Nestled in the south of France, Toulouse often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, Toulouse offers a wealth of experiences that deserve far more attention! The city’s friendly and approachable vibe sets it apart from its more crowded urban counterparts. If you’re planning a trip to this charming city, don’t miss out on these Toulouse travel tips.
These fun and useful insights will spark your interest and help you make the most of your visit!
1. Toulouse is very, very old
Did you know Toulouse is over 2,000 years old? The Romans founded the city in the 2nd century BC, making it a key military outpost. Due to the Garonne River, Toulouse became an ideal hub for trade across the Pax Romana. Even today, you can visit the remains of the Roman wall, known as the Gallo-Roman rampart of Toulouse.
2. Toulouse is famous for its pink hues
Transitioning to more modern times, Toulouse earned the nickname “Pink City” because most of its buildings are made from pale-colored brick. These bricks change hues throughout the day, shifting from warm orange to deep magenta. With its stunning architectural details and maze of charming streets, Toulouse is a delight to explore on foot, offering countless photo opportunities.
3. Toulouse is an aerospace hub
Today, Toulouse ranks as the fourth largest city in France, largely due to its booming aerospace industry. In fact, it’s the largest aerospace hub in Europe, hosting the European Airbus headquarters, the SPOT satellite, and the French space agency. Toulouse has been the fastest-growing French city in terms of GDP per capita since 2003. This growth is driven by its thriving high-tech industries. Space enthusiasts visiting Toulouse should definitely explore Cité de l’Espace for its impressive immersive experiences.
4. Toulouse has incredible food
Furthermore, Toulouse and the broader Languedoc region are renowned across Europe for their rich culinary traditions. The most iconic dish is cassoulet, a slow-cooked stew of pork, duck confit, white Tarbes beans, and Toulouse sausage. You can find cassoulet in most city center restaurants, but the best spots are Chez Émile and Le Bibent. Other must-try traditional dishes in Toulouse include Fenetra cake, violet-based treats like liqueur or candy, goose foie gras, duck breast, and local cheeses such as Tomme des Pyrénées and Roquefort Aveyron.
5. Toulouse is great for culture aficionados
Toulouse has preserved its rich artistic heritage, making it a haven for art lovers. One of the city’s most popular attractions, Les Abattoirs, was once a slaughterhouse but has been transformed into an incredible museum of modern art, housing over 2,300 pieces. Additionally, Toulouse boasts a variety of other museums, both big and small, including the Resistance Museum, the Bemberg Foundation, and the Museum of Medicine and Medical Instruments. Be sure to jot these down for a rainy day!
6. Toulouse is home to France’s most iconic canal
Toulouse is also perfect for those who love to wander. In 1667, Louis XIV commissioned the Canal du Midi, a 240-kilometer-long shortcut from the Mediterranean Sea to Toulouse. Today, the canal is recognized as one of the greatest construction achievements of the 17th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s easily accessible from the city center, whether you choose to explore it by electric bike or, for the more adventurous, by barge.
7. Toulouse is a rugby city
Toulouse residents are passionate about rugby, and the city proudly hosts “Les rouges et noirs” at Stade Toulousain. If you plan to visit Toulouse and want to experience this unforgettable event, be sure to book rugby tickets well in advance, as games often sell out. However, if you can’t secure tickets, the next best thing is watching a match with locals at a sports bar. The energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and you’ll quickly find yourself caught up in the excitement!
Cover photo credit: Toulouse Tourism
