Tourist Information
SOUTH - ARCHITECTURE
In short
- It is the Languedoc region's historical capital. It is also known as the "Pink City" because of its terracotta brick-walled buildings, and as the "Violets City" because of the violets flower-picking. The town was already a major one before it was occupied by the Romans.
- The Canal du Midi, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, crosses the city.
- Saint-Sernin basilica is the tallest Romanesque European building; however, the chapel Saint-Joseph and Saint-Etienne cathedral are also worth seeing. And don't forget the Place du Capitole, the symbol of the city!
- You'll have the opportunity to attend cultural events all year long in Toulouse: Toulouse les Orgues in October, the Piano aux Jacobins in September. During the last weekend of June, you'll discover the Grand Fénétra, a popular traditional dance and music festival. As for the Printemps du Rire (literally, "the Spring of Laugh"), it is the first humour festival in Europe. Toulouse's feria takes place in June; it is a reminder of the town's Spanish influence.
- You'll also find many private mansions: they display a flamboyant and interesting architecture style.
- The Augustins museum is a Fine Arts museum, one of the most ancient French museums.
Climate
The climate in Toulouse is temperate, with dry and warm summers, sunny autumns, mild winters, and rainy springs. Average temperatures are 5.9°C in January and 22°C in July.
Our best tips
- You can discover Toulouse on your own, without a guide, while wandering around in the pedestrian streets, surrounded by the pink brick-walled houses which gave the city its nickname.
- Toulouse churches are famous for their architecture: don't hesitate and stop by!
Average prices for hotels
- Low budget: 35€ per night in low season, and 56€ in high season.
- Mid-range: 70€ per night in low season, and 86€ in high season.
- Luxury: 129€ per night in low season, and 149€ in high season.
Recommended areas for your hotel
- The Pattes d'oie and Cépière neighbourhoods are close to the Zénith concert hall: thus, if you want to go and attend a concert, you'll only be two steps away!
- The Capitole borough is ideal for those who wish to discover the city by foot from their hotel. You'll have everything you need in a short distance around the hotel.
Need more information about this place?
We wrote un mini guide for our readers that we hope is coming as handy as possible (also available in PDF format to download, useful while traveling without an internet connexion) :
Toulouse : Handy Mini Travel Guide
