Toulouse

Toulouse, affectionately known as “The Pink City” (La Ville Rose), is one of the most captivating cities in southern France, often overlooked on traditional tourist routes. Strategically located halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and just a short distance from the snow-capped Pyrenees, Toulouse offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and innovation.

Unlike most major French cities built from stone, Toulouse is constructed from distinctive red bricks. Once seen as a marker of poverty, these bricks have now become a point of civic pride. Throughout the day, their color shifts from red to orange to pink, lending the city its famous nickname. As France’s fourth-largest city, Toulouse boasts a vibrant population of around 470,000 residents, including many students drawn to its esteemed university, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere.

Toulouse’s history dates back to Roman times when it was known as “Tolosa.” Throughout the centuries, the city amassed great wealth from the pastel blue dye trade in the 15th century. Today, it stands as Europe’s aviation and aerospace hub, home to Airbus.

Major Religious Attractions

Basilica of Saint-Sernin (La Basilique Saint-Sernin)

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is one of Toulouse’s key attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest Romanesque church in France, with construction beginning in 1080. The basilica is dedicated to Toulouse’s first bishop, Saint Saturnin, who was martyred after being dragged through the city’s streets by a sacrificial bull in 250 CE.

What sets the basilica apart is its extensive collection of holy relics, the largest outside the Vatican, which includes the remains of over 100 saints and, according to tradition, a fragment of the True Cross. The church has long been an important pilgrimage stop for those journeying to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Visitor Tips: To avoid the crowds, visit in the early morning hours (open from 8:00 AM). Entry to the church is free, but accessing the treasury room costs €2.50. Consider investing in a guided tour (€8) to fully appreciate the historical and religious significance of the site.

Church of the Jacobins (Église des Jacobins)

The Church of the Jacobins, constructed in 1230 as a Dominican monastery, showcases stunning southern Gothic architecture. The main highlight of the church is the “palm tree vault,” a unique ceiling of arches that fan out like palm fronds above the resting place of the esteemed philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas.

The church is also celebrated for its remarkable acoustics, and its grand hall is sometimes referred to as “the highest hall in southern France.”

Visitor Tips: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, entry costs €5. For an additional €2, you can climb the bell tower, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the terracotta roofs and streets of the old town.

Toulouse Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne)

Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a remarkable structure that embodies Toulouse’s complex history. The construction of the cathedral spanned over 500 years, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. It houses the oldest stained glass windows in Toulouse, along with rare works of art.

Visitor Tip: Admission is free, and the cathedral is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The ideal time to visit is in the afternoon when sunlight illuminates the stained glass windows, creating a stunning light display.

Urban Sites and Museums

Capitole Square (Place du Capitole)

Capitole Square serves as the vibrant heart of Toulouse. This central square is dominated by the impressive Capitole building, which has been the center of municipal government since the 12th century. Today, it houses the City Hall and the Opera House. The walls of the Capitole feature artworks that depict the city’s history, the four seasons, and the essence of love.

Surrounded by restaurants with outdoor terraces and numerous shops, the square serves as a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.

Visitor Tip: Tuesdays and weekends are the best times to explore the colorful market that takes place in the square. Be sure to take the free tour inside the Capitole, available on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, to see the lavish event hall.

Saint-Raymond Museum (Musée Saint-Raymond)

Toulouse’s antiquities museum is located in a 16th-century building near the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. The museum showcases impressive Roman artifacts, including a collection of marble statues of Roman emperors excavated from a villa in Chiragan, about 40 miles upriver.

Visitor Tip: Admission is €5, with free entry on the first Sunday of each month. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Plan to spend at least two hours here to fully appreciate the rich array of artifacts.

Augustins Museum (Musée des Augustins)

Housed in a 14th-century monastery, the Augustins Museum features an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings spanning the Romanesque period, the Middle Ages, and the early modern era. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of gargoyles that have been saved from destruction over the years.

Visitor Tip: Admission is €8, and the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays. Consider visiting on Saturday evening, when the museum remains open until 9:00 PM and often hosts live music events in the inner courtyard.

Hôtel d’Assézat

This impressive mansion was built by a wealthy dye merchant in the 16th century and represents Toulouse’s golden era as a center for pastel trade. Today, it houses the Bemberg Foundation collection, one of Europe’s most significant private collections of Renaissance and Impressionist art.

Visitor Tip: Entry is €10. The mansion is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Mondays. Exhibitions change frequently, so check in advance for current displays.

Science and Innovation in Toulouse

Cité de l’Espace (Space City)

This unique theme park is dedicated to space science and features full-scale models of spacecraft, including the Mir space station and an Ariane 5 rocket. The complex also includes an advanced planetarium and numerous interactive exhibits designed for all ages.

Visitor Tip: Entry is €25 for adults and €18 for children. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended to 7:00 PM in summer). Plan to spend a full day here to enjoy all the attractions. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance and arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during the tourist season.

Aeroscopia Museum

Toulouse’s aviation museum highlights the city’s rich aviation history, from its early days to the production of modern Airbus aircraft. Here, you can see iconic planes like the Concorde and A380 up close and try your hand at flight simulators.

Visitor Tip: Entry is €16, and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Although it is located far from the city center, it is easily accessible by public transport (take bus line 30 from Compans-Caffarelli metro station). Be sure to book the Airbus factory tour in advance for an additional €20 to see the production line of the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Parks and Nature

Jardin Japonais (Japanese Garden)

This tranquil haven in the heart of the city spans 7,000 square meters of green space, featuring traditional rock gardens, water features, and tea pavilions. It is an ideal place for meditation or a peaceful picnic.

Visitor Tip: Entry is free, and the garden is open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM in summer (with shorter hours in winter). The best time to visit is in the early morning when locals can be seen practicing tai chi.

Jardin Royal (Royal Garden) and Jardin des Plantes (Plant Garden)

These two historic gardens are connected and offer a wonderful respite after a day of sightseeing, featuring ancient trees, fountains, and stunning flower beds.

Visitor Tip: Entry is free, and the gardens are open from sunrise to sunset. Visit in spring for exotic plants in bloom or in autumn for beautiful fall foliage.

Water Features and Rivers

Garonne River and Pont Neuf

The Garonne River flows through Toulouse on its way to Bordeaux and the Atlantic Ocean. Along its banks, you’ll find inviting promenades, restaurants, and cafes. Despite its name, Pont Neuf (“The New Bridge”) is actually the oldest bridge in Toulouse, built in the 16th century. It is the most photographed spot in the city and offers a perfect viewpoint for sunsets.

Visitor Tip: The La Daurade promenade near the bridge is a lovely spot for a picnic or to enjoy a glass of wine in the afternoon. In summer, kayaks are often available for rent for river excursions (around €15 per hour).

Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is a 17th-century engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It begins in Toulouse and stretches 150 miles to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the canal, you can find shaded walking and cycling paths, as well as barges converted into houseboats.

Visitor Tip: Bicycle rentals cost about €15 per day, making it a great way to explore the canal. Alternatively, you can experience the canal more traditionally by taking a dinner cruise boat (approximately €70 per person, including a meal).

Gastronomy and Markets

Victor Hugo Market (Marché Victor Hugo)

Toulouse’s central market is a culinary paradise that showcases the best of southwestern French cuisine. Here, you’ll discover famous Toulouse sausages, local cheeses, foie gras, and a wide variety of regional wines.

Visitor Tip: The market is open from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM and is closed on Mondays. One of the market’s best-kept secrets is the small restaurants on the second floor that serve excellent lunches made from fresh ingredients sourced from the market below, with full meals priced reasonably between €15 and €20.

Local Cuisine and Recommended Restaurants

Toulouse’s cuisine is influenced by Gascon tradition, featuring a focus on goose, duck, and sausages. The most famous dish is Cassoulet, a hearty bean stew with meat.

Recommended Restaurants:

• La Gourmandine – A traditional restaurant offering reasonable prices (fixed menu: €35)
• L’Air de Famille – Modern southwestern French cooking (dinner menu: €45-60)
• Michel Sarran – A two-Michelin-star restaurant for those seeking a luxurious dining experience (tasting menu: €120 and up)

Toulouse Tour Routes

One-Day Route: Historic Center

Morning: Begin at Capitole Square, then walk to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin (15-minute walk) and on to the Church of the Jacobins (10-minute walk).

Lunch: Dine at Victor Hugo Market or one of the cafes in Capitole Square.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Garonne River, capture photographs of Pont Neuf, and conclude your day at Toulouse Cathedral.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the old town, followed by a tour of the illuminated pink city at night.

Two-Day Route: Complete Toulouse

Day 1: Explore the Historic Center (as detailed above)

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Saint-Raymond Museum and the Japanese Garden (a 15-minute walk between the two).
• Lunch: Enjoy a light meal at one of the cafes in the Plant Gardens.
• Afternoon: Visit the Augustins Museum, then take a leisurely walk along the Canal du Midi.

Three-Day Itinerary: Toulouse and Surroundings

Day 1: Historic Center Day 2: Museums and Gardens Day 3: Take a day trip to Carcassonne, an impressive medieval fortress located about a 45-minute drive from Toulouse. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 52 towers and 3 kilometers of ramparts.

Practical Tips for Tourists

Toulouse Pass

The Toulouse Pass provides free entry to most attractions and museums, complimentary public transportation, and a guided tour at no extra charge. Passes are available for one, two, or three days.

Prices:

• One day – €19
• Two days – €28
• Three days – €35

The card pays for itself after visiting just three major attractions.

Transportation

Toulouse is compact, making most central attractions accessible on foot. Additionally, the city has two metro lines, an extensive bus network, and a bike rental service (VélôToulouse).

Tip: A day pass for public transportation costs €6. Bicycle rentals are €1.20 per day, plus €1 for every 30 minutes of use.

Weather and Recommended Visiting Seasons

Toulouse boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The ideal times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller.

Average Temperatures:

• Summer: 77-86°F (25-30°C)
• Winter: 41-50°F (5-10°C)
• Spring and Autumn: 59-77°F (15-25°C)

Accommodation

Toulouse offers a diverse range of accommodations, from youth hostels to luxury boutique hotels.

Recommendations:

• Budget: Hôtel Le Père Léon (approximately €60 per night)
• Mid-range: Hôtel Grand Balcon – a boutique hotel situated near Capitole Square (approximately €120 per night)
• Luxury: Hôtel Crowne Plaza – a 5-star hotel housed in a historic building (approximately €200 per night)

Tip: Make reservations in advance during tourist season (June to August) and during major events such as rugby matches or the Rio Loco festival in June.

Additional Practical Information

Getting to Toulouse

• Flight: Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (TLS) is located 5 miles from the city center. A shuttle service (€8) connects the airport to the Compans-Caffarelli metro station.
• Train: The central Toulouse-Matabiau train station offers connections to Paris (travel time: 4.5 hours) and other major cities.
• Bus: Companies like FlixBus provide affordable rides from surrounding cities.

Important Phone Numbers and Medical Assistance

• General emergency: 112
• Police: 17
• Ambulance: 15
• Tourist Information Center: Located behind the Capitole building, open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Toulouse is one of France’s most fascinating and diverse cities, boasting a unique blend of ancient history, rich culture, and cutting-edge science. Whether your interests lie in religious architecture, art, gastronomy, or space and technology, the Pink City offers an unforgettable experience.