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Toulouse : Travel Guide

Discover Toulouse, the Pink City, where history, culture and gastronomy come together to create an unforgettable experience!

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General information

Welcome to Toulouse, France's fourth largest city, located in the Occitanie region. Known for its magnificent pink brick buildings, the city offers a unique combination of fascinating history, urban dynamism and Southwestern charm. Immerse yourself in its picturesque streets, explore its rich heritage and enjoy its warm atmosphere.

POPULATION

Toulouse is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse and welcoming population. Toulousans are proud of their cultural heritage and are generally open to visitors. Expect to meet friendly locals, ready to share their love of their city and advise you on the best places to visit.

CLIMATE

Toulouse enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to September, offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the city on foot. Spring and autumn are also good times to visit, as the weather is generally sunny and moderate.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (EUR).

LANGUAGE

The official language is French.

A bit of history

Toulouse's history dates back to Roman times, when it was an important Roman colony called "Tolosa." The city was then marked by periods of prosperity and conflict throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

It has played a key role in the development of commerce and industry, particularly in aeronautics. Toulouse is also known as an intellectual center, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Today, it continues to thrive as a modern city, while retaining its historical heritage.

toulouse

What to visit in Toulouse

Ready to explore Toulouse? You won't be disappointed by the many attractions and activities awaiting you in the Ville Rose!

Capitol Square

Saint-Sernin Basilica

Space City

Canal du Midi

When to visit Toulouse

The best time to visit Toulouse is in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, avoiding summer heat peaks and the rigors of winter.

You can enjoy comfortable walks around the city, visit outdoor attractions and discover local festivals. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and summer events, summer may also be a good option.

 

What to do around Toulouse

Want to discover the area around Toulouse? Don't miss these must-see destinations near the Ville Rose!

Carcassonne

Gaillac

african safari

Our selection of accommodation in Toulouse

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Our selection of Restaurants in Toulouse

Toulouse is bursting with culinary delights! Discover our selection of restaurants that will help you discover the unique flavors of the region.

The Biben

At Carmen's

Events in Toulouse not to be missed

Toulouse is alive with festive and cultural events all year round. Here are the highlights not to be missed during your visit.

Rio Loco Festival

Rio Loco Festival

Every June, the Rio Loco festival celebrates world music, showcasing international artists and diverse cultures. This colorful, festive festival attracts thousands of visitors and offers concerts, shows and activities for the whole family.

Violet Festival

Violet Festival

In February, Toulouse celebrates its emblematic flower with the Fête de la Violette. There are parades, concerts and cultural events highlighting the local heritage.

Transportation in Toulouse

Subway

Toulouse has a well-developed metro network, with two lines serving the city's main districts. It's a fast, convenient way to get around the city center.

Bus

The bus network covers the whole city and provides access to more distant destinations not served by the metro or streetcar.

Streetcar

The tramway also links several of Toulouse's districts, offering a comfortable alternative for surface travel.

VeloToulouse

For cycling enthusiasts, the VélôToulouse system offers self-service bicycle stations, providing a pleasant and environmentally-friendly way to discover the city.

Taxi

Taxis are also available throughout the city, but it's important to make sure the driver uses the meter to avoid scams. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called by phone.

The cost of living in Toulouse

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Average salary in Toulouse
Average cost of living 65%

Before moving to Toulouse, it's essential to find out about the cost of living in the region. Here's an overview of common expenses to help you plan your stay.

Accommodation

The cost of housing in Toulouse varies according to location and housing type. Rentals in the city center tend to be more expensive, while outlying districts often offer more affordable options. Visitors can also opt for hotel, youth hostel or vacation rental accommodation to suit all budgets.

Food

Restaurant meals in Toulouse can be affordable or more expensive, depending on the type of establishment. To save money on meals, you can opt for the daily menus offered by many restaurants. Local markets are also an excellent option for finding fresh produce at affordable prices and discovering local cuisine by cooking for yourself.

Transportation

Public transport in Toulouse is relatively affordable, with attractive fares for metro, streetcar and bus tickets. For frequent commuters, we recommend monthly or weekly passes, offering attractive discounts. Self-service bike hire is another economical and environmentally-friendly way to get around the city.

Activities

Leisure and entertainment activities in Toulouse can vary in cost. Some museums and tourist attractions have affordable entrance fees, while other special events or shows can be a little more expensive. However, the city also offers many free activities, such as strolling along the quays of the Garonne, attending open-air concerts or strolling through public parks and gardens.

Things to do in Toulouse

Practical information

Toulouse is a safe city for travelers, but it's always important to take certain precautions. Be sure to keep your valuables safe, and be vigilant in crowded places. In case of emergency, the number to dial is 112, which will put you in touch with the emergency services. It's also advisable to take out travel insurance before you leave to cover any medical or other contingencies.

Before you leave for Toulouse, make sure you have a map of the city and a tourist guide to help you find your way around its lively streets. Don't hesitate to ask the locals for advice, as they're often happy to share their best addresses and tips for making the most of your stay. Make the most of your trip to Toulouse, the Ville Rose, and discover all it has to offer in terms of culture, history and gastronomy! 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Toulouse

Travel insurance is especially important when planning a trip to Paris or any other destination in France.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

During your trip to France, it's important to consider banking fees to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest and recommended way is to open the following bank account: Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

Toulouse boasts many must-see tourist attractions, including the Place du Capitole, the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the Cité de l'Espace, the Couvent des Jacobins and the banks of the Garonne.

The best time to visit Toulouse is generally in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant for strolling and enjoying the city's many terraces.

Toulouse's public transport network includes the metro, tramway and buses. You can also get around on foot or by bike, to discover the city at your own pace.

During your stay in Toulouse, be sure to sample regional dishes such as cassoulet, Toulouse sausage, foie gras and violette de Toulouse, a traditional confectionery.

Toulouse is home to several interesting museums, including the Musée des Augustins, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, and the Quai des Savoirs, an interactive science museum.

Yes, Toulouse offers many cultural events throughout the year. Highlights include the Rio Loco Festival in June, the Marathon des mots in June, and the Garorock music festival in June/July.

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