What's interesting about Toulouse? Toulouse is a pink city. Arrival, city information and accommodation in Toulouse

The capital of the Midi-Pyrénées region of France, Toulouse is known as a historical and cultural center. One of the largest cities in the country, located on the banks of the Garrona River, which originates in the Pyrenees and flows into the Bay of Biscay.

Geographical and historical features of the region

The urban area of ​​Toulouse is conventionally divided into Old and New Quarters. The historical part is located on the right bank of the Garonne River; the most interesting sights are located in this part. The Old Part has preserved many ancient architectural buildings, beautiful squares and parks. On the left bank of the river there is a residential area, modern buildings with office buildings and shopping and entertainment centers.

The history of Toulouse has been known since ancient times of the Ancient Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages it was a rich region of France. At this time, many luxurious churches and mansions were erected in the country.

Currently, Toulouse is the educational, cultural and industrial center of France. There are many educational institutions on its territory. In terms of the number of students, Toulouse ranks second in the country after Paris. There are a number of manufacturing facilities associated with the aerospace, biochemical, electronics and information technology industries.

Stylish Toulouse

After the war, the French aerospace industry began to develop in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Europe's largest space research center is located here. Next to it is the Space City theme park, which opened in 1997. The park, dedicated to the history of space exploration, displays various exhibits of space exploration from around the world.

Climatic conditions

Toulouse is located in a temperate and mild Mediterranean climate. Daytime air temperature from June to September averages +23…+26 °C. The hottest months are July and August, at which time there can be very hot days exceeding +35 °C. Winter is relatively warm +3…+5 °C. Sometimes there are frosts.

Note! It is better to go on tourist trips from March to May and from September to November. At this time, the weather is comfortable for traveling in this region.

Precipitation falls relatively evenly throughout the year, but more rain falls in April and May.

"Space Town"

How to get to Toulouse

There is no direct flight Moscow - Toulouse. Convenient transfer option in Paris. Blagnac Airport is 6.7 km from the center of Toulouse, which can be reached by bus or tram. A bus runs to the airport every half hour, the fare costs 5 euros*. A taxi fare will cost approximately 20 euros*.

The railway and bus stations are located in the very center of Toulouse, on the banks of the green Canal du Sud. You can get from Paris by high-speed TGV train in 5 hours, from Bordeaux - 2 hours, from Marseille - 4 hours. Buses from different European countries arrive at the bus station.

Note! To get to the center from the station, it takes 5 minutes by metro to Capitole station, or 20 minutes on foot.

Those traveling by car should approach Toulouse on the ring road and take exit 15.

Toulouse (France) attractions

Description of historical attractions on the territory of Toulouse.

The Capitol is the current city administration building. In this palace at the end of the 12th century, chapters - members of the city magistrate - met in this palace, which is why the building has this name. The palace is located on the main square, which is also called the Capitol Square. Many ancient buildings in Toulouse were built from local bricks in a red-pink hue, giving the buildings brightness and elegance. The facade of the Capitol is 135 m long. Many works of painting are stored in the halls of this palace. The hall where weddings are currently held is decorated with paintings by Jean Gervais. The Opera House has been located in this building since 1818.

City administration building

Numerous churches, cathedrals and chapels have a special style and decoration.

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is one of the oldest cathedrals, the hallmark of Toulouse, consecrated in the name of Saint Saturnin, who lived in the 3rd century and was the first bishop. The relics of the saint are kept in the temple. Parts of the temple are decorated with magnificent carvings. The height of the Basilica's bell tower exceeds 110 meters and houses a carillon with 18 bells.

The Church of Notre-Dame du Thau is located between the Capitol and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. The building was built in the 14th century. The church is famous for its tall, elegantly decorated bell tower that dominates the façade. The interior design of the church is simple. Ancient interior details - sculptural group.

The Saint-Etienne Cathedral is the oldest building, but despite centuries of construction, it remains unfinished. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with stained glass windows and tapestries. The cathedral is located on the square of the same name and is a functioning temple.

Cathedral of Saint-Etienne

The Museum of Old Toulouse is one of the many museums. Founded in 1948, it was the first museum in the world to open a department dedicated to prehistoric times. The history of this museum goes back more than two centuries, the number of exhibits exceeds two and a half million.

Next to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is the Art and Archaeological Museum of Saint-Raymond. The museum displays works of art created in the Roman era and the Middle Ages. Here are objects that were found in Toulouse and its surroundings. The collection includes more than a thousand exhibits.

The Paul Dupuy Museum bears the name of its creator, philanthropist and collector. Located near the square and Saint-Etienne Cathedral. The museum has a large collection of decorative and applied arts. The oldest items on display were created in the Middle Ages. Here you can see the restored interior of a medieval pharmacy, furniture, dishes, traditional costumes, as well as works created by local craftsmen from iron, glass, and metal.

The Augustinian Museum, which opened at the end of the 18th century, houses a rich collection of paintings and sculptures. It contains more than four thousand works, the earliest of which were created in the Middle Ages, and the latest - at the beginning of the 20th century.

Augustinian Museum

Recently, a new gallery of contemporary art was opened in Toulouse. This attraction is located on the left bank of the Garonne. The museum is recognized as the best in France. The museum's collection includes about three and a half thousand works: paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations and photographs created in the 20th and this century by artists from all over the world.

The new bridge is also a landmark. It is spanned between the banks of the Garonne. The ancient building looks beautiful with illumination at night. The bridge is called new, but its construction began in 1544 and lasted almost nine decades.

New bridge

Numerous gardens and parks adorn Toulouse in which you can relax. Many parks have artificial lakes and ponds.

The Japanese garden-park is decorated in traditional Japanese style with exotic plants and a pond. Located in the Compans-Caffarelli park in the Old Town of Toulouse.

The Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1730, is considered the most beautiful. The garden is surrounded by a high stone wall; several medieval buildings have been preserved on its territory. The garden has 1,300 species of trees and plants from different climatic zones of the planet. One part of it is entirely devoted to flowers.

Botanical Garden

Toulouse is known to many travelers for its annual colorful festival, the Violet Festival. This event is the largest. Toulouse is often called the "capital of violets".

The most interesting spring holiday is Circus Days.

Note! Toulouse has attractions and entertainment centers that will be of interest to children.

Animaparc amusement park, where many interesting surprises await little visitors. There is a small farm in the park where children can feed goats.

A visit to the scientific museum “Quai des savoirs” will be interesting even with preschool children. The exhibits presented in this museum are interactive, you can touch them with your hands and conduct experiments. Not only children, but also adults can learn a lot of new and interesting things about the world around them in this museum.

Toulouse is a great place for an active and exciting holiday. Tourists are attracted here by many historical and architectural attractions, the cultural life of the region, and nearby resorts.

*Prices are current for 2018.

Toulouse is the fourth most populous city in France (after Paris, Marseille and Lyon) and the largest cultural, scientific and industrial center. At the same time, Toulouse with its beautiful historical center is one of the most vibrant and original cities in the country. Here, Spanish, Basque, Aquitaine, Languedoc, Provençal and French traditions are mixed in equal proportions.

The city on the Garonne River stands on the ancient ruins of a Roman settlement. But even today, the outlines of those ancient streets follow the curves of Toulouse alleys and boulevards, and some red brick houses were deliberately built in a pseudo-Romanesque style. It is because of them that Toulouse received its romantic nickname La Ville Rose (“The Pink City”). In the Middle Ages, Toulouse was one of the richest cities in France, selling the amazing sky-blue extract of woad. The monopoly came to naught after the Portuguese began exporting indigo to Europe. Toulouse inherited from this dyeing industry elegant mansions, more than 50 hotels and estates of the enterprising and wealthy residents of the city.

Over the past 20 years, Toulouse has become the main center of aviation and space flight in France. More than 35 thousand local residents (out of 400 thousand) work in the space industry, and Airbus is considered the largest employer in the entire region.

The Information Office can be found behind the Capitol.

Maps of Toulouse

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russian cities to Toulouse. Optimal: with a transfer in Paris (Air France) or Amsterdam (KLM). Toulouse is easily accessible from Andorra thanks to shuttles from Andorra la Vella and from ski resorts to Toulouse Blagnac Airport.

Having reached France, it will not be difficult to get to Toulouse. You can travel by train from Paris (high-speed TGV in 5 hours, regular in 7.5 hours), Bordeaux (2 hours) and Marseille (4 hours). It is better to buy tickets in advance on the iDTGV website, in which case the coveted ticket Paris - Toulouse can cost some 55-70 EUR. Also from here trains run to Barcelona, ​​in just 3 hours 7 minutes and 45-70 EUR. Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

Search for flights to Paris (closest airport to Toulouse)

Transport

Despite the fact that Toulouse is a large city, it is not difficult to get around its historical center on foot. All the most beautiful and famous attractions are within walking distance.

To get to the outskirts or outside the city, you can use an extensive public transport system, which includes a network of bus (Tisséo) and tram routes and metro lines. The metro, however, consists of only two lines: one goes from west to east (line A), the second from north to south (line B).

Weather in Toulouse

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night

January

February

March

April

• June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  november

  December

Shopping and markets

If you find yourself in Toulouse on a Sunday, you should definitely visit the flea market, which opens early in the morning near the Basilica of Saint Sernin. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make a quality or sophisticated purchase here, but it’s easy to buy a funny vintage souvenir, or just spend half an hour wandering through the aisles with trays littered with junk. Another flea market opens its doors every first weekend of the Grand Rond

Lovers of organic produce and homemade wine will love the farmers' market around St Aubin Basilic, which also opens every Sunday morning and runs until around lunchtime. Fresh vegetables and fruits can be bought on weekends until noon on the Boulevard de Strasbourg (cheap and tasty).

Interesting second-hand shops can be found on Rue Gambetta. This street is in the center of the so-called "art quarter" of the city, dominated by the School of Fine Arts ("Ecole des Beaux Arts"). Here and around the Place de la Bourse there are a lot of shops with art, antiques and textiles - the historical craft of the Toulouse people.

Popular hotels in Toulouse

Entertainment and attractions of Toulouse

The main attractions of the historical center of the city are the churches of Saint-Georges and Saint-Sernin, the Capitol and the pink facade of the large town hall. Other attractions: the narrow streets of the old quarters, lined with rich mansions, botanical gardens and the neo-Moorish pavilion of the Jorge Labit Museum (an excellent collection of Egyptian and oriental art).

The characteristic local pink brick gives the old buildings of the city an unusual colorful appearance, especially at dawn and dusk.

Notable is the Saint-Etienne Cathedral, which was founded in 1073 in the Southern French Gothic style, but its construction was completed only many centuries later. In addition, Toulouse is notable for its civil architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Particularly impressive with the splendor of their facades are the multi-storey mansions of dye merchants - that same blue woad. Some of them were designed by the Renaissance master Nicolas Bachelier, in particular the Palace of Asseza (now the Bamberg Foundation and the Academy of Flower Games).

The main square of Toulouse is named after the Capitol located on it - the city hall of the mid-18th century. In the center is a giant Occitan cross. Massive on the outside and airy on the inside, the red-brick Jacobin Gothic cathedral is famous for the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas. This first and main temple of the Dominican Order was built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The Basilica of Saint-Cernan - the first attraction of Toulouse, which adorns almost all postcards with views of the city, was built in 1080-1120. for the needs of pilgrims traveling along the path of St. James. Previously, on the site of the basilica there is a late antique temple, which was founded by the first bishop of Toulouse, Saint Saturnin. Together with other pilgrimage churches, Saint-Sernin is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1218, a stone was fired from the roof of the basilica, killing the leader of the crusaders, Simon de Montfort.

Museums of Toulouse

The old mansion complex of the Hotel d'Assezat is now home to the Bemberg art gallery (website), and the Hotel du May is home to the rustic Museum of Old Toulouse.

The Augustinian Museum is located on the territory of an ancient Augustinian monastery. It houses some paintings and an outstanding collection of medieval sculpture.

Space Town is a great place to take a break from churches and historical museums. Something between a cosmonautics museum and a pre-flight training center. Opening hours vary according to a complex algorithm; it is better to check on the website.

All of the above flights arrive in the Toulouse suburb of Blagnac. It is a small commune in honor of which, in fact, the airport was named. Bagnac is located 6 kilometers from Toulouse.

Blagnac Airport is small in area and quite calm in atmosphere; there is no incredible congestion there, as, for example, in Hamburg's Flughafen Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel.

How to get to the city

If you arrive in Blagnac in the morning, afternoon or evening, then you have a large choice of transport before you. You can get from Blagnac to Toulouse by bus, tram, taxi or rent a car. If you arrive at night, then get ready to pay about 15 EUR to local taxi drivers.

Shuttle bus or express route

This is the most popular type of transportation from the airport to the city. The advantage of this route is that its final stop is located right in the city center. At the same time, traveling between the airport and the center of Toulouse, the bus makes several stops in residential areas.

The bus departs from the stop, which is located near the arrival hall, on the first floor. The express route runs every half hour, starting at 05:00 am and ending at 22:30. Travel time from the airport to the city center takes about 40 minutes. The cost of travel to the final stop is 6 EUR; a ticket must be purchased from the driver.

Tram

You can also take the tram to the center of Toulouse. The advantage of such a vehicle is that it does not get stuck in traffic jams). The tram stop is located right outside the airport; if you are heading into the city from the main entrance, it will be simply impossible to miss it.

The tram runs every day from 05:30 to 00:00, it runs every 15-20 minutes. The cost is 4 EUR, the ticket can be purchased at the airport terminal.

Car rental

You can also rent a car at the counters at the airport itself. This is done quite quickly, provided that you have an international driver's license, a passport and you are ready to leave a deposit.

It is worth noting here that the counters are open from 06:00 to 22:00. You will not be able to rent a car at night. The average rental cost per day is 35 EUR, plus a deposit of 20 EUR. You will get your twenty back only when you return the car.

Taxi

The most convenient, fastest and... most expensive means of transportation. I'll be brief. I will only say that there are about twenty cars at the exit that are ready to take you to any point not only in the commune, but throughout France, any whim for your money, so to speak. The average cost of a trip to the city is 18 EUR. Payment only in cash.

You can also find a company desk at the airport that provides taxi services. By providing the exact address of your destination, you will immediately receive a cost estimate. You pay for the trip, receive a receipt, and they will drive your car right to the airport exit. The receipt will need to be given to the driver at the end of the trip.

By train

The train is an ideal means of transportation for those who are afraid of flying, and for those who simply love to enjoy picturesque nature while listening to the sound of wheels.

When choosing a train, you can encounter both pros and cons. For example, the fare will be cheaper than on average by plane, about 190 EUR round trip. But the time spent on the journey will be almost two days, and even here you will have to make a transfer.

The most convenient option is the train, which departs every Thursday from the Belorussky railway station. It runs to Paris, where you will have to change to another train or train that goes to Toulouse.

In Paris, the train arrives at Montparnasse station. This station is one of the largest transport hubs, so you won’t have any problems getting from the French capital to Toulouse.

Every day, several trains depart from Montparnasse station to Toulouse, running three hours apart. That is why you don’t have to worry and buy a ticket from Paris to your destination directly at the station terminal. Ticket prices range from 25 to 30 EUR.

From Paris to Toulouse the train arrives at the city's Toulouse Railway Station. It is located 15 minutes walk from the city center.

By car

The distance between Moscow and Toulouse is quite significant, it is about 3,500 kilometers, so if you decide to make this journey by car, then stock up on food, a can of gasoline and, of course, patience :).

It is quite difficult to cover such a distance in one hand, so it would be nice if drivers could change each other. In this case, you can, for example, not stop overnight, which will significantly save travel time and hostel costs.

• So, it is best to leave in the morning in the direction of Smolensk along the M-1 highway, which leads to neighboring Belarus. Crossing the border there is usually not difficult at all, 5-7 minutes and you are already on the territory of another state.
• Then the cities will follow in quick succession: Baranovichi, Slonim and Volkovysk. And after them, one of the most, in my opinion, “hard” borders is the Polish one. The local border guards don’t like it when drivers and passengers fumble around or look for documents for a long time, so prepare them in advance.
• After crossing the border, head towards Warsaw. Here, if you are driving alone, you can rest.
• After rest, you need to set a course for the Polish-German border, by the way, crossing it is also not difficult. Then you need to follow the A36. It takes drivers from the German city straight to Toulouse. Passage across the German-French border is easy.
• So, be prepared to spend 2 days and 4 hours on the road and consume about 350 liters of gasoline (200-220 EUR).

On a note

• There are excellent maps and signs on the roads of Europe; if you have calmly passed through Belarus and ended up in Poland, then you can consider that you have already overcome most of the difficulties).
• If possible, take a navigator with you, it definitely won’t be superfluous!
• Don’t be afraid to ask; you shouldn’t ask the border guards about the details of your route, because they are important and very busy. But you can safely ask local residents, drivers nearby, or just passers-by; kind Europeans are always ready to help.

By ferry

There is no ferry service between the countries.

Clue:

Toulouse - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Toulouse is beautiful all year round. Every season of the year in this place is charming in its own way, which is why there are always a lot of tourists in the city. But the influx is especially large at Christmas and during the summer holidays.

The spring sun begins to warm Toulouse quite early, so be prepared to wear light windbreakers in March. The air temperature this month is +10°C. Summer in the city is very similar to Moscow, although there is constant fog here, especially in the morning.

Autumn in the village is quite pleasant, no rain or slush. There are usually no clouds in the sky, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping until the very last month, until November.

Winter often delights the residents of Toulouse with snow. But, of course, you won’t see the huge snowdrifts that we are used to here. In addition, the snow melts quite quickly, which causes a lot of puddles, dirt and slush. To be honest, this is not the best sight. But the decorations that “envelop” the city for Christmas quickly compensate for such unpleasant moments.

Toulouse in summer

Juicy is perhaps the very first word that comes to mind when I remember Toulouse in the summer. Everything is colorful and literally full of greenery. There are flower beds, trees and shrubs everywhere. Parks and squares are being transformed, but you don’t even want to leave the embankment.

Summer, of course, is the ideal time of year for hiking. It is the perfect place to get acquainted with the architectural sights of the city and its natural resources.

But be prepared for the fact that the streets will not be deserted, nor will the queues at the ticket office. For example, to buy a croissant or ice cream in the city center in the summer, you will have to stand in a rather impressive line.

In summer the weather is sunny, not rainy, partly cloudy, the thermometer usually stays at +24°C.

Toulouse in autumn

In autumn, there are fewer tourists in the city; in any case, it is already difficult to find a crowd of Chinese travelers on the street. And the period from September to November is considered a great time for relaxation if you want to spend it not only on the street, but also visit galleries, museums, theaters and exhibitions.

In the autumn months, the weather, of course, allows you to walk around the historical part of the city, but it is no longer possible to organize kilometer-long walks, as you could do in the summer.

That is why, when planning your holiday in Toulouse at this time, think in advance where and when you will go, because there are more than enough interesting indoor attractions in the city!

September in Toulouse is still warm, but in October the thermometer gradually creeps down, in November the average temperature reaches +8°C. It rains at times.

Toulouse in spring

Like spring, Toulouse blooms from the very first days of spring. Birds singing, warm rays of the sun and green grass emerging can be observed already in mid-March. In April, the city is completely transformed, everything actively begins to bloom and smell. By the way, this is why, if you have allergies, you should reschedule your trip so as not to ruin it by feeling unwell.

In March and April, the air temperature ranges from +7 to +12 °C. May can easily be considered a summer month, because in the last weeks of spring the air warms up to +18°C.

Toulouse in winter

Despite the fact that the weather is already quite cool in November, the sun never hides behind the clouds, and instead of snow, drizzling rain falls. Usually it goes in the evenings, closer to night. Therefore, he will definitely not catch you on your morning and afternoon walks.

In December you can see snow; it usually falls at night and melts towards evening. Because of this, you can see puddles; during this period it is clearly better to give preference to warm rubber boots).

In winter, there is also a lot to do in Toulouse: visit museums, religious buildings and temples, look into galleries and exhibitions. And, of course, the most important thing is to plunge into the Christmas atmosphere.

The city begins to decorate at the beginning of December, and then you can see how quickly the tents grow on the territory where the fairs are held. At Christmas, shopping centers quite often offer discounts, and you can come across pleasant promotions and bonuses on entrance tickets to museums.

If we talk about the air temperature, it remains stable at +6 °C.

Toulouse - weather by month

Clue:

Toulouse - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Toulouse is divided into six districts. But only three of them are the most attractive from a tourist point of view. They are indicated on the map as follows:

1. Central district or "Pink City".
2. Northern region.
3. District Marengo-Jolimon.

Central district or "Pink City"

The historical part of Toulouse is called the “Pink City” because almost all the buildings located in this place were built from pink brick. By the way, fun fact: most of the locals who live in this area already in more modern houses, for example, made of red brick or from panels, often repaint their facades with pink paint to keep up with the rest :).

The “Pink City” is a fairly large area, which is strewn with a huge number of attractions and museums, cozy cafes and bohemian restaurants. There are practically no parks here, but there are many clubs and bars. That is why I would not recommend tourists with children to stay here. Quite often on the streets of the central part of the city, especially in summer and on weekends, you can hear the screams of tourists and locals drinking wine and singing songs, leaving a bar or waiting for a taxi.

The cost of renting apartments in the “pink city,” to put it mildly, is steep. There are mainly five-star hotels and luxury hotels here. Their average price per day varies from 50 to 70 EUR.

Northern region

In my opinion, this is simply an ideal place for any tourist. The Northern district is quite quiet and calm, there are many parks and squares, and it is located within walking distance from the city center. By the way, that's where I stayed. And this was a very right decision, since the morning and afternoon could be spent in the center, which was located 10-15 minutes from the hotel, and in the evening you could calmly go to rest with an open window, because the Northern area is considered a residential area. No shouting, drunken or cheerful neighbors.

Among the locals living in the Northern District are active pensioners who go for a run in the local park, young families with children who play on playgrounds from morning to evening, and adults in the prime of their lives, mainly the intelligentsia.

There are not as many hotels here as in the center, but the choice is also quite large and the prices are much more attractive. For example, the average check per day in a double hotel room will cost 27 EUR.

District Marengo-Jolimon

Another quiet area that is close to the center. The big advantage of this area is that the train station is located there. By the way, you can walk from it to almost any hotel located in Marengo-Jolimon.

This place is home to a huge number of natural attractions, mainly including many classic parks. However, near the small embankment there is also a rope park - a favorite pastime for children of all ages.

Of course, I would recommend this quiet and very clean area to all those who want to spend their holiday passively, so to speak, to dissolve in the city, feel its atmosphere and merge with the local residents. Marengo-Jolimon will also be a godsend for tourists who travel with young travelers.

There is plenty of space for children here: there are many playgrounds, parks, children's centers and ponds where you can ride boats and feed swans and ducks.

The average cost of renting an apartment in Marngo-Zolimon per day is 30 EUR.

On a note:

• As it turned out, renting an apartment in Toulouse is almost impossible. Almost all housing rental sites are created by scammers who ask to transfer money for an apartment in advance as a deposit. Needless to say, after the money arrives in their account, they immediately stop answering calls and do not get in touch.
• Bad experience taught me to book rooms on trusted sites. one of them.

You can look at prices for apartments, and compare the cost of hotel rooms by.

What are the prices for holidays?

The pricing policy in Toulouse is quite democratic. Unlike, for example, Paris or Nice, in this city the prices are absolutely incredible.

I lived in Toulouse for quite a long time, so I “took on” the role of both a tourist on a budget and a traveler who can indulge in nothing. Based on my expenses, I will tell you about the standard expenses for each tourist, and also announce the average cost of each of them.

Here we go?

Apartments

I have already talked about rented housing above. The only thing I would like to remind you is that the average price for a daily hotel rental is 40 EUR.

Nutrition

This is perhaps another fairly significant expense item. In cafes and restaurants in the central part of Toulouse, prices are quite high; for example, a set lunch will cost at least 18 EUR. It’s cheaper in residential areas: next to the house where I lived there is a small Italian restaurant. You can have dinner there for 10 EUR.

If you want to save money, buy food in supermarkets. They sell quite a lot of semi-finished and ready-made dishes, for example, chops that just need to be reheated, or salads that require dressing. In general, prices in supermarkets are quite reasonable.

If you want to try street food, but are afraid, then cast aside all your doubts. All street tents here are licensed, they are checked quite often by local services, and the employees themselves always work in disposable gloves. In any case, it has always been like this with me. The average price of a street lunch is three times cheaper than in a restaurant, about 4-5 EUR.

Cultural program

Entrance to museums and galleries in Toulouse is paid, but again, the prices are extremely reasonable, about 2-4 EUR. Entrance to churches and churches is free; moreover, most of them even have Wi-Fi installed, which can be used by anyone.

Due to the fairly low prices for excursions to museums, the administration rarely offers any discounts or promotions. But if you have a student card, you will have free entry to most cultural attractions. Also, quite a lot of free entry is made in honor of public holidays.

Directions

The cost of public transport in the city is 1.6 EUR. You can buy a ticket either from the driver or at special terminals at the bus stop.

If you know in advance that you will be traveling quite a lot, then it is best to purchase a travel card in the same terminal. For example, you can buy a card for 10 trips. Its cost will be 12.9 EUR.

But, in my opinion, the most profitable is a one-day pass - by paying 5.5 EUR, you can travel on any transport during the day in a completely unlimited quantity.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Toulouse is a very diverse city, it has a large number of attractions and memorable places, in general, you definitely won’t be bored.

The architecture and culture of this city are truly unique. Most of the buildings in Toulouse have absorbed elements of French charm and mystery, which harmoniously intersect with daring Spanish motifs.

In general, despite the fact that in Toulouse you really feel like you are on French soil, one cannot help but mention the importance of Spanish culture. Thanks to the fact that the French city borders Spain, in museums, galleries and theaters you can see how two cultures balance at once. For example, the paintings of Edgar Degas are adjacent to the works of Pablo Picasso.

And in the Museum of Modern Art you can observe how one statue has two heads at once, which are turned towards France and Spain, but at the same time come from one body. A certain reflection of brotherhood and unity is quite symbolic, isn’t it? :)

As for prices, in Toulouse they are extremely reasonable. Unlike Germany, I can say I relaxed and didn’t look for any discounts or bonuses. But if you want to save money, then visit museums on the last Saturday of the month, usually then entry to their territory is free. Also, as a student you can get a good discount and bonuses, and even get into some exhibitions for free.

Top 5

I thought for a very long time about which attractions to highlight, since they all left me with a storm of incredible emotions.

But still, here are the best of the best.

Toulouse Town Hall (Capitole de Toulouse)

If I may say so, then a real and immortal classic. I would recommend starting your acquaintance with the city with it. It is located on the city square, in the central part of the city, it is simply impossible to walk through and not notice this building. It was built of red-pink bricks and also decorated with columns. If you come closer, you can see embossed coats of arms on them, as well as significant dates for the French people.

By the way, the locals and the assessors themselves call the town hall the Capitol, this is due to the fact that previously noble chapters met there and decided important matters.

Today everyone has the opportunity to be inside, since the building houses an opera house and a small hall of fame. Its walls are painted by local artists, and there are also busts of the great chapters.

Address: Place du Capitole.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00 (Monday from 14:00), Sunday - closed. Free admission.

Assez Mansion

Another bright and very beautiful architectural landmark. The mansion itself was built back in the sixteenth century and was intended for a wealthy artisan, Assez. Now the beautiful, majestic and very pompous building, which was erected in the Renaissance style, belongs to the state.

You can get inside the building, as well as freely stroll through its garden; the Bemberg Museum is located there, where I would recommend enjoying paintings by local artists and European talents. To be honest, the mansion itself made a much more vivid impression than the museum. But it’s also nice to realize that you killed two birds with one stone, being inspired by the architecture of the building and at the same time getting acquainted with the originals of world masterpieces.

Address: Place d'Assezat.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00, Sunday - closed. Entrance: 2 EUR.

Jacobin Church

The most unusual religious building I have ever visited in France. The temple was built back in the thirteenth century and has survived to this day in its original form. The Jacobin Church was built in the Gothic style in a rather interesting square-rounded shape. Inside there is a small garden, a pond and a fountain. The interior of the building boasts beautiful stained glass windows that shimmer from the sun’s rays, the walls are illuminated by kerosene lamps, which is why the building does not smell so pleasant, but thanks to this “anti-modern” look, we can say that the church has its own, unusual charm.

Today the church building is not used for its intended purpose. Once a week, classical music concerts are organized there, by the way, a very interesting and inspiring event. On other days the church is open as an architectural site.

Address: Place des Jacobins, 1.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. Free admission.

South channel

This is one of the most romantic places in the city, a canal where two rivers join together: the Garonne and the Etang de To. The southern channel has a length of almost 250 kilometers. It was landscaped back in the seventeenth century, under Louis IV.

I don’t know if it was so beautiful four hundred years ago, but today the South Canal is the real highlight of the city. It is there that you can safely ride on small boats, feed the birds and look at the fish in the crystal clear water. The banks of the canal are densely planted with trees and shrubs, so there is an atmosphere of calm and a certain solitude with nature. By the way, this canal is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and if you visit there, you will find out why :).

Address: Boulevard de l'Embouchure.

Opening hours: 24 hours a day, boat rides are available daily from 09:00 to 22:00. Cost: 7 EUR per hour.

City embankment and new bridge

These two attractions are one, so for those who love walking, this will be a real find. I went there after visiting so many pompous buildings in order to simply blend in with the locals and I was not mistaken!

The city embankment is located in the center of the city, it is very attractive in the evenings, when you can ride boats, feed the seagulls or just enjoy the charming views while listening to the sounds of street musicians. The new bridge, despite its name, was built in the seventeenth century. Then it was pedestrian. True, now cars drive along it, but there is enough space for people on their own and for lovers of cycling.

Beaches. Which ones are better

There are no proper beaches in Toulouse. This is primarily due to the fact that the city is located quite close to Spain, where, in fact, locals go on vacation or for the weekend to soak up the snow-white sand or splash in the sea.

However, on hot days, young people and teenagers quite often gather on the embankment near the bridge.

There, on one of the banks, in the shade of trees there are always a lot of vacationers. People often sunbathe, read books, play badminton and swim in this place. It is also worth noting that this place is more of an impromptu beach, where there is no lifeguard tower, but no changing cabins, no toilets, no tents with drinks and ice cream.

On the map the beach is marked by one of the art schools, which is located within walking distance. Exact address: Place Laganne.

From my own experience, I can say that you can come here for the sake of communication. Almost all the young people gathered there are always open to conversation. And what could be better than watching the sunset in pleasant company?

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are quite a few religious buildings in Toulouse. Literally every quarter can boast of the presence of a church or cathedral. I will tell you about the most interesting and most beautiful of them.

Cathedral of Saint-Etienne

Several architectural styles were mixed in the cathedral, all due to the fact that construction of the building began in the eleventh century and was completed three centuries later. Therefore, it is not surprising that it absorbed elements of several styles at once.

The facade of the cathedral itself is decorated with iridescent multi-colored stained glass windows; inside the building you can see huge painted vaults with columns and high ceilings decorated with mosaics. Also there you have the opportunity to see stained glass windows from the fourteenth century, which have survived to this day. By the way, they are the only ones in the city.

Address: Place Saint-Etienne.

Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 17:30.

Basilica of Saint Sernin

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is one of the oldest churches in Toulouse. The building has a very rich history; it was quite often restored and also reconstructed, changing the architectural style and interior. Today the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a Gothic building. Inside the religious building you can see an unusual decor, which is presented in the form of carved stone, where scenes from the Bible are carved.

In some parts of the temple, frescoes from the twelfth century have been preserved in good condition, which anyone can see with their own eyes.

Address: Place Saint-Sernin.

Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:30.

Notre-Dame de la Dalbad

From the street, this huge church looks a bit like a fortress. It was built in the sixteenth century. At the same time, three baths were erected, which have survived to this day, a bell tower and a ninety-meter spire. The latter was destroyed due to stormy weather in the thirties of the last century. This part of the church was not reconstructed.

Today it is one of the most visited. Inside you can see a small organ, mosaics and high vaults.

Address: Place de la Dalbade.

Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Already on the way to the ticket office, you are enchanted by the museums, since they are all located in incredibly beautiful buildings. And it seems, could the exposition surprise even more? As it turns out, it can!

Toulouse City Museum

The cultural site was created at the end of the eighteenth century. It is entirely dedicated to the history and development of the city and the French state. That is why I would recommend starting your acquaintance with museums with this, so to speak, “classical” exhibition.

Today the museum has more than 2.5 million exhibits. There are photographs, documents, and ancient objects. A stuffed mammoth, whose bones were found on the territory of Toulouse, left a great impression.

Address: Allee Jules Guesde, 35.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00, Sunday - closed.

Cost: 3.5 EUR.

Museum of Modern Art (Les Abattoirs)

This is a rather unusual and therefore very interesting platform. Today the museum has about four thousand exhibits. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, photographs and household items in completely different, atypical forms and manifestations.

The museum was opened in 2000, today the basis of the exhibition are objects that represent lyrical abstraction, informal art, as well as art brut.

Address: Allees Charles de Fitte, 76.

Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

Cost: 3 EUR.

Georges Labi Museum

An interesting museum dedicated to the culture of Ancient Egypt. Even the building in which the cultural site is located has some kind of Asian-African gloss. The collection presented at the Georges Labi Museum is quite large. It began to expand in the nineteenth century and is still ready to host thematic exhibits.

In addition to items that relate to Ancient Egypt, you can find things from the culture of India and Indonesia, Japan, Tibet and China.

Address: rue du Japon, 17.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Cost: 4 EUR, up to 10 years - free.

Parks

Theme park "Space City"

This is the most popular park that will not leave either adults or children indifferent. Here visitors spend their holidays exclusively actively, studying interesting and unusual models of space carriages, satellites, ships and their engines, which are located right in the open air.

The museum itself was created near the Toulouse space center back in 1997. By the way, as it later turned out, almost all the exhibits were once operational elements that were used by the USSR to conquer space.

Personally, I was extremely delighted with what I saw, but if you want to experience much more vivid emotions, you can visit a special capsule, it simulates a flight into space. The cost of such entertainment is 5 EUR.

Address: Avenue Jean Gonord.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:30. Entrance: 2 EUR.

Grand Ron Park

The largest park in the city, which houses the Botanical and Royal Gardens. The Grand Ron has been delighting guests and residents of Toulouse for four centuries. Couples in love often walk there, who can enjoy the English landscape and stone sculptures inherent in this park, as well as children, for whom the park has many playgrounds.

In the park you can sunbathe, have a picnic or ride a bike. There are also small fountains and flower beds with unusual and exotic flowers on the territory.

Address: Allee Jules Guesde.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:30. Free admission.

Japanese garden

This natural attraction was built not so long ago. Only in 1981 did the active development of the current territory of this garden begin.

The uniqueness of the place lies in the fact that it almost completely conveys the atmosphere that reigned in the fifteenth century. That is why, while there, at some point you catch yourself thinking that you have been transported to a prosperous and very calm Japan.

The highlight of the park is a small pond in the central part, with a beautiful and bright tea house, which can be reached via a red suspension bridge. To be honest, if you want to take a walk there with your children, they will most likely be very bored, but if you want to relax and enjoy peace and quiet, then go to this address: Boulevard Lascrosses, 17.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:30. Free admission.

Tourist streets

I would not dare to say that Toulouse has many tourist streets that would be attractive to travelers. However, the central part of the city still boasts a shopping and pedestrian street, which is definitely worth visiting for anyone who finds themselves in Toulouse.

Croix-Baragnon

This is one of the main streets in the central part of the city. It is literally replete with a large number of luxurious mansions with cozy balconies from which classical music can be heard.

In addition to the fact that the street makes you plunge into the life of ordinary French people, it is also a great place for walking. Here you can see living statues and masterful tricks of street illusionists, drink tea and eat a croissant, take a photo at the fountain or at the famous house at number 15.

It is one of the most famous residential buildings, as it was built in the fourteenth century from pink brick and decorated with very refined decoration.

And here is a map for clarity :).

What to see in 1 day

Find yourself in Toulouse for one day? Make your way to the city center, because all the most interesting things are concentrated there!

• 09:00. First of all, go to the embankment. It’s fresh, extremely uncrowded, and most importantly, you can have breakfast and enjoy the charming views. By the way, in the mornings quite often commercial ships sail along the Garonne River - a breathtaking sight.

• 11:00. Go to the Saint-Etienne Cathedral which I wrote about above. At this time the choir begins to sing. You can enjoy the stained glass windows of the fourteenth century while listening to beautiful symphonic singing.
• 13:00. Returning closer to the city center, take a walk along the tourist street Croix Baragnon. Be enchanted by the beautiful buildings, listen to virtuoso street musicians, and taste traditional dishes on the terrace of a cafe or restaurant.

• 15:00. I would also advise you to look into the Espace Saint-Georges shopping center, because you need to buy something to remind you of your trip to Toulouse. For example, a cute magnet or a bottle of local wine.
• 17:00. Go down a few blocks and stop by the city museum. Two hours is more than enough for you to get acquainted with the exhibits.
• 19:00. A couple of hundred meters from the Toulouse Museum is the Grand Ron Park. What is remarkable about it, I have already written above. In my opinion, ending your day by being close to nature is a pretty good idea.

What to see in the area

Walled city of Carcassonne (90 km)

If you've been strolling around Toulouse and want to experience something even more medieval, then head to the neighboring city of Carcassonne. Perhaps this is one of the most unusual and spectacular cities, since it consists entirely of a medieval ensemble, as well as a charming and at the same time majestic castle. By the way, as it turned out, all this splendor is included in the UNESCO list.

But be prepared for huge crowds of tourists walking along the cozy cobbled streets. They are attracted by the atmosphere of the old city, which stands on a hill surrounded by powerful walls. When I was sitting on the summer terrace of the cafe, it even seemed to me for a moment that a representative of noble blood was about to gallop nearby on his white horse - the city is so immersed in the atmosphere of the fifteenth century.

Locals like to boast that this particular castle was described in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. I don’t know if everything is really like that, but there is no doubt that Carcassonne leaves incredibly vivid impressions!

You can get to the fortified city of Carcassonne from Toulouse by rented car or by bus, it runs from the station every day, the ticket costs 30 EUR. Travel time by car is just over an hour, by bus - two hours.

Food. What to try

It's no secret that the French are very particular about their meals. Even snacks are like a whole art for them. Most of the dishes in restaurants and cafes in Toulouse are no different from what is served, for example, in Paris.

But as it turned out, there are some small peculiarities here too. As one of the largest cities in Languedoc, a historical region in the south of France, Toulouse has a thriving local Languedoc cuisine. I’ll tell you about its charms :).

Main courses

Meat and seafood play a big role in Languedoc cuisine. Geese and lamb, pork and rabbit are served quite actively here. All meat dishes are always accompanied by a huge plate of vegetables (the southern region and large harvest are worth it). If we talk about seafood, the signature dish in Toulouse is anchovies with a spicy sweet and sour sauce and grilled vegetables.

Of course, we can’t help but talk about cheeses; in Toulouse, round cheese with herbs called Pelardon is extremely popular. Locals add it as an ingredient to main dishes, and also use it on its own. For example, sweetness for tea. In one of the restaurants, Pelardon was served with honey and jam, as it turned out, along with green tea - this is just a “cool” combination!

What else do Toulouse residents prefer to dine on and what is definitely worth trying in this city:

• Cassoulet. It's like a stew. It is cooked in pots and is the most popular city dish. Often, several types of meat are heated in a pot at once: chicken with sausages or pork with rabbit meat. The dish is served with garlic or cheese sauce.
• Duck breast. In Toulouse, duck meat is extremely popular, from being added to sandwiches and hamburgers to being dried or served rare as an appetizer for wines and beers. At first, the dried duck breast seems somewhat bland, but after chewing it a little, you realize that it is very juicy and quite filling.
• Violets. In pastry shops you can often come across baked goods with violet jam or pretzels with violet juice. This is very unusual and extremely tasty. In restaurants you can also see desserts with the addition of violet juice, marmalade or marshmallows.

Prices

Eating out at restaurants every day is quite expensive, so if you want to stay on budget, buy your food from supermarkets. By the way, in most grocery stores you can come across ready-made dishes, so to speak, just heat them up and enjoy!

The average check in a restaurant will cost about 18 EUR in the central part of the city and 10-12 EUR in residential areas. Street food is cheaper; you can eat a tasty and satisfying meal from a market stall for 5 EUR.

Budget

If you want to save money and have a delicious lunch, then come here:

• Boli Cafe (Leon Gambetta, 31);
• Burger "N" Co (Pierre Paul Riquet, 20);
• Le Foxy (Paul Sejourne, 2);
• Wok to Walk (Romiguieres, 6);
• BOCA (Peyrolieres, 45).

Holidays

I can’t say that a large number of holidays and festivals are held in Toulouse; on the contrary, it seems that it is always quiet and calm here, and life goes on as usual. But even despite this, throughout the year local residents still celebrate significant events in which tourists can also participate.

Violet Festival (Toulouse Violet Festival)

This festival is held in February and is extremely popular. This event attracts tens of thousands of tourists and professionals from all over the world who specialize in plants and flowers.

The violet has been the city's emblem since the sixties, but the festival only started in 2003. The celebration lasts only two days, its beginning is discussed in advance each time. During these days, conferences are held by professionals who work with violet every day. For example, lectures and master classes for perfumers and confectioners, winemakers and florists. By the way, anyone can attend these events, subject to registration.

And if you are not a fan of lectures and all kinds of master classes, then there will be a fair for you, where you can buy liqueurs and perfumes, as well as flour products and violet-based jams. At the end of the festival, visitors will be treated to a fireworks display.

Festival of Music (Fête de la Musique)

Celebrated on July 21st. The festival is quite popular and gathers about three hundred participants and about twelve thousand spectators in Toulouse. The music festival has been held throughout France since 1982, but it is in Toulouse that it is so massive because single musicians and groups come to the city not only from all over the South, but also from neighboring Spain.

It only lasts a day, but it’s so bright! From nine in the morning, an amazing and spectacular performance by local musicians begins on the square near the Toulouse town hall, which is accompanied by various special effects. Closer to lunch, there is not a single empty seat on the central streets of the city; almost everyone is occupied by musicians.

Some people play jazz, some prefer blues, and some prefer modern rap. In general, this incredible holiday charges you with amazing energy and makes you start dancing!

Safety. What to watch out for

Toulouse is a quiet and calm city, like all of Europe. If you want to take an evening promenade, then go, just take your documents with you. The police in Toulouse are vigilant :).

I won’t talk much about standard security measures, but I will mention: keep valuables with you, when going down the subway, keep your bag and backpack in your hands, and keep money, phones and other gadgets in your front trouser pockets. Thieves in small towns in France, to be honest, are quite a rare occurrence, but as they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Things to do

Toulouse is a city in which any tourist will find something to do to their liking. No matter how you want to spend your holiday - actively or passively, you will have absolutely no time for boredom.

Go to a bar and listen to jazz or trample your feet in a nightclub, or maybe you want to skydive or go shopping? Whatever you plan, rest assured that you will have an incredible amount of the most positive emotions!

But first things first :).

Shopping and shops

The city has quite a lot of independent stores located on the ground floors of residential buildings, as well as large shopping centers. If you want to make pleasant purchases, or go on active “shopping,” so to speak, then I would recommend going to the central part of the city, where a large number of interesting shops are concentrated.

Shopping centers

"Centre Commercial Espace Saint Georges" is the largest and most popular shopping center in the city. A huge number of world brands are represented there. In addition to clothing and shoes, Center Commercial Espace Saint Georges sells household goods, food, cosmetics and souvenirs. In addition, there you can find specialized shops that sell cheeses and wines.

By the way, on the very top floor of the shopping center there is a so-called “food court”, where you can have a tasty and satisfying lunch after a long shopping spree.

The address of the shopping center is: Rue du rempart Saint-Etienne, 51. It is open daily from 08:30 to 20:00.

Street shops

If you don't want to crowd the shopping center and like to walk from one store to another, then head towards the central streets. The first floors of buildings here are literally full of shops. Starting from popular brands of clothing and cosmetics to small local retail outlets.

Sales

Everything here is quite simple, as throughout Europe, in Toulouse there are two periods of the year (summer and winter) when buyers can see the word “SALE”, which is so pleasant for them.

Summer sales start in May and usually last until the end of June. In winter, it’s good to save money closer to January. Quite often, the store offers discounts and promotions even on the simplest days. You should keep an eye on such offers on the official websites of the brand, which is represented in Toulouse.

Bars. Where to go

You can drink a glass of beer or even something stronger not only on weekends, but also on weekdays. Most bars in Toulouse are located in the city center, although if you try, you can find good places in residential areas. The only thing is that establishments outside the center usually work until a maximum of 23:00, but in the heart of Toulouse the bartenders will pour whiskey until the last client understands that he has had enough and it’s time to go home).

Here are some interesting establishments that are worth visiting:

• Quinquina Bar(26 rue Peyras). When I entered the Quinquina Bar, for a moment it even seemed as if I had opened the door of some old English pub, where visitors are treated not as clients, but as close friends. Indeed, the staff around is very friendly and cheerful. The prices are reasonable and the interior features a lot of wood and red brick. English flags and stuffed animals hang on the walls. The bar menu has a large selection of beers. The atmosphere is wonderful, the music is calm, and the alcohol is tasty and attractively priced. In general, I would recommend visiting Quinquina Bar first! The average bill is 30 EUR.

Opening hours: daily from 16:00 to 04:00.

• La Cale seche(41 rue Leon Gambetta). And this is a place very beloved by local residents, from which it emanates French flavor. I would never have thought that in a bar that serves dishes far from the haute cuisine menu, you can also see something romantic and mysterious. The interior of La Cale seche is very simple, one might even say trivial, but this place left me with the warmest memories. Most likely because at every table in this bar and even at the counter there were French people chattering sweetly, and somewhere even elderly couples who sipped their drinks from a straw. The menu in the bar is rich, with beer, wines, and stronger wines; there are also a lot of snacks - the assortment is quite large. The average bill is 30 EUR.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 19:00 to 02:00; Sat from 19:00 to 03:00, Sun - closed.

Here are a couple of other interesting bars:

• Le Comptoir des Possibles (65 rue Pargaminieres);
• The George and Dragon (1 Place du Peyrou);
• Le Premium (14 rue Baronie).

Clubs and nightlife

There are quite a lot of clubs in Toulouse, almost all of them are located in the center. I was in the two most popular ones. What impressions did I have after visiting them? I'll tell you now!

• Opium Club(20 Rue Denfert Rochereau). To get inside you have to wait in a queue for half an hour. By the way, there is a rather strict security guard at the entrance, who, without much familiarity, turns away those he doesn’t like. I followed the standard dress code and walked in fairly quickly. Inside, fans of club music will find a huge dance floor and a small area with sofas, and there is also a bar. DJs change every two hours, but at the same time they play standard music - club remixes of popular world hits. Entrance to the club costs 5 EUR, open from Thursday to Saturday from 23:45 to 06:00.

• O Club By Charleston(101 Route d'Agde). Another fairly popular youth place. In this club, unlike the Opium Club, the dance floor is many times larger, and the DJ is more active, they are always ready to “hear” the crowd and start spinning the records that visitors want. For example, when we were at Ubu Club there were quite a lot of Russian-speaking visitors, which is why we danced to the hits of the group SEREBRO and Ivan Dorn. By the way, the latter is extremely popular there. Ubu Club also has a bar, but the prices are very high. , for example, one cocktail will cost at least 14 EUR. Entry to the club is paid - 7 EUR. Opening hours: Thu-Sat from 00:00 to 06:30.

And here are a couple more incendiary places:

• Californication Club (23 Rue Nicolas Bachelier);
• Le Bazar (11 Rue des Puits Clos);
• Ubu Club (16 Rue Saint-Rome);
• Limelight (23Bis Boulevard Pierre Paul Riquet).

Extreme Sports

Fans of extreme sports will definitely appreciate the opportunity to go rafting and do it not somewhere in the neighborhood, but in the very center of the city. Rafting trips on the Garonne River are organized by local tourism operators.

All you have to do is express your desire, and if there is a group of ten people, then you and your instructor can raft down a fairly steep river. The cost of rafting including equipment is 20 EUR per person. I really liked it, the only thing is that we were all terribly cold, which means take it into service and stock up on thermoses.

Tour operators also organize hot air balloon flights over the city and parachute jumps. Their cost and conditions must be clarified on site.

Well, if you want to ride a skateboard on a quality playground or jump on a trampoline, then be sure to check out Trampoline Park. The indoor entertainment area is open every day from 10:00 to 21:00.

Exact address: 2 rue de l Egalite, cost - 4 EUR per hour.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Souvenir shops in Toulouse are full of mugs, magnets, keychains and other “standard” souvenirs. Personally, I decided that I needed to take something healthy and tasty with me). That is why I opted for several bottles of local wine for 5 EUR and dried cheese for 3 EUR. By the way, the latter survived the flight quite well.

Cosmetics and perfumes containing violets are also very popular. For example, for 2 EUR you can buy scented soap with violet.

If you have a summer house or love indoor plants, then pay attention to violet cuttings. Since Toulouse loves these flowers, there are quite a few varieties of violets in local stores.

Agree that while at home it will be quite pleasant to watch how a piece of Toulouse grows and blooms on your windowsill).

How to get around the city

Toulouse is quite a large city, but all the attractions are within walking distance of each other, and even simple streets sometimes cause wild delight. Therefore, I believe that you can move around the city on foot, at least along its central part and the embankment. Also, many locals ride bicycles and scooters, and rental points are located at every step. Rental cost per hour is 2 EUR.

The public transport network is represented by a couple of metro lines, one tram line, as well as a large number of bus routes. Tickets for all types of transportation except the metro can be purchased either from the driver himself for cash, or at the bus stop, in a special terminal. The cost is 1.6 EUR.

If you want to save money, it is better to purchase travel cards. These passes do not have a single name; simply by purchasing a ticket you will pay a certain amount, which depends on the desired number of trips:

• 2 trips - 3.1 EUR;
• 10 trips - 12.9 EUR;
• One day (unlimited number of trips) - 5.5 EUR;
• Two days (unlimited number of trips) - 8.5 EUR;
• Evening pass (after 19:00 to 00:00) - 2.7 EUR.

Also, if you want to get from point A to point B with special comfort, you can use a taxi. I will tell you about everything in order below.

Taxi. What features exist

You can order a taxi in Toulouse either by phone or “catch” one on the street, because almost every attraction will have one or two cars parked. It is better to pay for travel in cash, since terminals in cars often break down or they do not have a connection with the bank.

You can find out about the cost when ordering a car; for example, a train from the airport to the city center costs 18-20 EUR.

Trams

Trams appeared in the city relatively recently, at the beginning of the 2000s, which is why they are all new and “nimble”). This is, of course, a plus. Another positive feature is that trams do not get stuck in traffic jams and are an ideal means of transportation for those in a hurry during rush hour.

But since trams appeared in the city recently, they have only one line, which runs through the central part of the city and goes to the suburb of Blagnac, and then turns around and runs back. Locals say that you can get from the starting station to the final station in just 30-35 minutes.

Metro

The metro in Toulouse is very different from the Russian one, for example, in that there are no drivers and all stations are closed. That is, the tunnels are fenced off from the landing platform with doors. They open only when the train arrives. This, of course, is very unusual, but it is extremely safe, which is a definite plus.

The metro in Toulouse is very popular, despite the fact that it has only two lines, they cover the most popular places in the city, so crowding when boarding is quite common.

Line A runs from southeast to northwest, while line B runs throughout the city along the Garonne River, passing through stops at the city's main attractions.

The metro opens at 5:15, trains run until midnight; on Friday and Saturday the metro closes an hour later.

Buses

In Toulouse, the bus is the most popular form of public transport, covering the entire city. Every day, about two hundred buses travel along the streets of Toulouse, which have 81 routes.

Transport operating hours are from 05:00 to 21:30. The ticket can be purchased both from the driver (cash payment) and at the terminals at the bus stop.

Transport rental

In Toulouse, you can rent a car either at the airport, but from 06:00 to 23:00, or at any time of the day in the city. To do this, you need to have an international driving license and a 20 EUR deposit, which is returned after the rental period expires and the car is returned to the owner.

I have no experience renting a car in Toulouse, but I can advise you to familiarize yourself with the cars offered and the pricing policy on a proven one.

Fines in Europe are huge and Toulouse is no exception, so be sure to follow the traffic rules, especially the speed limit, they are very strict here.

There are also big problems with free parking in Toulouse, so be prepared to pay about 2 EUR per hour for paid parking at a shopping center or at your hotel, otherwise you risk becoming the “lucky one” whose car is towed and slapped with a huge fine (from 30 EUR ).

Toulouse - holidays with children

Toulouse will be a good holiday destination, both for tourists without children and for those traveling with young travelers. The French are quite sensitive to the younger generation, so if you are afraid that your child’s loud laughter or little pranks will disturb someone, then you are mistaken.

Locals do not change their rhythm of life at all due to the fact that a child is sitting in their stroller; they also actively go with him to museums and restaurants, go down to the metro and ride trams.

As for entertainment, the city's residential areas are strewn with playgrounds, and shopping centers are filled with recreation rooms. Cafes and restaurants often have a children's menu, and in public transport there is no charge for a child under 6 years old.

Here are a couple of places that kids will definitely like:

• Safari Kids (111 rue Nicolas Louis Vauquelin);
• Royal Kids Toulouse (2 rue de l Egalite);
• Royal Kids Toulouse (185 avenue de Fronton).

Ski holiday

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

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French city of Toulouse (Mid-Pyrénées region)

The French city of Toulouse is a settlement located in the south of France, the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees region and the administrative center of the Haute-Garonne department and the Toulouse district.

One of the largest cultural, scientific and industrial centers in France; fourth most populous city (480 thousand inhabitants, 2012) after Paris , Marseille And Lyon. The motto is Per Tolosa totjorn mai, which means “more of everything for Toulouse.”

Toulouse, with its beautiful historical center, is one of the busiest and largest provincial cities in France. After the war, the city was simply transformed thanks to the French government, which lavished money into it to turn Toulouse into a high-tech industry nerve center and a kind of first transnational Euroville. Toulouse has always been an aviation center - back in the 1920s, Saint-Exupéry and Mermault took off from here for the first time in postal flights over Africa and the Atlantic.

Today Toulouse is the headquarters of the Aerospatiale corporation, the driving force behind the Concorde, Airbus and Ariane launch vehicles. The National Space Centre, the European Space Shuttle program, leading aviation schools, the advanced electronics industry... all of this is concentrated in Toulouse, whose 110 thousand students make it the second university center after Paris.

Yes, these transformations also apply to the burgeoning suburbs with factories, laboratories, shopping centers, residential complexes, where residents go for entertainment, but not to the old Ville Rose (Pink City), pink not only because of the color of its brick buildings, but also because of the policies being implemented.

Not for the first time in history, Toulouse achieved rapid prosperity. From the 10th to the 12th centuries, the counts of Toulouse controlled most of southern France. They maintained the most brilliant court in the country, glorified above all by the troubadours, those poets of courtly love, whose works inspired Petrarch, Dante, Chaucer and thus influenced the development of European poetry as a whole. This continued until the greedy northern French barons set out on the Albigensian Crusade, and in 1271 Toulouse became the property of the French crown.

Arrival, city information and accommodation in Toulouse

The train station (gare Matabiau) and bus station (gare Routiere) are located side by side on Boulevard Pierre-Semard on the banks of the artistically landscaped Canal du Midi. This is where you will find yourself when you arrive in Toulouse by train, bus or plane, as regular airport buses (arriving every 20 minutes; travel time 20 minutes; 4 €) will drop you off at the bus station (they also stop at allees Jean- Jaures and place Jeanne-d`Arc). Those traveling by car should approach the city along the ring road (boulevard Peripherique) and take exit 15.

To get to the city center from the station, it takes only 5 minutes by metro; exit at Capitole station (€1.30, ticket valid for one hour when traveling by metro and Semvat city buses within the city center) or 20 minutes on foot.

After leaving the station, turn left, cross the canal and go straight along the allees Jean-Jaures through Wilson Square(place Wilson) to Place du Capitole, the main square of the city. Directly in front of it lie the shady and frequently visited gardens of Place Charles de Gaulle (Charles-de-Gaulle), where the city's main tourist office is housed in a 16th-century tower, restored by the bathroom so that it looks like the main tower (donjon) of a castle; Capitole metro station is nearby.

The best way to learn about the repertoire of cultural and entertainment institutions (usually there are many events, from opera to films) is to buy the latest issue of the weekly information magazines Toulouse Hebdo (€0.50) and Flash (€1). The interests of intellectuals are usually reflected in the free monthly Toulouse Culture, which is available from travel agencies and other places.

Toulouse (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Toulouse with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Toulouse (France)

Toulouse is a city in the south of France and the capital of the Occitanie region. Located in the heart of the French southwest near the Pyrenees, halfway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Toulouse is one of the most beautiful cities in France with interesting brick architecture, rich history, sunny climate, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. La Ville Rose (translated as “the pink city”) is the so-called name of Toulouse because of the terracotta bricks from which many of the ancient buildings of the historical center are built.

Toulouse was founded on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. In the Middle Ages it was a popular place of pilgrimage and a religious center in southern France. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin was one of the stops on the path of St. Jacob's is still included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now Toulouse is an important scientific, industrial and cultural center of the country.

Geography and climate

Toulouse is located on the banks of the Garrona River, 680 km from Paris. The old city occupies the right bank, and the suburb of Saint-Cyprien is located on the left. The climate is subtropical (Mediterranean). Characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

Practical information

1. Population - more than 470 thousand people.
2. Area - 118.3 km2.
3. Language - French.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - UTC +1, in summer +2.
7. Blagnac International Airport is located 11 km from Toulouse, which connects it with some major European cities.
8. Toulouse has excellent transport links with Paris, Barcelona, ​​Bordeaux, Marseille.
9. The city is famous for its excellent gastronomy. The most famous local dishes are duck, Saucisse de Toulouse (fried spicy sausages) and Cassoulet (stew with beans and herbs).
10. Toulouse is a very safe city. It is enough to follow basic safety rules and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

Story

The history of Toulouse goes back more than two thousand years and it is one of the oldest cities in France. Even in the pre-Roman period, there was a Gallic settlement of Tolosa, which in 106 BC. was captured by the Romans. From the 4th century AD Toulouse is the seat of the bishop. From 419 to 507 - the capital of the Visigothic kingdom. At the beginning of the 6th century, Toulouse was captured by the Franks.

Subsequently, the city was the center of the Kingdom of Aquitaine. In 721 he was besieged by the Saracens, but survived. Since the second half of the 8th century, Toulouse has been the residence of the Counts of Toulouse, who controlled almost the entire south of France. In the Middle Ages the city flourished and was an important center of pilgrimage, as it was on the religious route of St. Jacob.

The Dominican Order was founded here in 1214. In 1217 - 1218, Toulouse was besieged and taken by the crusaders. In 1229 the University of Toulouse was founded. In 1271, Toulouse became part of the kingdom of France and the center of the province of Languedoc.

In the 16th century (during the Huguenot wars), Toulouse was a stronghold of Catholics. Subsequently, the importance of the city declined. Everything changed relatively recently. In the 20th century, Toulouse became the center of French aircraft manufacturing, and Charles de Gaulle ordered the National Center for Space Research to be located here. This contributed to economic growth and population growth.

Attractions

Saint Sernin is an ancient Romanesque basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful churches on the medieval religious route of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Saint-Sernin was built between the 11th and 13th centuries using red brick, typical of Toulouse architecture.

The building has a five-nave structure and a three-nave transept in Romanesque style. The basilica is dedicated to St. Saturin (Sernen), who was martyred in Patras (Greece). His tomb is located in the apse. Interesting features of Saint-Sernin: a magnificent Romanesque facade, a portal with sculptures, a beautiful 17th-century choir, a huge carved Romanesque crucifix in the north transept, 11th-century marble reliefs and a crypt with religious relics.

The Dominican Monastery is a fine example of Southern Gothic architecture. It was founded in the 13th century and built entirely of red brick. The tower of the monastery church resembles the architecture of the Saint-Sernin tower. The monastery has a strict appearance and exquisite internal architecture. Chapel of St. Antonia is decorated with paintings from the 16th century. The relics of St. Thomas Aquinas are also kept here.

Place du Capitole is the lively center of Toulouse and features exquisite classical architecture. On the western side of the square you can see beautiful arcades. On the east side is the famous 18th-century Capitol building with its impressive halls. Behind the square is an ancient 16th-century defensive tower, and to the south are the charming streets of the old town.

Saint-Etienne is a cathedral that was built over several centuries and has features of several architectural styles. The first church on this site was built in the late 12th century in the Southern Gothic style. The cathedral was later rebuilt in the Northern Gothic style to compete with the magnificent cathedrals of Northern Europe. The structure of the church is distinguished by a massive tower, a huge rose window with stained glass and complex decorative elements of the facade. Inside you can see 17 chapels and beautiful tapestries from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The Carmelite Chapel is a small religious building with magnificent paintings inspired by the Sistine Chapel. The chapel was built in the 17th century and was part of a Carmelite monastery that was destroyed during the French Revolution.

The Canal du Midi is a 240 km long hydraulic structure built in the 17th century that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk and a relaxing atmosphere.

Chapel of St. Joseph is a beautiful 17th century chapel that is the main attraction of Saint-Cyprien. It was once part of a medieval hospital that housed plague victims.

Notre-Dame du Tour

Notre-Dame du Taur is an ancient church with an unusual bell tower. Built of pink brick in the Southern Gothic style. According to legend, the church stands on the spot where the body of the first bishop of Toulouse, Sernen, fell, who was killed by the Romans and tied to a bull, letting the animal run through the city.

Church of Saint-Pierre

The Church of Saint-Pierre is a 17th-century religious building built by Carthusian monks. The church is decorated with magnificent 18th-century sculpture, frescoes and stucco bas-reliefs.

Notre-Dame de la Dalbade is an ancient church with a very beautiful portal, located in the heart of the Carmes quarter. The history of the church dates back to the 6th century. The building was completely rebuilt in the 15th century after a fire. Until 1926, the church had the tallest bell tower in the city, until it collapsed.

The ruins of a Roman amphitheater are the only ancient monument of Toulouse. The amphitheater was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. and was used for gladiator fights until the end of the 4th century.

Notre-Dame de la Daure is an imposing basilica located on the banks of the Garrona. It was built in the 5th century on the ruins of a Roman temple. In the 9th century it became part of a Benedictine monastery. The old church was demolished in the 18th century and completely rebuilt.

The donjon is a 16th century gunpowder tower topped by a bell tower in the style of Flemish architecture.

Museums of Toulouse:

• Museum of Fine Arts, located in a former Augustinian monastery. Shows a collection of paintings and sculptures. The collection of paintings includes works by artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Perugino and Rubens. The collection of sculptures spans the Romanesque period to the modern era. Among the sculptures, the most impressive are the magnificent works of the late Middle Ages.
• The Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts (Bemberg Foundation), housed in an extravagant 16th-century mansion. Here you can look at paintings, bronze sculptures and other art objects. The highlight of the collection of paintings are works of the Renaissance and modern French school, including paintings by Monet and Boudin.
• Archaeological Museum (Saint-Raymond) - a wonderful collection of archaeological finds and antiquities. The museum is located in a medieval university building. The highlight of the collection is the gallery of Roman sculptures.