Holiday lettings & accommodation in Toulouse

The majority of Toulouse’s main attractions can be found in the area bordered by the River Garonne and the wide boulevards that encompass the old parts of the city. The historic district, Vieux Toulouse, is the heart of Toulouse and the starting point to navigating the Pink city. Place du Capitole, the bustling square and one of Toulouse’s most recognisable sights on market day, is at its epicentre. The small streets that lead out of the square are lined with cafes, townhouses and museums. St Sernin, a short stroll from the main square, is Toulouse’s Latin quarter. Bustling with bars, cafes and restaurants, this district serves the city’s raucous student population. Arnaud Bernard, to the north-west of the centre of Toulouse and bordered by the Canal du Midi, is another district popular with students due to its close-proximity to Toulouse’s university campus. Designer boutiques and lively bars are in abundance here. Finally, north from Place Wilson, is the Matabiau district. Located next to the main train station, the area has lots of shops and a multitude of different restaurants.

Place du Capitole is the starting point to acclimatizing yourself to the charms of the Pink City. The vast square is one of Europe’s finest, dominated by the city’s Town Hall and Opera House. Find a table here, order an espresso and people-watch. In total, there are more than 50 towers in Toulouse, many would argue that the finest is found above Bernuy Mansion, home of the baron who grew rich from trading the blue dye that Julius Caesar loved. Toulouse is also home to the largest Romanesque church in Europe. The Basilica of St Sermi, an 11th-century masterpiece, contains the tomb of Thomas Aquinas and is certainly worth visiting. Make sure you take a trip out to Toulouse’s pretty suburbs, that are home to Europe’s finest space museum, Cité de l'Espace. the building is modelled on a life-size version of the Ariane 5 rocket. There is a full-size replica model of the famous Russian satellite Sputnik, examples of moon rock, and sections of a space station to admire.

Toulouse’s location in the south-east of France, close to Gascony, has seen the city build an excellent reputation for food culture. Some of the most famous dishes from this region have been imitated across France. Saucisse de Toulouse looks very much like a traditional chipolata, but has a peppery taste and is perfect once grilled over a wood fire. Duck is also a regional speciality and is eaten either in foie gras, confit or cooked in any number of other different ways. Cassoulet, though, is probably the dish for which the region gains the most kudos. This is a stew made with a selection of white beans, duck, saucisse de Toulouse and herbs. But like other hearty meals, beware that it may actually be quite difficult to find over the summer months. Garbure is another hearty local dish: A thick soup, originally made by peasants, that utilises whatever meat or vegetables that are available and is traditionally served in an earthenware dish.

Toulouse airport, Blagnac, is located approximately 11km from the city. It handles both domestic and international flights. To reach the city from the airport, you can either board the ‘Shuttle Bus’ which takes you to the main train station or the Jeanne D’Arc metro station in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs €5.50. Despite Toulouse’s large size, the majority of her attractions can be seen on foot, centred around the compact Old Town. Tisseo is the public transport operator in the city and provides the bus, tramway and metro services. A single on the bus costs €1.60 and can be bought from the bus driver as you board. Tramway tickets are available from vending machines at each tram stop. Although the metro service is relatively small; it is modern, clean and very easy to use. In addition, a free shuttle bus circles the historic centre of the city.