven sculpted by 2000 years of history.
Top landmarks and sites devoted to aeronautical and space culture happily sit side by side. The blend of sunshine, party atmosphere and carefree lifestyle make it a city where lots of French people dream of living.
MUST-DOS
The tour of Toulouse's top landmarks
You'll be amazed at the sheer number of amazing monuments in Toulouse whose centre you can explore on foot or by bike. Walk into Saint-Sernin Basilica (one of the biggest Roman buildings in the West) and Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, both listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
Experience the majesty of the Jacobin Convent, a gem of Southern French Gothic Art. Enjoy the peace of the cloister and Augustine Museum. If you can only visit one of Toulouse's 80 mansions then make it the Hôtel d’Assézat.
Emblem of Toulouse: the Capitole. It is home to both the Town Hall and Opera: a unique situation in France! Admire its sumptuous architecture whose pink marble columns set the beat.
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AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
Toulouse takes you high
Toulouse isn't just buzzing with art with its 20 museums. It is also the home of the Ariane rocket, Concorde and Airbus. Prepare to find out all about the feats, adventures and wonders in this Toulouse tale. Plan for a full day at the Cité de l’Espace. Visit the Aéroscopia Museum. Pair your trip with a visit to the neighbouring Airbus factories. So many unmissable sites unique in Europe. You'll have a great time here with the family whether or not you're experts in space and planes.
La Piste des Géants will open in Toulouse in autumn 2018 on the former Montaudran runways where the French Airmail pilots took off. A unique cultural site covering 6 hectares.
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SCIENCE, IT'S NATURAL
Toulouse gets your exciting
More great family visits as Toulouse knows how to make its expertise related to its cutting-edge activities and research approachable. The former Medicine Faculty on the edge of the awe-inspiring Jardin des Plantes is now the Quai des Savoirs: you learn tons of amazing things here. Next door, step into the magical and thrilling world of Toulouse's Natural History Museum, the 2nd biggest in France. First class year-round exhibitions and an action-packed event schedule await.
GARONNE DOCKS
Explore the river and canal side of Toulouse
Toulouse has a passionate relationship with its river, the Garonne. Stunning houses line its sun-soaked brick docks in the shade of the plane trees. It's a go-to for locals who love getting together in the leafy and lively Port de la Daurade or Place Saint-Pierre. The Garonne is connected to the UNESCO World Heritage Canal du Midi by the Canal de Brienne. Boat trips, walks and bike rides on the towpaths: treat yourself to a refreshing outing.
"It's the place to be, the place where you take the time ... and a good sunbath!" : Catherine, our expert Toulouse Tourism, offers a ride on the banks of the Garonne. An essential experience!
From the Pont Neuf, inaugurated by Louis XIV as a child, you may see the Pyrenean peaks: an awe-inspiring show that is performed pretty often depending on weather conditions.
HERITAGE AND LIFESTYLE
Live in Toulouse
You'll love Toulouse and its Italian vibe. In the increasingly pedestrianised centre, brick splashes everything with its pink, red and orange shades. It is a direct descendant from Roman times. Admire the architectural features: columns, caryatids, faces and more. Step into internal courtyards in Renaissance mansions. Have a coffee in squares gushing with fountains. And of course, enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafés that make Toulouse a trendy yet friendly city.
Free museums and monuments, discounted activities, guided tour of your choice including public transport: experience Toulouse without limits for 24, 48 or 72 hrs with the Tourism Pass.
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Our selection
Longitude: 1.444854000000
Toulouse is the biggest city (1.3 million people living in its urban area) in the Occitania region and the capital of the Haute-Garonne department.
- By car: on the A61, A62, A64 motorways.
- By train: Toulouse-Matabiau station in the city centre
- By plane: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is 8km from the city centre which you can reach by tram, shuttle bus or bus.