Toulouse is the capital city of the department of Haute-Garonne, and of the region Midi-Pyrénées, in southwestern France. It lies on the banks of the River Garonne, 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the Mediterranean Sea, 230 km (143 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean, and 580 km (360 mi) from Paris. Toulouse’s agglomeration with more than 1 million inhabitants is the fourth-largest city in France, after Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

--------- A CITY OF KNOWLEDGE ---------

The city pioneers research especially in aeronautics and space with Clément Ader and his strange machine, the Aéropostale adventure, and the launch of the A380, to name but a few of our well-known machines. Aerospace and science enthusiasts alike can visit a number of such sites here.

--------- A RAY OF SUNSHINE ---------

Toulouse is just like its weather: warm and friendly. We love to stroll around the market, chat on the banks, linger at a café... basically, we like to live life to the fullest even if that means we forget to look at the clock. We even have an expression about us being 15 minutes late: "le quart d’heure toulousain" !

--------- A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES ---------

A city with a unique architecture made of pinkish terracotta bricks, which earned it the nickname la Ville Rose ("the Pink City"). This rosy glow is best seen at sunset ! Toulouse counts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Canal Du Midi (designated in 1996 and shared with other cities), and the Basilica of St. Sernin (website in french), designated in 1998 because of its significance to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. Take some time to see monuments like the Capitole and its reception rooms or the amphitheatre and Roman thermal baths of Purpan.

The Toulouse Tourist Office has more information on many other sites, such as the Museum of Natural History, Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the Museum of Natural History, and much more !

------- A TREAT FOR THE TASTEBUDS -------

It’s a must-visit special place in southwest France so you can bet that foodies love it here ! In Toulouse, good food is a religion. Discover Armagnac and wines from the Southwest or taste gourmet specialities such as cassoulet, foie gras, or duck confit and many others at the delicatessens in the city. For example, violet is the emblematic flower of Toulouse. Its delicate scent is very popular and when crystallised, they can be eaten like a sweet. There are several shops that offer these edible specialities for you to enjoy even after your stay !

--------- A FIESTA ---------

Cosmopolitan and full of students, cultural and festive, Toulouse is lively both day and night. The city shares nearby Spain’s love for partying. At the bar, in the club, at a concert or even at a rugby match, any excuse to celebrate will do !

--------- A GREEN HAVEN ---------

The many parks and gardens are ideal for relaxation and walks along the banks of the Garonne or the Canal du Midi will bring you peace of mind. Just enjoy the cool air along tree-lined walkways and benefit from peaceful combination of green and water. The citywide bike sharing system, VélôToulouse, can stir even the most reluctant for a delightful ride along the canal.

Try one of our many gardens: Jardins Royal, du Grand Rond, & des Plantes (all connected) or even the Japanese Garden !