While iconic cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon often steal the spotlight, Toulouse stands out as one of the most charming and livable destinations I’ve encountered in France. With a population of over half a million and rapid growth, Toulouse is poised to surpass Lyon, becoming the country’s third-largest city by the end of this year. Although it shares a size similar to Manchester, Toulouse lacks the urban sophistication of its more renowned counterparts.
Known as “La Ville Rose” due to its stunning terracotta buildings, the capital of the Occitanie region basks in the warmth of the sun. Despite its modern identity as a hub for aeronautics and intelligent transport, the skyline remains largely unblemished by high-rise structures, allowing the blue sky to reign supreme. The city proudly hosts Airbus, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer.
The heart of Toulouse is alive with the vibrant social scene, fueled by a significant student population. Young locals gather along the banks of the Garonne River, enjoy leisurely afternoons in lush squares, and cycle through the scenic Canal du Midi. This city also boasts a unique Spanish influence, resulting from a wave of immigration following the Spanish Civil War. Its laid-back atmosphere is complemented by an array of delightful tapas bars.
Toulouse excels in its culinary offerings, firmly establishing itself as the gastronomic center of southwestern France. The region’s rich and diverse cuisine includes specialties like violet petals used in desserts, naturally sparkling wines, an abundance of cheeses, and a hearty appetite for meat. Le Marché Victor Hugo is an excellent spot to savor the local terroir. Here, you can purchase fresh produce and enjoy it right at communal tables, mingling with locals who savor everything from coffee-dipped baguettes to fresh oysters.
Recognized as a UNESCO City of Music, Toulouse has a rich musical heritage and an impressive lineup of festivals and concerts. The city is also known for its 700-year-old tradition of poetry, making it a cultural hub.
The wealth of Toulouse historically stemmed from le pastel, a plant used to create a coveted blue dye favored by royalty. This prosperous past is evident in the city’s many hôtels particuliers (private mansions). Recently, Toulouse has emerged as a center for the aeronautical industry, boasting five museums and attractions that cater to enthusiasts of science, technology, aircraft, and space exploration. As a parent to an engineering-enthusiast teenager, I found Toulouse to be the perfect getaway that combined education with excitement.
Toulouse’s aviation legacy dates back to the late 19th century, when a local innovator named Clément Ader created the first motorized aircraft—a bat-like invention that made its debut in 1890. This city has since played a pivotal role in the history of military aircraft, mail delivery by air, and the development of modern aviation giants, including projects like Beyond Aero’s hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft. Notably, it houses both Airbus and the French National Space Centre.
During our visit, we took a tram to Aeroscopia, a museum located in the Blagnac suburb, right next to the airport. This impressive facility features a collection of 40 aircraft, including the legendary Caravelle, the world’s first twin-engine commercial jet, and the iconic Concorde. We explored the sleek interior of the supersonic jet before stepping into the realm of modern aviation with the Airbus A380—an engineering marvel that can carry up to 500 passengers.
The museum also showcases a fascinating section dedicated to the future of aviation, highlighting innovations aimed at achieving maximum comfort while minimizing environmental impact. However, the highlight of our visit was the Super Guppy, a unique aircraft designed by NASA in the 1980s to transport rocket components. With a wingspan that matches its length at 150 feet, this behemoth’s capacity has been outdone only by the Airbus Beluga.
Next, we explored the main Airbus factory, a sprawling site equivalent to about 1,000 football pitches. This facility houses hangars, test runways, and fortified areas for engine testing and final assembly lines. Guided tours are the only way to visit, and we underwent security checks upon booking our tickets. Photography was prohibited during the tour, which focused on the A350, Airbus’s cutting-edge long-haul aircraft. This €350 million beast, born from the efforts of 5,000 engineers over seven years, competes directly with Boeing’s 777.
After immersing ourselves in the world of commercial aviation, we transitioned to space exploration at Citée de l’Espace. This small-scale, space-themed amusement park features its latest attraction, LuneXplorer, a simulation of a moon landing experience. Despite a 45-minute wait, the thrill of the briefing room, space capsule, lift-off, and lunar landing was well worth it. We also reveled in the replica of the Mir space station and enjoyed an outdoor show on Martian terrain featuring replicas of the Perseverance and Zhurong rovers, currently exploring the Red Planet.
Finally, we visited L’Envol des Pionniers, a museum dedicated to the history of aviation, including the contributions of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, to the world’s first airmail service. Toulouse proved to be a city that ticks all the boxes—educational, inspiring, fun, and full of surprises.
How to Get There
Toulouse is easily accessible via airlines such as BA, easyJet, and Ryanair. Alternatively, a train journey from Paris Montparnasse takes just over four and a half hours.
Where to Stay
The Aparthotel Adagio Toulouse offers comfortable studio accommodations starting from £84.
More Information
- The Explorers Pass costs €48/€35 and is valid for five days, providing entry to five attractions in the city.
- Gourmet Walking Tours of Toulouse start from €95.
- Visit toulouse-tourisme.com/en/ for more details.
