Toulouse

In just a few years, Toulouse made a name for itself as a major economic centre. Aeronautics, space, electronics, information technology and biotechnology are just a few of the key areas in which the city has forged a major reputation for itself. The real charm of Toulouse lies in its combination of youth and experience. It is home to the oldest fellowship in France, with the Académie des Jeux Floraux poetry prize association, and also the youngest, with the Académie de l'Air et de l'Espace devoted to aeronautics and space. This is a place where astronauts can gather together just around the corner from the medieval cloître des Jacobins Dominican priory. The Université des Sciences Sociales de Toulouse ensures that the city has a lively student community with many different nationalities being catered for. When the sun sets on Toulouse the city will take on the most magical appearance as it turns pink. It was built using bricks that reflect the rays of the setting sun in a shade of pink, giving it its nickname of "the Pink City". The oldest buildings of Toulouse are built in brick, which is not only unusual, it also provides a wonderful contrast to the modern parts of this versatile city.

What to see

The Eglise des Jacobins is a real haven of peace right in the city centre, and a building of remarkable architecture: The brick-built construction provides a spectacular contrast between the simple outside appearance and the light interior architecture, with its twin nave, separated by columns standing 72 feet high from which ribbed vaults span to a height of 92 feet, ending with the ribs of the famous, huge palm tree radiating out. The interior colours are amazing, combining warm and cool shades in perfect harmony. The richness of the decorations reflects the aspirations of a new generation of Friars Preachers who, while respecting the will of the founder of their order Saint Dominic to remain humble, imposed new aesthetic values in the last quarter of the 18th century.

Saint-Etienne Cathedral is worth a visit. It was built over a number of centuries merging various architectural styles. Don’t miss the 17 chapels, its stained glass windows, the large rose window, tapestries, and the tomb of Pierre Paul Riquet, who constructed the Canal du Midi.

If you haven’t already crossed the Pont Neuf in Toulouse, then make sure it’s on your list this time. Constructed in 1541, it’s the city’s oldest and possibly most beautiful bridge and connects the heart of the city with the trendy St Cyprien area.

Where to eat and drink

The main square, the Place du Capitole, hosts a lively open-air market in the mornings, and all day on Wednesdays. The square covers two hectares, and is lined by cafés where the people of Toulouse meet up for a coffee and a chat. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of this great square, enjoy a meal at Le Rowing (allées Alfred Mayssonié). This restaurant is situated on the largest island on the Garonne River, named Ile du Ramier and the menu features barbecued and grilled meats and fish dishes 'a la plancha’ – a Spanish style of grilling. For local Toulousain cuisine, L’Auberge du Pouchalou (Route de Baziège – Labège) is a traditional eatery featuring regional specialities and you can choose from over 100 wines. Regional wines aplenty; it’s impossible to mention them all because of the variety in soil and climate; among others: Languedoc-Roussilon, corbières, fitou cahors – and of course the Bordeaux region isn’t very far away! Enjoy some of the regional cheeses with these wines, such as Roquefort, Camisard, Faiselle, and Rocamadour.

If you go further afield into the region surrounding Toulouse, you can treat yourself to the regions speciality poultry, notably duck (L’aillade, for example) and foie gras. The autumn yields a crop of interesting mushrooms, giving cause for a plethora of excellent dishes! You cannot afford to miss the local’s favourite cassoulet and sausages – greasy but good!
Toulouse is the gateway to the Pyrenees and Andorra, and the Mediterranean is only one hour away!

Hotels

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Airport information

easyJet flights operate from Hall 2.

Situated just North West of Toulouse city centre, Toulouse Blagnac Airport is a popular destination for people heading not only into Toulouse itself, but also for those travelling to the Pyrenees and to Andorra.

By road

The journey between the airport and the city centre normally takes around 10 - 15 minutes. A free minibus shuttle operates between the airport and the five car parks between 4h30 and 24h00. From Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Blagnac airport follow signs to Bordeaux leaving Toulouse by the Allée de Barcelone. At the junction with the A620 continue to follow signs for Bordeaux and join the motorway A620 - E9. At junction 31, follow the road to the right onto the A621 towards Blagnac. At junction 2 take the right hand lane signposted Aeroport Blagnac, Grenade and join the D901. The airport is then located off junction 4 of the D901.

By taxi

A taxi rank can be found outside Arrivals Doors C and D.

Whether travelling alone or as part of a group, going skiing or a city break, book your door-to-door transfers in advance with HolidayTaxis. Both shared shuttle and private transfers are available to an extensive range of destinations.

By bus

A shuttle bus (Navette Aéroport Toulouse - Tel: +33 (0)5 3460 6400) operated by Courrier de la Garonne runs a service between the airport and the centre of town. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes and the buses run every 20 minutes between 7.35am and 12.15 am Monday to Saturday, and from 9.15am to 12.15 am on Sundays and public holidays.

A one-way fare is just EUR 4.00 for adults and the return journey (valid for two months) costs just EUR 6.00.

Group tickets (at least ten passengers) one way cost just EUR 2.50 per person.

Students (under 25's) cost EUR 3.10 for a single journey and EUR 4.60 for the return trip.

At the airport tickets should be bought at the shuttle bus desk situated outside the terminal building in front of the car park PO on the arrivals level (Porte C). The bus departs from in front of this desk. From the city centre tickets should be purchased on the bus. En route into the city centre, the bus will stop at Compans Caffarelli (Centre de Congrès), Jean Jaurés (metro station) and the main SNCF train station - Matiabiau.

By train

The central train station in Toulouse is Matiabiau railway station, but neither the train or the metro runs directly to the airport. Instead the shuttle bus will connect you with both Matiabiau Station and the Gare Routiere from where you can catch the metro into Toulouse town centre.