car hire toulouse
Pick up your hire car at Toulouse airport, swat up and head into France's cleverest city. Book car hire toulouse now
the 60-second guide to Toulouse
in its own head
"The gateway to the Pyrenees, we're the most stylish and cosmopolitan city, with the most beautiful historic centre. And did we mention our sausages?"
but more realistically
Toulouse is indeed a wonderful and beautiful city. Not only that, it's an aviation centre with a thriving hi-tech industry as well as a university town.
the vibe
Buzzing with students from all over Europe, Toulouse has a vibrant atmosphere. The Toulousans are friendly and open - be nice and you might even get invited to join them in the lively nightlife of the city.
the natives
Obviously, with all the aerospace stuff, you'll find a lot of eggheads. Seek out the friendly, accommodating locals watching rugby at the Stade Toluousain or shopping at the Vieille Ville.
the weather
It's the South of France, so the climate is, as you'd expect, gorgeous. Winters are mild, summers are long and hot, and the autumns are crisp and sunny.
the local speciality
You simply can't go to Toulouse without sampling one of their famous sausages. They're great in a cassoulet, with a bottle of Gaillac.
the celebrity
Arsenal's left back, Gael Clichy, hails from Toulouse. As did Antione de Saint-Exupery, who wrote the bestselling novella The Little Prince.
did you know?
Toulouse is known as the Ville Rose, which translates as the Pink City, because of the distinctive pink brickwork of its old town.
they say
"Your stay in Toulouse will certainly be a time of great pleasure." - www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place du Capitole
- 2. Basilica Saint Sernin
- 3. Cathedrale St Etienne
- 4. The Canal du midi
- 5. The Jardin des Plantes
Packed with chic cafes and restaurants, Place du Capitole is the heart of the city's social life. With enormous brick buildings that are illuminated with a pink glow at sunset, it's home to an opera company, a symphony orchestra, and the city hall.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the Capitole car park in Place du Capitole.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place du Capitole
- 2. Basilica Saint Sernin
- 3. Cathedrale St Etienne
- 4. The Canal du midi
- 5. The Jardin des Plantes
Built in 1080, this beautiful brick building has a light and airy atmosphere that inspires peaceful reflection. It's also home to a very impressive pipe organ.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the Jeanne d'Arc underground car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place du Capitole
- 2. Basilica Saint Sernin
- 3. Cathedrale St Etienne
- 4. The Canal du midi
- 5. The Jardin des Plantes
There's a nice square here where you can unwind with a cafe au lait. Or just stare open-mouthed at the gigantic window on the facade.
where to park?
You can park your hire car at the Carnot car park in Boulevard Carnot.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place du Capitole
- 2. Basilica Saint Sernin
- 3. Cathedrale St Etienne
- 4. The Canal du midi
- 5. The Jardin des Plantes
When trawling around the big city has finally destroyed your feet, you could do a lot worse than sitting lazily, examining this massive 91-locks canal.
where to park?
Park at the Arnaud Bernard car park in Place Arnaud Bernaud.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place du Capitole
- 2. Basilica Saint Sernin
- 3. Cathedrale St Etienne
- 4. The Canal du midi
- 5. The Jardin des Plantes
This botanical garden may not be the most imaginitively named, but its array of gorgeous little plants and posies is inspiring. A great place for a quiet stroll away from the heat of the sun.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the St-Michel car park in Allee Paul Feuga.
and 4 to drive to...
If you're up for exploring the aeronautical wonders of Toulouse, this is the theme park to check out. With its full-scale rockets and planetarium, it's educational and fun.
how to get there?
It will take you around 20 minutes to get to there from the centre of Toulouse. Head east on the N126.
and 4 to drive to...
Take a step back in time to the Middle Ages as you wander around and marvel at the history of this beautifully preserved medieval town.
how to get there?
Head south-east from Toulouse on the A61. It should take just over an hour to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
A really popular tourist site on the banks of the Garonne river, Bazacle is home to a curious man-made waterfall that looks fantastic. Built on a natural ford, the Bazacle has blocked the passage of the River Garonne since the 12th century.
how to get there?
Head north on the A62/E09/E72. It will take an hour to get to Bazacle.
and 4 to drive to...
If you're one for wandering around castles with decent old murals, then this 16th-century Chateau in the town of Muret is the place to head for.
how to get there?
Take the E80/A64 south-west. It should take you about half an hour to get there from Toulouse.
ask a Toulouse cabbie!
Local taxi driver Olivier Philibert on car hire in Toulouse: "Toulouse is one of the largest French cities so you are going to need a hire car to get around. If you fancy ditching the car and getting some exercise while you see the city, you can rent a bike for about €3 a day. The streets in the city centre are quite narrow so take care to drive a little slower there. The best and cheapest place to park in the centre is at the Capitole car park."