Visit Toulouse and the secrets of the pink city
Stretching on both sides of the Garonne River, Toulouse is a colourful city that breathes the art of living of the Southwest. From the nature spirit of the Canal du Midi to the highest technological performances gathered at the Cité de l'Espace, the capital of Occitania offers a palette of varied and unexpected discoveries, from the oldest neighbourhoods to the jewels of the aerospace industry.
Discover Toulouse by water
Toulouse is a city that can be discovered particularly well by water thanks to two major assets: the Canal du Midi, which links it to the Mediterranean, and the Garonne, a river that offers atypical views of the city. The construction of the Canal du Midi was launched in the middle of the 17th century. A titanic work whose technical prowess earned it its UNESCO classification, it took no less than 14 years to see the light of day. Today, it offers a pleasantly shaded walk or bike ride. The structure can also be visited to better understand the issues and details of its construction. With its calm waters, the Garonne allows you to discover the center of Toulouse in an original way thanks to the cruises that are organised. Kayak, paddle, or water skiing are the main activities.
Aerospace at the heart of Toulouse's activity
Dive into the heart of modernity thanks to the many sites and museums related to aerospace! There are so many places to visit in Toulouse that will amaze those who love technology or wide open spaces. The Aeroscopia museum takes you on board the famous Concorde, puts you close to the Super Guppy and many other aircraft that the museum collects. Lively and animated, the museum will seduce you with its flight simulator... In the world of airplanes again, don't miss the discovery of the Airbus facilities. If you are looking for something to visit in Toulouse, you should go to the Airbus factory. You will discover all the secrets of the design and manufacture of these aircrafts that contribute to the prestige of the city. Finally, change scale by going to the Cité de l'Espace, to board rockets and go light years away from Toulouse thanks to the Planetarium and other sensational animations.
The Saint-Cyprien district and the Slaughterhouses
It was once home to the sick, exiles and pilgrims. Now the Saint-Cyprien district is one of the places not to be missed in Toulouse. Trendy and lively, it is located on the left bank of the Garonne and offers an ideal view of the opposite bank, which then reveals its pink facades, the origin of the city's nickname... The Saint-Cyprien district also has two major museums: the Château d'Eau gallery and its photographic exhibitions and the Slaughterhouses. Behind this not very engaging name hides the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Toulouse. Converted from its former slaughterhouses, giving it a strong architectural character, offering more than 4,000 permanent works and hosts temporary exhibitions, performances and concerts.
Visit Toulouse in two original churches
If you like history and architecture, two religious buildings will not fail to attract your attention. The first one is the Saint-Sernin Basilica. It is the largest Romanesque church in France! A vast reliquary, it houses the remains of Saint Saturnin, the bishop for whom the church was built. If you admire its perspectives and its capitals, the 19th century organs are also remarkable by their quality, their famous designer having also realised those of Notre-Dame de Paris or of the Abbey of Men in Caen... Another curiosity, if you are looking for something unusual and original to visit in Toulouse: the Saint-Etienne Cathedral. It indeed attracts the eye by its eclectic style, which it owes to its construction, which was spread out over several centuries. Numerous styles have been grafted onto each other, giving the building its particular look.
The Jardin des Plantes and the Museum of Toulouse
To take a nature break between the two visits, there is nothing like a stop at the Jardin des Plantes. Located in the Busca district, it was originally a botanical garden. Today, it offers the freshness of its ponds, big shady tree areas and the beauty of its flowers to Toulousans and visitors alike. Playgrounds allow children to stretch their legs in its 7 hectares of nature. A place of relaxation, the Jardin des Plantes also hosts the Toulouse Museum. It is a natural history museum with majestic collections. It is indeed the second largest in France after the one in Paris. The skeleton of Quetzalcoatlus, suspended in the air, is the major piece, not to be missed if you only have time for a very quick visit! Not far away, the Quai des Savoirs plunges you into a scientific universe placed under the seal of interactivity.
Practical information
Coming to Toulouse
Entry requirements in Toulouse, France:
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Map of Toulouse
How to get to Toulouse
Going to Toulouse from Noumea
To reach Toulouse easily from Noumea, consult our page Flight Noumea Toulouse.
Travel time
The shortest travel time for a trip from Noumea to Toulouse is 27 hours and 30 minutes. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference
It is 9 hours later in Noumea, New Caledonia than in Toulouse, France.
When to go to Toulouse
When is the best time to visit Toulouse?
Toulouse has a warm temperate climate and can be visited at any time of the year. The best time to visit is :
- Summer period : From April to October, discover the city under the Mediterranean sun. However, beware of the temperatures which can reach 30°C in the hottest part of the summer, in July and August.
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