Tourists come to Toulouse to see perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture, ancient Catholic churches, interesting museums and picturesque parks. Many of the buildings in the historic center are made of red brick, which is why Toulouse is often called the “pink city” (La Ville Rose). This is especially noticeable towards the end of the day, when the streets are illuminated by the rays of the setting sun. Almost all brick buildings were erected in the Colombage style (or French half-timbered) and Romanesque style.
In terms of mentality and traditions, Toulouse is the most “Spanish” of all French cities. For tourists, this is noticeable by the usual long siesta for the middle of the day. The residents themselves consider their city the birthplace of troubadours and knights, which managed to preserve its unique medieval charm.
In Toulouse you can see many civil buildings of the 16th-17th centuries - magnificent multi-storey mansions and palaces. Since the city lay on the famous pilgrimage route of St. James and was the religious center of the south of the country, there are several Romanesque and Gothic temples located here.
The Canal du Midi, or Canal du Sud, passes by Toulouse, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The 240 km long shipping route, as well as the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin located in the city, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Toulouse is remote from the coast and is not a seaside resort, so the climate does not play a special role for travelers. However, most tourists come here in spring and autumn. In the off-season, the temperature in Toulouse is comfortable and there is not much rain.
History of Toulouse
Places on the banks of the Garonne have been inhabited since antiquity. Archaeologists have discovered human sites on the outskirts of the city dating back to the Paleolithic era. The history of Toulouse itself is usually counted from the 3rd century BC, when representatives of the Celtic tribes, the Volci, began to live here. They founded a settlement on the right bank of the river, where several trade routes passed.
Later, the surrounding lands were captured by the Romans, while Toulouse had the status of an independent city and was considered an ally of the Roman Empire. Not far from it stood a military garrison that controlled the strategically important Via Domitia, connecting Rome and Spain.
However, this state of affairs did not last long. In 109, Germanic tribes began to raid the Romans, and the Volci supported the barbarians. The Empire severely punished its former allies. Three cities later, Roman units under the command of Quintus Servilius Caepio captured Toulouse and plundered it.
After this, the city's population quickly became Romanized. Local residents began to produce wine for the empire. They farmed and traded slaves. New temples, theaters and schools were built in the city, and by the beginning of the 1st century AD its population had grown to 20 thousand people. Today the Roman cultural layer is located at a depth of 3-5 m, and little has survived from the buildings of those times.
In the 2nd-3rd centuries, powerful fortress walls appeared in Toulouse, Christianity came here, and a local diocese was founded. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the surrounding lands were ruled by the Visigoths, and the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Toulouse. Toulouse flourished, and Christianity finally took hold as its main religion.
In the 8th century, when the Arabs captured one European city after another, they were defeated at the Battle of Toulouse (721). This battle was the first victory of Catholics over Muslims.
The well-being of the medieval city largely depended on its position on the crowded Way of St. James, along which crowds of pilgrims walked to Spain, to the tomb of the Apostle. In 1218, after a long siege, the Crusaders captured Toulouse. Under them, a university was opened in the city, the Dominican Order was founded, and the local see received the status of an archbishop.
For several centuries, Toulouse was a provincial city, experiencing economic booms and suffering from devastating plagues and fires. Industry in the city began to develop only after the construction of the first railway. During the First World War, many large industries, aviation units and workshops were located in Toulouse, far from the fronts, and the urban population grew greatly due to migrants.
Toulouse became a major scientific and industrial center in the 1960s, when aviation and space enterprises, as well as scientific centers, began operating here. Today they make a major contribution to the city's economy.
Sights of Toulouse
In Toulouse, it is worth paying attention, first of all, to man-made attractions. The city contains many historical, architectural and cultural monuments. As in most French cities, the most interesting places are concentrated in the historical part of Toulouse.
Capitol Square
The historic center of Toulouse lies on the high right bank of the Garonne. The main square of the city is considered to be the Place du Capitole, which is surrounded by old buildings and historical landmarks. This square was formed in the early Middle Ages, and in the mid-1990s it was reconstructed, turning it into a spacious pedestrian area for city residents and tourists.
There are many restaurants open along the perimeter of the Capitol Square, and their owners often set tables for guests directly onto the square, making it feel homely. There is a parking lot for small electric cars, which tourists can use to tour the main attractions of Toulouse.
In the center of the square is a huge Occitan or Cathar cross dedicated to Our Lady. The four bars of the cross are not a symbol of crucifixion and suffering, but are dedicated to virtues - love, kindness, purity and beauty. They have zodiac symbols at the ends. The ancient heraldic symbol is also called the “Toulouse cross”. His image can be seen everywhere - on the city flag, building facades, signs and even on cakes.
Since 1190, the majestic building of the city hall, the Capitol, has stood on the square, the façade of which is decorated with eight pink marble columns. The ancient building was reconstructed many times and acquired its modern appearance in 1750. The oldest parts of the Capitol are considered to be the courtyard of Henry IV and the gate.
Today, the ancient town hall houses the city government, the opera house and the symphony orchestra. Weddings are held here, and some halls are open to tourists. The inside of the spacious building is very beautiful, as the interiors have preserved many design elements from the 16th-19th centuries and ancient wall paintings. Admission to the Capitol is free, on any day except Sunday, from 10.00 to 19.00 (on Mondays - until 14.00). Behind the town hall is the Toulouse tourist office, where visitors to the city can get information about museums and hotels.
Basilica of Saint Sernin
The main Catholic church in Toulouse is the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Sernin, located on Place Saint Sernin. The huge basilica is one of the calling cards of the city and the only building remaining from the medieval abbey of the same name. The temple rises on the site of a 4th-century Christian church, where the first bishop of the city, Saturninus of Toulouse, was buried. This saint is revered by Catholics as a martyr. He brought Christianity to Toulouse and was executed by local pagans because he refused to make a sacrifice to Jupiter Capitolinus.
The construction of the basilica began at the end of the 12th century and was built in four stages. In the Middle Ages, it received a huge number of pilgrims going to pray at the tomb of the Apostle James, located in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Today, the ancient temple is the largest Romanesque basilica in the world and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The bell tower with its spire rises to a height of more than 110 m, and the length of the basilica reaches 115 m.
The temple is interesting with carved stone portals, 12th-century frescoes, perfectly preserved Romanesque sculptures, an old organ and a carillon with 18 bells. Inside there are several Christian shrines - a thorn from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ and the relics of 128 Christian saints. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 18.00, and on Sundays from 8.30 to 19.00. On Sundays, a flea market popular with tourists takes place near it, where they sell interesting vintage items and souvenirs with the symbols of Toulouse.
Cathedral
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint-Etienne also has a long history. The exact time of construction of the cathedral is not known, but the first mention of a Christian church on this site dates back to 844. The cathedral was built and reconstructed over several centuries, and therefore its architecture is not uniform.
The entrance to the temple is located in the oldest part, made in the traditions of early Gothic, the decoration of which was a multi-colored stained glass rose window (1320). Later parts of the cathedral were built in the tradition of Romanesque architecture.
The interiors of the cathedral are as heterogeneous as its appearance. Here you can see 17 chapels, large choirs, a carved Baroque altar, tapestries and the oldest stained glass windows in the city. The temple has a huge organ, which rises 17 m above the floor and weighs 3 tons. The ancient musical instrument has been completely restored and is used during concerts. During festive services, up to two thousand believers gather inside the Saint-Etienne temple.
Jacobin Monastery
Many travelers include in their Toulouse itineraries a visit to the abbey complex, which in the Middle Ages belonged to the Dominican Jacobin order. It is located in the historical center, on the way from the Capitol to the river, and is open to visitors daily from 10.00 to 19.00.
The Dominicans settled in Toulouse at the beginning of the 13th century and soon began building a monastery. The construction of buildings and temples continued until 1385. Nowadays, the Jacobin abbey is considered an example of the Languedoc Gothic style of the 13th-14th centuries.
The monastery church is made of red brick and has an unusual architecture. Despite the laconic exterior decoration, this church is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful Dominican churches in Europe. The bell tower of the church rises 45 m and is similar in appearance to the tower of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. The original spire was destroyed during the French Revolution and was not restored after that.
One of the revered Christian shrines is kept inside - the tomb with the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas. The mausoleum of multi-colored marble was built in the first half of the 17th century. The beautiful tomb of the Christian saint is richly decorated with statues, as well as gilded carved wood details.
In the temple you can also see multi-colored paintings depicting Occitan crosses and a gray marble colonnade topped with capitals with floral patterns. The complex structure of the vault is supported by a huge column 28 m high, which is called the “Jacobin palm”.
On the east side of the abbey there is a spacious refectory, 17 meters high. It is considered the largest dining room of the Middle Ages. These days, exhibitions are regularly held in this room.
Museums
The Gothic building, built for the Augustinian monastery at the beginning of the 14th century, houses an art museum with a rich collection of paintings and sculptures. It was created in Toulouse at the end of the 18th century, after the closure of the abbey, and is considered one of the oldest museums in France. The museum halls display excellent examples of medieval Romanesque sculpture and works by famous French painters - Gustave Courbet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Eugene Delacroix and Maurice Utrillo. The Augustinian Museum welcomes visitors at rue de Metz, 21, every day except Tuesday, from 10.00 to 18.00. On Wednesdays it is open until 21.00.
At the end of the 19th century, a private museum dedicated to the art of the East and Ancient Egypt appeared in Toulouse. Its founder was the passionate collector and traveler Georges Laby, who traveled half the world in search of interesting artifacts and ancient treasures. The museum's collections cover over three thousand years of human history and present unique exhibits brought from Egypt, China, Japan, India, Tibet, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal and Indonesia. The museum is located at rue du Japon, 17. It occupies a beautiful villa built in a colorful Moorish style. The museum is open from June to September from 10.00 to 18.00, and from October to May from 10.00 to 17.00.
In Toulouse, you can visit the Saint-Raymond Museum of Antiquity, which is located on Place Saint-Sernin, 1. The ancient building, which houses the museum's collections, appeared in the city in 1523 and served as a hostel for students arriving in Toulouse from different parts of Europe. Surprisingly, under the foundation of this house, archaeologists discovered an ancient necropolis. Today, museum guests can see rare artifacts associated with Celtic and Roman settlements. These are ancient sculptures, mosaics, jewelry and sarcophagi. The Saint-Raymond Museum is open to visitors daily from 10.00 to 18.00.
The Museum of Modern Art is located at Allee Charles de Fitte, 76. It has the unusual name “Les Abattoirs”, which means “Slaughterhouses”. The museum halls contain collections dedicated to various types of contemporary art - painting, sculpture and photography. Here you can see a stage curtain made by Picasso in 1936 for a performance of the play by Romain Rolland, as well as many works by famous French artists who worked in the middle and end of the last century.
The Toulouse Museum is often called the Museum of Natural History. It has existed since the end of the 18th century and presents visitors with unique collections telling about the solar system, the prehistoric past of the Earth, the evolution of life, ornithology and human influence on the ecology of the planet. The museum is adjacent to the territory of the botanical garden. The museum is located at allees Jules Guesde, 35, and is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00.
Space city
An interesting theme park was created in the eastern suburbs of Toulouse, on Avenue Jean Gonord. The “Space City” or “Cité de l’espace” is built near the Toulouse CST Space Center and is an interactive museum of space technology, technology and the history of space exploration. It welcomed its first guests in 1997 and is still very popular among children and adults.
Visitors can visit inside replicas of famous space rockets and stations, including the Russian Mir station, sit in the seats of the descent modules and examine tubes of cosmonaut food. While traveling through the park, it is interesting to experience an imitation of the lunar gravity and watch a 3-D film about the famous Hubble telescope. Many guests of Space Town enjoy looking at lunar rocks through a microscope, launching small water rockets and visiting planetariums. For the youngest visitors there is an entertaining playground with attractions and installations on space themes.
To get to the “Space Town” you need to use the metro (Jolimont station) or bus number 37. The park opens at 10.00, and the end of work depends on the season and day of the week (no earlier than 17.00 and no later than 23.00).
Toulouse is called the “City of Violets”, and all because the violet is the symbol of the city. Here violets are grown in huge quantities, and then they are used to make perfume, liqueur, jam, honey, cosmetics, sweets, and even candied. Every year at the beginning of February, the Violet Festival is held in Toulouse.
Toulouse is considered one of the most “alternative” cities in France. This may be due to the large number of students, but also due to the city's historical past associated with Spanish republicans, communists and anarchists. Toulouse often hosts alternative concerts, festivals and exhibitions that attract young people and tourists.
Hotel deals
Souvenirs
Many travelers bring high-quality textiles as a souvenir of their trip to Toulouse. Interesting souvenirs are sold in the “Art Quarter” of Toulouse. Here is the famous School of Fine Arts and Rue Gambetta with many second-hand shops.
Good souvenirs are sold in shops around Place de la Bourse and at the Sunday flea market near the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. And memorabilia with space symbols can be bought at the Space Town theme park.
Transport
The historical center of the city is quite compact, the main attractions are not too far from each other, and it is convenient to travel between them on foot.
The Toulouse metro consists of two lines: the north-south line B and the east-west line A. Buses (Tisséo) and trams also serve the city.
How to get there
Russia does not have direct flights to Toulouse. You can fly to this city with a transfer in Amsterdam, Paris or Andorra. Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport is located 7 km from the city center (15 minutes drive).
From the airport to Toulouse you can take a taxi or regular express buses, which travel at intervals of 20 minutes. In addition, there are shuttles from the airport to Andorra twice a day.
It is convenient to get from Paris to Toulouse by train - the journey takes from 5 to 8 hours. From Marseille, trains reach Toulouse in 4 hours, from Bordeaux in 2 hours, and from Barcelona in 3 hours.
One of the largest cities, as well as the most important industrial, cultural, educational and tourist center of France is the city of Toulouse, located in the southwestern part of the country on the banks of Garonne River, originating in Pyrenees and flowing into Bay of Biscay. The distance from the city to the Atlantic Ocean is only 250 kilometers, and to Mediterranean Sea- 150 kilometers. To the southwest of the city are Pyrenees mountains.
In addition to the French, many Spaniards, Basques, Jews and Arabs (immigrants from North African countries) live in Toulouse. From time to time, quite serious conflicts break out between representatives of different ethnic groups.
In the Middle Ages, Toulouse was one of the richest cities in France, thanks to the trade in woad extract, which has a sky-blue hue. At this time, many luxurious churches and mansions were erected in the city. Many city buildings are built of pink bricks; it is no coincidence that Toulouse is called the Pink City ( La Ville Rose).
Today, the region of the South - Pyrenees, of which Toulouse is the capital, is considered the center of French astronautics, since the National Center for Space Research has been operating in the city since the mid-20th century ( Center National d'Études Spatiales) and aviation. In the suburbs there is a factory that produces aircraft. Airbus and is the largest employer in the region.
Tourists in Toulouse are attracted by many picturesque historical architectural attractions, rich cultural life, the opportunity to visit Space town, proximity to ski resorts Pyrenees and sea resorts Atlantic And Mediterranean, as well as the delicious original cuisine of the region.
Region |
capital of the Sud-Pyrénées region, Haute-Garonne department, Toulouse district |
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Population |
450,000 people |
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106 BC e. |
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Population density |
3,804 people/km 2 |
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Timezone |
UTC+1, in summer UTC+2 |
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Postal code |
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International dialing code |
Climate and weather
Toulouse is located at the junction of temperate and Mediterranean climate zones. The daily average air temperature from June to September remains at +23...+26 °C, on some days exceeding +35 °C and even +40 °C. Therefore, the most favorable time to visit the city is considered to be the spring-autumn period, when the comfortable temperature is +15...+20 °C. In winter, Toulouse is also quite warm (+3...+5 °C), but frosts occasionally occur.
Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, but the most rainy days occur in April and May.
Nature
Numerous gardens and parks paint Toulouse in bright colors and give the city a special charm ( Jardin Royal, Jardin Raymond VI, Japanese Garden, garden of exotic plants Georges Labit, the oldest garden in Toulouse Jardin des Plantes, the most blooming park Jardin du Grand Rond And Parc de la Maurine). Here you can retire and relax from the city noise and bustle. Many parks are decorated with artificial lakes and ponds. Entrance to all public gardens and parks, except Parc de la Maurine, free.
Attractions
Toulouse is a city with a rich architectural heritage. Ancient buildings built from unique pink brick look very colorful, giving the buildings a certain lightness and romance.
The main attraction of Toulouse is the Capitol ( Capitole), located in the very center of the city. Today, the Capitol building houses City Hall, City Hall, and the National Theater. All the most significant events of the city take place on the square in front of the Capitol.
Numerous churches, cathedrals and chapels attract with their unique style and richness of decoration: Church of Our Lady of Dalbad (Notre-Dame de la Dalbade), St. Stephen's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne), Church of St. Peter Cuisin ( Saint-Pierre des Cuisines), Basilica of Saint Saturninus of Toulouse ( Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse), St. Joseph's Chapel ( Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Grave), Church of Our Lady of Taura ( Notre-Dame du Taur), Basilica of Dorad ( Basilique de la Daurade) etc. The Dominican monastery complexes ( des Jacobins) and Augustinians ( des Augustins), which today house museums and often host art exhibitions.
There are many bridges across the Garonne, the oldest of which is, paradoxically, the Pont Neuf ( Pont Neuf), built in 1632. The bridge's perfect design has allowed it to withstand severe floods for more than 400 years.
Taking a walk through the old winding streets of the city, you will definitely see the ancient luxurious mansions of woad dyeing merchants: the Assez mansion ( Hotel d'Assézat), Bernu ( Hotel de Bernuy) and etc.
The city has several art and historical museums, as well as the Museum of Medical Instruments, the Postal Museum, etc. It is always worth checking the opening hours of museums in advance, since their days off often fall on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Nutrition
Each region of France has its own gastronomic characteristics and dishes that deserve everyone's attention. Residents region Sud-Pyrenees They believe that goose liver pates are the best in the world foie gras, Toulouse sausages, local cheeses Roquefort, Bleu des Causses, Laguiole And Rocamadour, pies and other sweets (pie with meringue and marzipan fenetra, dark chocolate pavé du Capitole, biscuit caraque and the famous Toulouse delicacy Cachou Lajaunie, the recipe of which is kept strictly secret) and, of course, dishes with the addition of violets.
Many establishments in the city will offer you a delicious dish. cassoulet, which is different variations of meat stew with beans.
As the capital of the wine region, Toulouse will delight its guests with a huge variety of this elegant drink, created from grapes grown in the valleys Garonne or in the foothills Pyrenees. The wine created in this region has a distinctive, pronounced taste.
Among the local alcoholic drinks, you should also pay attention to violet liqueur and various varieties of Armagnac.
You can taste the best dishes of the region, as well as delicacies from cuisines from many countries around the world, in numerous bistros, cafes and restaurants in the city. The average cost of one of the main courses is about 20 €, and enjoy a set lunch ( a la carte) available for only 6.5-10 €.
Accommodation
In Toulouse you can easily find exactly the type of accommodation that suits your needs.
Here you can easily rent a room in a cheap hotel for only 40 €. The minimum cost of accommodation in a 2-3 star hotel is 55 €. In one of the magnificent 4-star hotels in the city you can rent a double room for 100-260 €. A room in a 5-star hotel will cost 160-1500 €. A B&B (bed and breakfast) hotel will cost about 60-300 €.
You can rent modest furnished apartments for 25-55 € per day.
For a small fee (17.5 €) you can stay in a youth hostel Residence Jolimont, which is located near the new railway station.
Entertainment and relaxation
Toulouse, like most cities in France, has its own unique holidays and festivals that attract participants and guests from all over the world. February will delight city guests with amazing Violet Festival, which is held during the flowering of this fragrant flower, which is the symbol of Toulouse. Violets have been grown by gardeners in Toulouse since the 19th century. Today, a wide range of products are produced from violet petals: candies, perfumes, liqueurs, etc.
If you visit Toulouse in March, you will be... Flamenco Festival, during which artists from all over the world come to the hospitable French city to demonstrate the beauty and grace of this dance. Fans of Argentine tango should visit Toulouse at the beginning of July for the festival Tango Postale. At the beginning of summer, a festival takes place on the banks of the Garonne River Rio Loco, during which concerts, exhibitions of paintings and photographs are held in open areas, and films are shown. A music festival is held at the end of July - beginning of August Toulouse d'été, during which at numerous venues in the city you can hear music of various genres - from classical and jazz to rock and rap. In autumn, Toulouse hosts an original Science Festival Novela, as well as an organ music festival Toulouse les Orgues.
In all seasons, Toulouse offers its guests all kinds of leisure activities. Fans of water activities can go to one of the water parks located near the city: Espace Nautique Jean Vauchère or Aqualudia. There are six golf clubs within 10-15 kilometers from the city center. You can go ice skating at one of four indoor skating rinks (from 4 €).
In the vicinity of the city there are several wine yards (Fronton, Gaillac, etc.), where regular tasting tours are organized.
If you've ever dreamed of walking on the moon or visiting the space station "World", then you should definitely go to Space Town ( La Cité de l'espace). Here you can visit Space Museum, planetarium, watch a 3D movie that will take you to outer space, see a life-size rocket launcher and much more. Ticket prices for adults range from 19.5 to 23 €, for children under 15 years old - from 14 to 16.5 €.
In the evening and at night, more than 20 nightclubs open their doors to visitors, where the hits of the season are played and French and Spanish DJs perform. For those who prefer dance music of yesteryear, they can visit retro discos Dancing La Roseraie and El Bolero. At the casino Casino Theater Barriere You can not only play slot machines (Texas poker or roulette) but also attend magnificent performances that are regularly held in the casino theater hall. You can also relax in evening Toulouse in one of the themed bars, where live music is played in the evenings.
Purchases
In all the souvenir shops in the city you will find all kinds of items related to violet (violette) and the medicinal plant woad (pastel), which played a significant role in the history of Toulouse. Among such products are cosmetics, scented candles, dishes with images of plants, culinary delights, etc. In addition, the city has several sports shops specializing in rugby-related goods. Most souvenir shops are located near the Capitol.
A bottle of local wine, which can be purchased in specialized wine stores, can be an excellent memorable gift for yourself and your loved ones. La Boutique des Vins, Nicolas, L'Oustal de Candie, or a package of cheese, the best varieties of which are sold in boutiques Fromagerie Xavier and Chez Betty.
You will find an excellent selection of Toulouse sausages in stores Maison Garcia. A huge selection of foie gras is offered in stores Maison Samaran, Maison Busquets and Valette.
For fresh fruits and vegetables, the best place to go is the market on the boulevard de Strasbourg, and it is customary to buy organic products and homemade wine at the market near the church Saint Aubin Basilica. City markets are open only on weekends, and you should go there in the first half of the day, since the traders' working day ends around 15:00.
Clothing, accessories and cosmetics can be purchased at one of the city's many department stores and shopping centers ( Galerie Lafayette, Monoprix, Stade Toulousain and etc.). Original jewelry sold in the store Nicolas Tourrel.
Art objects created by local craftsmen and artists can be found in the shops and galleries around the square. place de la Bourse.
Transport
Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport(Toulouse-Blagnac). There are no direct flights between Moscow and Toulouse, so you will need to make one transfer in Paris or Amsterdam. The minimum ticket price is 315 €. From the airport to the city you can take shuttle buses that depart every 20 minutes. Travel time takes from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic situation on the road. The fare is 5 €. To get from the airport to the city, you can also use a taxi (20-25 €).
It is quite convenient to get to Toulouse by rail: from Paris by high-speed TGV trains - in five hours (from 20 to 40 €); from Marseille - in four hours, from Bordeaux - in two hours, etc.
You can get around the city by public transport ( Tisséo): by metro, which consists of two lines (A and B), by city bus or by tram. The cost of one trip is 1.6 €, a ticket for 10 trips costs 12.9 €, a day pass costs 5.5 €, a pass for two or three days costs 8.5 and 10.5 €, respectively.
The most convenient way to get around the historical part of the city is on foot or on a bicycle rented from one of the VeloToulouse offices (1 € per day). Along with your bike, you will be given a map of the city's bike paths.
Connection
You can contact your family and friends in Toulouse by using a pay phone using a card or by mobile phone. At mobile communication offices you can not only purchase a SIM card, but also rent a phone. Subscribers of all domestic operators can activate roaming.
Free wired or wireless Internet is available in all hotels, boarding houses and hostels in the city.
Safety
Toulouse is a fairly quiet city for tourists, as pickpocketing is relatively rare here. But, as anywhere in the world, you should always be attentive to the safety of your documents, money, credit cards and valuables. The most unfavorable neighborhoods are considered Arnaud Bernard And la Reynerie.
Recently, terrorist attacks have become more frequent in Toulouse. Certain categories of citizens are particularly at risk, primarily Jews.
Business climate
There is a Free Economic Zone on the territory of the city. Enterprises registered in it and having fewer than 51 employees are exempt from paying a number of taxes for five years: real estate tax, income tax and social security contributions. There are a number of benefits relating to income tax and corporate tax. A prerequisite for the operation of a company in the Toulouse Free Economic Zone is the hiring of local residents in the amount of at least a third of the number of employees of the enterprise.
Real estate
Real estate purchased in the Pink City can be used both for personal residence and for rental. Every year Toulouse attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, which is facilitated not only by the architectural richness of the ancient city, but also by its proximity to sea and ski resorts.
The average cost of 1 m2 of real estate here is 2,500-4,200 €. A castle in the suburbs of Toulouse will cost 4,000,000-8,000,000 €.
The most spectacular photographs of the city's attractions are taken in the rays of the morning or evening sun, which gives a golden hue to buildings made of ancient pink brick.
In the south of France there is a modern, rapidly developing cultural, scientific and industrial center of the country - the city of Toulouse.
Description of the city
The population of Toulouse (including suburbs) is 425 thousand people. This figure puts the city in fourth place in the country after Paris, Lyon and Marseille. The city of Toulouse (France) is located on the shores. It is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by 150 kilometers, and from the Atlantic Ocean by 250 kilometers.
In this area, in addition to the French language, the Occitan dialect is widespread. Street names here are written in two languages. France has always attracted tourists from all over the world. Toulouse is no exception in this sense. Thousands of travelers come to this city every year to see the local attractions.
In the world, this settlement has received the name “pink city”, and all because of the color of the brick from which almost all its buildings are built. The city of Toulouse (France) has several higher educational institutions - three state universities, a polytechnic institute, and the Higher School of Fine Arts. Today, more than 110 thousand students are educated here.
Aviation enterprises (Airbus and Ariane) operate successfully in this French city, and the biochemical, electronic and information technology industries are developing. In the early nineties of the last century, a metro appeared in Toulouse. In addition, the townspeople are proud of the municipal stadium, which is the main venue of the city football club.
Toulouse (France) attractions
This city contains many historical, cultural and architectural monuments. All of them arouse great interest among tourists, and, I must say, for good reason. We will introduce you to some of them in this article.
Church of Saint-Sernin
There are many ancient cathedrals that France is rightfully proud of. Toulouse has preserved one of the oldest temples in the city, which belonged to the Abbey of Saint Saturnin. The basilica was consecrated in honor of this saint, who lived here in the third century. This was the first bishop of the city. He was canonized after he refused to participate in sacrifices, and as a result suffered a terrible, martyr’s death. He was tied to a bull, which was driven through the city streets. The bishop was buried by members of the Christian community outside the walls of Toulouse. Much later, a small chapel was built over his burial. The first temple appeared near the grave at the beginning of the 5th century.
Construction of the basilica lasted throughout the 11th-12th centuries. A building for pilgrims was built next to it - a kind of inn. For this, pink brick was used, and white stone was used to decorate the building.
The predominant style of the basilica is Romanesque, but in the interior you can see elements of Baroque and Gothic. In 1096, Pope Urban II consecrated the temple, although it was still unfinished. At the beginning of the 12th century, other buildings of the abbey began to appear, and work on the western wing was stopped.
In the 13th century, Gothic elements appeared in the appearance of the temple, and after restoration carried out in the 19th century, the structure was so mercilessly changed that in the next century it was necessary to recreate its original appearance.
The main features of this temple include the stone carved decoration of the portals of the southern facade. Stone carved scenes representing biblical scenes decorated the gates of Port Miègeville. In the northern part of the cathedral, unique frescoes dating back to the 12th century have been preserved. They miraculously survived under a layer of plaster during an unsuccessful restoration carried out in the 19th century.
The bell tower of the basilica rises more than 110 meters, and there is a carillon on it, which is crowned with 18 bells.
Town Hall
It is interesting that the city administration building in this city is called not the mayor's office or the town hall, but the capitol. At the end of the 12th century, a palace was erected on this site, in which members of the city magistrate - chapters - met, and therefore the building itself began to be called the capitol.
This monumental structure is located on the main square of the city, which is called the Capitol Square. The building in its current form was built in the 18th century from pink brick, traditional for this city.
On the facade of the building (its length is 135 meters) there are eight columns - they corresponded to the number of city chapters. Their coats of arms were installed on the fences of the balconies of the building. The construction was led by Guillaume Camm, and in the next century his work was continued by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, who restored the building, which was almost completely destroyed during a fire, and also added a donjon tower and a bell tower.
France, Toulouse: Dominican Church
At the very beginning of the 13th century, Dominic Guzman founded His first temple was erected in Toulouse.
Today it is not a functioning temple, but it attracts the attention of citizens and guests of the city with its unusual architecture. Concerts and cultural events are held here. For many parishioners it is very important that St. Thomas Aquinas was a medieval theologian and Dominican monk.
In addition to the church, several more cloisters and buildings have been preserved in the monastery complex. The monastery is located in the historical center of Toulouse, very close to the Capitol.
The architectural features of the church include “Jacobin palms” - graceful columns whose height exceeds 20 meters; Twenty-two ribs radiate upward from them, forming the structure of the vault. The church is considered one of the highest, while the height of the octagonal four-tier bell tower is only forty-five meters.
In the interior of the temple, for example, in the chapel of St. Antonin, you can admire the wall paintings, and in the rose window you can see a unique stained glass window of modern work - it was created in the middle of the last century. The largest room in the church can be considered the refectory, which today is used as an exhibition gallery.
"Space Town"
For many tourists today France is very attractive. The suburb (Toulouse has many attractions outside the city) on the eastern border has become famous for a theme park called "Space Town". It was opened in 1997. In the park, you can tour full-scale models of the 55-meter-tall Ariana 5 rocket, the Mir space station, and the Soyuz modules. The most interesting show programs are held daily in the planetarium in the park. Here you can visit numerous exhibitions. For example, many will be interested in a simulator room where you can try to control a spaceship.
Paul Dupuis Museum
Undoubtedly, France has a huge number of cultural monuments. Toulouse can offer its guests a visit to this museum. It bears the name of its founder - collector and philanthropist Paul Dupuis. For his museum, he purchased the Besson house, which belonged to the city prosecutor. The cultural institution received its first visitors in 1905.
The museum's exposition is a large collection of applied art, a collection of graphics and other exhibits. The most ancient ones, by the way, were created during the Middle Ages, and the “youngest” acquisitions are not even a hundred years old. The collection is completed by exhibits created at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Quite a large part of the museum’s exhibition is dedicated to the crafts and history of Languedoc. Here you can see the restored interior of a medieval pharmacy that belonged to (the beginning of the 17th century), dishes, furniture, and national costumes. The collection features works of art created by local glass and metal artists.
It is impossible not to mention the unique collection of watches, which includes more than 130 movements, and jewelry brought from China.
Impressions of the trip
Today, many of our compatriots are familiar with Toulouse (France). The attractions that travelers leave reviews about make a lasting impression. According to travelers, this is an amazing pink city with a lot to see. Many tourists liked the excursion train, which takes city guests to memorable places. The duration of such a trip is 35 minutes, the cost is 5 euros. The train makes stops, and you can get off at any place you like and continue exploring on your own.
Many note that before the trip they did not know that Toulouse is famous for violets and perfumes made from these flowers. In addition, you can buy violet jam and even liqueur here. Every February the violet festival takes place here. According to tourists, this is an amazing sight.
In the place where Toulouse, the fourth largest city, is located today, the first human settlements existed in the Paleolithic era. And in the 3rd century BC, the Celts settled in this territory, choosing the right bank of the Garonne. Interestingly, here, on the right bank, the first urban buildings were formed later.
In the 1st century BC, the banks of the Garonne were settled by the Romans and the town of Tolosa, founded by the Celts (more precisely, the Volci), was an ally of the Roman Empire. But when an important point on the road between and Rome was attacked by Germanic tribes, Tolosa supported them, opposing the Romans. And they took brutal revenge by capturing and ravaging the city.
Although later Romanization was beneficial - new buildings began to appear in the town of Tolosa, agriculture and culture developed. By the 3rd century Christianity came here, and from the beginning of the 4th century it had its own bishop. Toulouse became the center of the Kingdom of Toulouse of the same name, which was ruled by the Visigoths after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
In 508, the Franks came to the territory of the kingdom and quickly took a dominant position. But even under them, the city continued to remain the capital of the southern French region - Aquitaine. Not only trade routes passed through it, but also the Way of St. James, revered by pilgrims - the road to the tomb of the apostle buried in Spain.
Aquitaine on the map
Interesting fact: It was with Toulouse that the first defeat of the Muslims in the battle with the Catholics was associated - it occurred in 721, when the Saracen Arabs marched across Europe, but were never able to conquer this city.
In the Middle Ages, namely at the beginning of the 13th century, the struggle of the Catholic Church against the Albigensian heresy (Christian movement of ascetics) unfolded here. It was led by the crusader Simon de Montfort - this historical figure, known for his cruelty, does not enjoy the love of Toulouse even today. At the site of his death in 1218 from a stone thrown from one of the city walls, there is a sign with the words: “The stone hit the right place.”
Also, the beginning of the 13th century was marked by the extensive preaching activity of Saint Dominic - under his leadership the Toulouse Dominican Monastery was founded. Around the same time, the capital of the French south acquired a university and even the Toulouse Parliament, where legal disputes between residents of the entire region were resolved. Being the birthplace of troubadours, Toulouse did not lag behind in terms of culture - the famous poetry tournament named after Clémence Isor was held here.
However, the almost complete absence of industry in this region led to the fact that at the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century the city gradually became a province, remaining behind its developing counterparts. The situation was corrected only with the advent of railway communication, thanks to which several large factories, including aviation ones, were transported here during the First World War.
Interesting fact: The development of aviation in the south of France is closely connected with the name of Clément Ader, an engineer-inventor who created a device similar to a bat. On it in 1890, Ader made the first flight in history using a machine with its own engine - 13 years before the famous Wright brothers.
Since the 60s of the 20th century, Toulouse has become an important scientific and industrial center with a number of large enterprises in the aviation and space industries. To this day, Airbus aircraft are produced here, as well as Ariane rockets.
Attractions and entertainment
Toulouse has another poetic name - La Ville Rose, which means “Pink City”. Why pink? It's simple: in the historical district, many buildings are built of red and pink brick. This historical center is full of architectural monuments of the Renaissance: ancient mansions from the 14th to 17th centuries, beautiful parks and Catholic cathedrals. Some of these buildings are included in the UNESCO list, such as the famous Saint-Sernin Cathedral.
Main attractions
Basilica of Saint Sernin
The Temple of Saint Sernin is a medieval Romanesque church that is the only building remaining from the monastery of Saint Saturnin. It was erected on the site of an old temple of the 4th century, built, in turn, on the tomb of the first bishop of Toulouse, Saturninus. This priest was canonized after his martyrdom at the hands of the pagans, who executed him for refusing to worship the god Jupiter. Today, in Place Saint Sernin you can see the building of the 12th century basilica, although over the past centuries it has, of course, been rebuilt many times. Here are relics such as a thorn, according to legend taken from the crown of Jesus Christ, the relics of several saints, frescoes of the early Middle Ages, and Romanesque statues.
Interesting fact: Every Sunday there is a flea market near the Saint-Sernin temple, where you can find an interesting vintage souvenir.
Jacobin Church
This building is part of a former medieval Jacobin monastery founded in the 13th century. The temple is located in the historical district of the city, not far from the Capitol, and is one of its important attractions. The relics of Thomas Aquinas are kept here, for which a marble mausoleum with a richly decorated tomb was built in the 17th century.
The Jacobite Church is also interesting for its colorful paintings and stained glass windows on biblical themes, a marble colonnade in the inner hall and a majestic 28-meter pillar supporting the vault (this is the so-called “Jacobin Palm”). Today, the basilica hosts classical music concerts, and the refectory of the former monastery hosts major exhibitions and other events.
The history of the Notre-Dame du Taur temple in the very center of Toulouse is closely connected with the name of the already mentioned Saint Saturnin. It is believed that in the year 250 a bull dragged the body of the saint to the place where it is located during his execution. There is also an opinion that at first the great martyr was buried here, and only in the 4th century were his remains transferred to the temple of Saint-Sernin, where they rest to this day. However, during archaeological excavations this legend was not confirmed - the saint’s graves could not be found. It is only known that before the current temple, built in the 14th-16th centuries, there already existed an older basilica called Eglise du Toux or “church of the bull”.
Church of St. Nicholas
Not very well known among tourists, but still an interesting Gothic temple, externally reminiscent of the outlines of the Saint-Sernin Cathedral (these two churches have similar bell towers). It was built back in 1300, although later it was reconstructed several times. Today, this rather modest-looking building is one of the few Orthodox churches in Western Europe. Among the interesting sights of the church are the statues of saints decorating the central portal, as well as the very beautiful interior.
Toulouse Capitol
Capitole de Toulouse is the town hall located on the main square of the city. The Capitol Square dates back to the early Middle Ages, and the first town hall building was erected here in 1190. However, the palace we see today dates from the mid-18th century, and parts of it - such as the bell tower and the tower - were added in the 19th century. The building itself is designed in a classical style with Baroque elements; the facade is decorated with eight graceful columns - in memory of the eight chapters of the Middle Ages. Today, inside the palace there is an opera house and a concert hall for a symphony orchestra.
Interesting fact: in the center of the square there is the so-called Occitan cross - one of the symbols of Toulouse. Its endings are meant to evoke the four virtues: beauty, love, kindness and purity.
Located in a medieval building near the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, this museum is interesting both for its architecture and for its rather large collection of antiquities (about 1,000 exhibits). It appeared in 1891 to preserve finds discovered during excavations in the Toulouse suburbs and in Shiragan. Here you can see busts, sculptures, jewelry, and household items from antiquity, belonging to the Celtic tribes and the Romans. The museum has a beautiful garden with exotic plants and a cafe where you can relax after the tour.
Dedicated to Asian and Far Eastern art, the Musee Georges-Labit was founded in 1863 by traveler Georges Laby. During his short life (only 37 years), the collector managed to collect a lot of artifacts from Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Japan and other countries. The oldest of them were created about 3,000 years ago. There are Chinese antique porcelain, Japanese theatrical masks, samurai costumes, figurines of Indian gods and much more. Since the museum is located next to the Botanical Garden, it is convenient to visit these two sites during one city tour.
The Toulouse Museum of Modern Art has an unusual name for such a place - Les Abattoirs, which means “slaughterhouses”. This is explained simply: the buildings it occupies were built in 1828 with the aim of moving all the city's slaughterhouses into one complex. By the beginning of the 90s, the slaughterhouses were closed, but the complex, interesting from an architectural point of view, did not remain empty - it was converted into a museum.
The museum collection includes about 3,500 works - paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and graphics. All of them date back to the second half of the 20th - early 21st century. There are both permanent exhibitions and temporary thematic exhibitions, educational seminars, etc. The main pride of the museum is the curtain, on which the famous Pablo Picasso worked together with Luis Fernandez.
The modern Stadium de Toulouse appeared after the reconstruction of the previous stadium, built back in 1937. It has hosted football and rugby World Cup matches several times, and local French teams also play here. When not competing, the stadium serves as a training ground for Toulouse sports schools. The capacity of the viewing area is about 3.5 thousand people, which is quite a lot. However, it is inferior in capacity to stadiums in and Saint-Denis.
A beautiful Japanese-style garden located inside the Compass-Caffarelli Park is a relatively young attraction. It appeared in 1981 by order of the mayor of the city, who had seen similar gardens in other places and was impressed by their beauty. The central composition here is a tea house near a small artificial lake with an arched bridge. Also in the garden there is a metal figurine of a dragon, compositions of stones and a monument to Mokudo Taisen Deshimaru, who brought the teachings of Zen to Europe.
This bridge is called “new”, despite the fact that it was built back in the 16-17th century. Construction took many years, with interruptions due to religious military clashes, but the result was a durable structure that has survived to this day. By the way, today this is the only ancient bridge across the Garonne.
South channel
The romantic and quiet Languedoc Canal, built in 1667-1694, connects the Garonne River with the Mediterranean Sea in Toulouse. It was once navigable, later used as a reservoir for irrigating fields, and today it is of historical value and is protected by UNESCO. However, you can still take a ride on it on a pleasure boat or boat.
The theme park Cité de l'Espace or "Space City" was created in 1997 near the CST space center. It displays all the most important achievements in space exploration. In the park you can find models of space satellites and Ariane 5 launch vehicles, which are produced in Toulouse, as well as copies of the American shuttle Columbia and the Russian Mir station. By the way, everything is life-size! As for the Mir station, the presented model is not even a mock-up, but a duplicate - a complete copy that has passed all pre-flight tests.
To implement educational programs, Space City has lecture halls and simulators that simulate rocket launches. In one of the pavilions you can see the development of the Universe since the Big Bang, in others you can study the starry sky or watch films about space. As entertainment, visitors are invited to experience the effects of weightlessness and try “space food” from tubes.
Interesting: There are signs throughout the park in memory of animals that have made space flight: the famous dog Laika, the chimpanzee Ham, the cat Felicitta, a turtle, a jellyfish and even spiders. The signs have pictures of animals and brief information about them.
Attractions on the map
Don't forget about other interesting places in Toulouse - these are vintage markets, theaters and, of course, a lot of brand stores (shopping is not the last place among entertainment in France). Of the theaters, the most famous is, of course, the Théâtre du Capitole in the Capitol. In addition to the site near the Saint-Sernin Cathedral, you can also see interesting souvenirs at the Grand Rond street market.
If you want to pay attention to the city's nightlife, you should visit the Bikini club with its themed shows, the Le Bar Basque or Rex club - each of them is good in its own way. It is impossible not to mention the Hard Rock Cafe - one of the establishments of the famous chain founded by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton in the 70s. Each of these cafes has its own relics in the form of guitars, autographs, posters and various accessories of famous rockers. Toulouse Hard Rock Cafe is certainly no exception!
Shopping in Toulouse
No matter where, in France there is always something to buy, and Toulouse shops attract tourists no less than temples and palaces. Fans of famous brands are recommended to go to the Lafayette Gallery at 4 rue Lapeyrouse. Large shopping centers in the city include Center Commercial Gramont, Center Commercial Basso Cambo and Center Commercial Espace Saint-Georges. And if you want to save money, pay attention to the second-hand shops on Gambetta Street, where you can easily find unique designer items at an affordable price.
There is also another store that is worth at least just visiting - this is the floating boutique “House of Violets” on the Canal du Midi. It is located on an old barge and, as the name suggests, has a “violet” theme: it sells floral-scented perfumes, liqueurs, sweets, cosmetics and jewelry featuring violets.
How to get to Toulouse
Toulouse is the administrative center of the Occitanie region in southern France. It occupies a unique position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and two canals pass through its territory - the Languedoc (South) and the Garron.
Option 1
Airplane: There are no direct flights to Toulouse from, but you can fly with a transfer. Flights with a connection in Paris are offered by Aeroflot and Air France, with a connection in Paris - Turkish Airlines, with a connection in - KLM airline.
Option 2
Train: from Belorussky Station in Moscow twice a week by train D to Paris Est station in Paris (journey time 39 hours).
Metro: change to the metro and take line 4 from Gare de l’Est station to Montparnasse-Bienvenue station.
Train: From Paris-Montparnasse station, take the TGV express train to Bordeaux-St-Jean in .
Option 3
Automobile: The distance from Moscow is 3,424 kilometers, and by car it can be covered in about 35 hours. The route will pass through , and .
Option 1
Airplane: The best air tickets can be found from Aeroflot and Air France (transfer in Paris). The total flight time will be from 11 to 16 hours.
Option 2
Train: Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from St. Petersburg to France; you will have to go with a transfer in Moscow.
Option 3
Bus: in St. Petersburg, Eurotrans buses depart daily from the Zvezdnaya metro station, which can be reached 12 hours before.
Bus: at the central bus station in Minsk, take the Minsktrans bus to the city of Rivne in Ukraine (travel time 11 hours).
Bus: from Rivne take the ALSA bus to Gerona (another 18 hours on the road).
Bus: in Gerona, take a bus to the city of Bordeaux and get off after 4 and a half hours in Toulouse.
Option 4
Bus: from the Vitebskaya metro station in St. Petersburg, take the bus to (Ecolines carrier) and get to Ostrów Mazowiecka in 23 hours.
Bus: at the Ostrów Mazowiecka bus station, change to the bus to, which departs three times a week (travel time 29 hours).
Bus: From Lyon take Isilines buses to Toulouse.
Option 5
Automobile: the distance from St. Petersburg to Toulouse is 3329 kilometers, it can be covered in 36 hours.
How to get there from Blagnac airport:
Toulouse Blagnac Airport is located 8 kilometers from the city. Transfer to the city center and back is provided by different types of transport:
Option 1
Shuttle bus: An express train leaves from the arrivals hall on the ground floor of the airport every 30 minutes, taking you to the Capitol in 30 minutes (buy your ticket from the driver).
Option 2
Tram: From the Airport stop you can take the T2 tram to the Palais de justice metro station in half an hour.
Option 3
Automobile: Travelers with an international license can rent a car directly at the airport at the appropriate counter from 06:00 to 22:00.
Option 4
Taxi: You can order a car at the airport counter, in which case you will immediately find out the cost of the trip and receive a receipt.
Popular driving routes to Toulouse:
- From Andorra la Vella (Andorra): a distance of about 187 kilometers can be covered in 2.5 hours along the A61, A66, N20 highways.
- From (Spain): a distance of almost 395 kilometers can be covered in 4-5 hours along the A61 and AR-7 highways.
- From Girona (Spain): about 297 kilometers of travel can be covered in 3 hours - the route goes along the A61 and A9 highways.
- From Salou (Spain): the distance between the cities is 495 kilometers, the trip will take up to 5 hours along the A61 and AP-7 highways.
- From Nice (France): the almost 600 kilometers journey will take up to 7 hours. The route can be taken along the A8, then A7 and A54 highways to Nimes. Then you need to turn onto A9 and from Narbonne take the A61.
- From Narbonne (France): Narbonne is located 155 kilometers away; the journey along the A61 highway takes only 1.5-2 hours.
- From Albi (France): about 80 kilometers of travel can be easily covered in 1 hour along the A4 highway.
- From Bordeaux (France): a distance of 245 kilometers will take 2.5 hours along the A62 highway.
Important: For those who want to travel between cities in France, it may be advantageous to travel with the low-cost airline HOP!, which provides only domestic air travel.
Toulouse Map
Transport
Toulouse's public transport network is called Tisseo and consists of buses, trains and trams, the routes of which can be seen on their website. Also, since 1993, the city has an automated VAL metro - its trains move without drivers. In total, transport routes cover the entire city, which is good news. But there is also a bad thing - Toulouse public transport is considered one of the most expensive in Europe.
Toulouse metro
The metro here consists of two lines: line A, running from southeast to northwest, and line B along the right bank of the Garonne. However, they have only one intersection point - this is the Jean Jaurès station.
The metro operates from 05:15 a.m. to midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 01:00 a.m. The fare costs 1.6 € ( ~118 rub. ), however, you can save a little by purchasing a ticket for several trips or even several days. In addition, there are two unusual types of travel documents: a profitable group ticket for up to 12 people and an evening ticket for travel after 19:00.
Toulouse metro map
Buses
In total, there are 81 bus routes in the city, among which there are daytime ones - operating from 05:00 to 21:30, and night ones - operating from 21:30 to 01:00. Night buses run along routes passing near the buildings and dormitories of the University of Toulouse.
For tourists there is a free shuttle bus, which from 09:00 to 19:00 runs to the most popular excursion places: Capitol Square, Wilson and Joan of Arc squares, the Garonne embankment, etc. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to sign up for one of the excursions - you can simply stop this bus on the street and get to the desired place. It will be a good solution if you want to explore Toulouse in one day.
Trams
A single tram line, 11 kilometers long, crosses the city from the Arènes metro station in a northwest direction. It runs not only through Toulouse itself, but also through the suburb of Blagnac, thanks to which you can take the tram to the center from the airport. The route consists of 18 stations in total and can be covered completely in 33 minutes.
RER railway line
The public transport railway line is intended mainly for trips by train to the suburbs, but it can also be used to move around Toulouse itself. Suburban trains run every 15 minutes, making this option very convenient.
Car rent
As in many European countries, in France there are two conditions for renting a car: being at least 21 years old and having an international driving license. Individual rental companies may have their own additional requirements, for example, most often they rent high-end cars only to clients over 25 years old.
What the driver should know: firstly, the permissible speed in the city is 30-50 km/h (depending on the zone). Secondly, the center of Toulouse is not that big - it's better to walk here if you want to see the sights.
And a little about parking: leaving a car in one place for more than a day is prohibited. Paid parking is paid through horodateurs machines with special cards that can be purchased at tobacco kiosks. However, on weekends and holidays in most parking lots you can leave your car overnight for free - from 19:00 to 09:00.
Taxi
The cost of a taxi in Toulouse is quite high - a trip from the airport to the center will cost on average about 25 € ( ~1,836 rub. )(for 2018). It is customary for taxi drivers to leave a tip; it amounts to 10% of the bill.
Weather
By and large, you can go to France, especially its southern part, at any time of the year - even the winters here are mild, without huge snowdrifts. However, in winter, be prepared for slush and high humidity, so with the exception of the Christmas holidays, this season is still not the best for travel.
It is best to go to the capital of the French south in the spring, starting in April, or in the summer and early autumn - until November. The air temperature here warms up quickly and is already warm in April-May, while summer is quite mild and autumn is not too rainy. Our monthly weather table will help you choose the best time to travel.
Kitchen of Toulouse
Languedoc cuisine will appeal to true gourmets - they know a lot about good wines and cheeses, they know how to cook foie gras and amazing floral desserts. For the famous goose liver dish, the birds are raised on farms using a special technology that helps make the meat more tender. After all, foie gras is far from the only duck dish that Toulouse cuisine is famous for. Also worth trying here are duck breast and cassoulet - stewed beans with duck leg.
We can't forget about seafood. The first three interesting delicacies will include oysters, snails in garlic sauce and a dish with the mysterious name “nymph legs”. For those who have not yet guessed what is hidden under it - these are frogs.
Finally, a little about desserts: one of the symbols of Toulouse is the violet, and Toulouse people do not limit themselves to the image of this flower - they also prepare it. Candied violets are considered a romantic dish that couples love to order.
Interesting fact: La Violette de Toulouse or “Toulouse Violet” is an officially registered brand under which a wide variety of products are produced in Toulouse: from sweets to cosmetics.
As for food prices, they are high not only by Russian standards - the French themselves do not find life in this city cheap either. Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant, for example Le Genty Magre or L’Aubrac, will cost an average of 20-35 € ( ~2,571 rub. ), in a higher class establishment, for example, Chez Carmen or Le Colombier - from 45-65 € ( ~3,305 rub. ) per person. Among the expensive restaurants, we can note the Michelin-starred Michel Sarran and En Marge with a bill starting from 100 € ( ~7,345 rub. ) and higher.
For those who decide to cook their own food, here are the approximate prices for food (for 2018):
- Milk 1 liter - from 1 € ( ~73 rub. );
- Bread 0.5 kg - from 1.5 € ( ~110 rub. );
- Cheese 1 kg - from 25 € ( ~1,836 rub. );
- Eggs 12 pcs - from 4 € ( ~294 rub. );
- Potatoes 1 kg - from 3 € ( ~220 rub. );
- Apples 1 kg - from 3 € ( ~220 rub. ).
- Toulouse ranks second in France in terms of student population - just after the capital. This is truly a student city, which, despite its centuries-old history, is always young and lively.
- One of the asteroids discovered at the Toulouse Observatory in 1874 is named after the city. By the way, this observatory is considered the best in France; it has the most powerful and modern equipment.
- In terms of mentality, the inhabitants of the French south are similar to the Spaniards. This is reflected in the emotionality, peculiarities of pronunciation, and even in the siesta accepted here - afternoon rest.
- Nature lovers should definitely visit the Grand Ron Park, which houses the Botanical Garden and the Royal Garden. This huge green area was designed and laid out in the 18th century.
The most prestigious areas, besides the center, are St Cyprien in the Old Town and Marengo-Jolimont near the train station. The best hotels are located here, there are plenty of attractions and you can count on safety. Moreover, along with expensive 5-star hotels such as the Pullman Toulouse Center, in these places you can also find budget hostels - for example, La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin (bed in a dormitory room from 22 € ( ~1,616 rub. )). There are also hotels for families with children - for example, Crowne Plaza Toulouse, where babysitting services are provided. But according to reviews from tourists, the areas of Mirail, as well as Arnaud Bernard and la Reynerie are considered undesirable for living.
Photo of the city from above
Toulouse has been included in the TOP 10 most beautiful cities in France for many years, and if we talk about a romantic atmosphere, it can compete with Paris itself. It’s good to come here either for one day or for a vacation - in any case you can have a good time. Even if you only have 1-2 days, this will be enough for a short tour of the historical center. If the trip is designed for 4-7 days or more, you can book individual or group excursions in museums, visit the Botanical Garden and Space City, and also take a walk around the surrounding area - the fortified city of Carcassonne and beautiful Albi.
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 the temperate and mild Mediterranean climate zone. 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.
