A landscape of Toulouse City near Originals Hotels

Your travel guide to Toulouse

Situated in southern France, Toulouse is a city of around half a million inhabitants that also serves as the region's administrative capital. It has a world-famous university, an economy which is centred on high-tech industries and research centres plus a reputation for a culture and the arts. The city, also known as “ the Pink City”, has plenty of examples of architecture that stretch back to the Middle Ages which blend seamlessly with 19th-century and more modern buildings. It is popular with holidaymakers from within France and elsewhere.

Ambience, Art of living, Gastronomy

OUR HOTELS IN AND AROUND TOULOUSE

OCCITANIE : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

What to buy

There are plenty of delights to pick up in the city and bring home. Armagnac is a favourite tipple of locals as is Négrette, a fruity red wine which is made close to the city.

What to visit The Pont Neuf Bridge over the Garonne is a great place to get your bearings in the city. From here, you can get some spectacular views of Toulouse and it is especially worth visiting at sunset.

What to eat Cassoulet is eaten all over south-western France but Toulouse is often said to be the place where it is made best. It is a casserole dish made with pork sausages, thyme and beans.

What markets to enjoy Like all French cities, Toulouse has some great markets. You can stroll around Victor Hugo Market, one of the most popular in the city, or head to St. Aubin Market which is open every Sunday.

What art to see A trip to Les Abattoirs - formerly the city's slaughterhouse – is well worth it for fans of contemporary arts. It is situated on the left bank of the Garonne River.

What to take your time over The attractive Jardin Japonais in Toulouse offers a chance to escape the urban bustle for a moment of quiet reflection.

To eat

To see

Transports in Toulouse

Toulouse Blagnac Airport is a short distance from the city centre which serves over 70 destinations around Europe and North Africa. Flights from the UK land there regularly. National rail services from Paris stop at Toulouse-Matabiau station. The city also has a tram and a metro system for onward travel. Driving from Calais would take in the region of nine hours.

When to go to Toulouse ?

A vibrant city, Toulouse is good to visit throughout the year. Summers can become very hot this far south but not unbearable. The Festival de la Violette, which celebrates violets and their fragrance, is held each February. Music and open-air film festivals also take place side-by-side each July and August.

What to do in Toulouse ?

Our local experts – our hoteliers – have prepared a list of top attractions and things to do for your visit in Toulouse.

AEROSPACIA MUSEUM

A centre of aviation, Toulouse's museum dedicated to aeroplanes features some of the best innovations in the industry, ranging from the Airbus to the supersonic Concorde.

CYCLE THE CANAL DU MIDI

This wide canal is more like a river and it is perfect for cycling alongside with long, flat stretches. There are plenty of places to hire bikes and trailers if you have young kids. 

WARRIOR ADVENTURE

Great on a rainy day, this centre is kitted out with a range of challenges that will test your inner parcours warrior as you make your way through a cunningly devised course.