Tourist information:
Toulouse, now the capital of French aeronautics and space, reflects 24 centuries of history. Its history combines periods of abundance but also dark days that marked the southwest capital city. However, the Rose City contains many assets that will unveil the charms of this city, between tradition and modernity.
The city center of Toulouse is relatively small, so it is easy to visit it on foot or by bike. This way visitors can discover the great monuments of Toulouse: the Capitol, St. Sernin Basilica, World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Jacobins palm tree ... but also the secrets of this beautiful town, beautiful "pastelliers" hotels of Renaissance style, can be found all around the old town; they have beautiful courtyards, worthy of palaces. The banks of the Garonne and Canal du Midi are great for family strolls and offer beautiful panoramic views.
For art lovers, Toulouse is a dream city. With a history dating back 2000 years, it has many museums ranging from ancient art (Saint-Raymond museum) to modern art (Abattoirs Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) through Impressionism in the Augustins museum, roman art, the Space City, and the treasures of Asian arts and ancient Egypt in the Georges-Labit museum.
While in Toulouse it is impossible not to taste the famous Toulouse cuisine: Toulouse sausages, cassoulet confectionery with violets and wines.
Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Toulouse enjoys both a good location and easy access with six highways that intersect near the city, many railroads lines which join at the Toulouse-Matabiau station and to the Toulouse-Blagnac airport. Toulouse is 5 hours from Paris by train and and 1:15 by plane.
To move around the city, it is advisable to use public transport. Toulouse has more than 80 bus lines and two subway lines serving the whole city. A bike service is also offered, the VélôToulouse: www.velo.toulouse.fr
