‘Look! Up in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane?’ If you’re in Toulouse, it’s probably a plane. And that’s been true for quite some time.
Toulouse is often called ‘The Aerospace Capital of Europe’ and you’ll understand why when you’ve been there.
Air France!
As well as being home to several aeronautical giants, including Airbus, Thales and the European Space Agency, Toulouse’s universities and institutions are continually developing the aviation industry by offering aerospace engineering and aviation programs.
Toulouse is close to the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and is an ideal location for flight testing.
The industry provides employment for locals and also has benefits for tourists, who can get involved in aviation-centred activities.
The city has several aerospace museums, including the Cité de l’Espace (Space City), where you can learn more about space exploration and aviation.
You can take a guided tour of the Airbus facility, where commercial aircraft are designed, manufactured and assembled.
Airlines from around the world take delivery of their new Airbus aircraft at the centre in Toulouse. You can even arrange a visit to witness one of these handovers.
Throughout the year, Toulouse hosts aviation events, airshows and exhibitions that attract thousands of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.
There’s definitely a sharp focus on aviation but the city has plenty more going for it.
Local food in Toulouse
Toulouse is renowned for cassoulet, a traditional savoury dish featuring white beans and various meats, including pork, duck, local sausage and even lamb.
The local markets reflect the city’s culinary traditions. At the Capitole Market, in the heart of the city, you’ll find fresh produce, regional specialties and artisanal goods. The Victor Hugo Market is the ideal place to sample the local cheese, charcuterie (pork and bacon products) and freshly baked bread. The Cristal Market is the place for international cuisines. Try them all.
Landmarks
Dominating the cityscape is the impressive Basilica of Saint-Sernin. It dates from the 11th century and is the only remaining building of the medieval abbey complex that once surrounded it. With its soaring spires, it is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and the largest Romanesque church in France.
You can walk the paths beside the Canal du Midi and discover the charming neighbourhoods along Toulouse’s waterways.
The Couvent des Jacobins is a remarkable religious and architectural landmark. Built in the 13th century, this Dominican convent is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. A spectacular feature is the ‘palm tree’ vaulted ceiling in the nave of the church.
Also in the convent grounds is the burial place of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a prominent theologian and philosopher.
The Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) was established in the 18th century. It has a wealth of plant species and is a quiet place in the city where you can take a peaceful walk.
Toulouse: museums and collections
Toulouse has its artistic side, too, and has several museums that have no connection with aviation.
Les Abattoirs, a museum housed in a former slaughterhouse, has an extensive permanent collection of contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Braque and Kandinsky. It also has ever-changing temporary exhibits of modern art installations, sculptures and paintings.
The Fondation Bemberg is in the magnificent Hôtel d’Assézat, a splendid Renaissance mansion. Its collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts spans various periods and styles. You’ll see pieces by Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas and Amedeo Modigliani. The museum’s exquisite interior and the historic architecture of the Hôtel alone are worth a visit.
The Musée des Augustins is located in a former Augustinian monastery, and holds sculptures, paintings and decorative arts from the Romanesque period (11th and 12th centuries) and the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries) right up to the 20th century.
Historical figures
Given its long and successful involvement in aviation, Toulouse has been the home of some famous aviators.
Among them was Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince. He was born in Lyon, but later worked for Aéropostale, an early French airmail company that had its primary operations in Toulouse, a city that was already playing a significant role in the early days of aviation.
He made many daring flights over treacherous mountains and deserts on his routes between Toulouse, Senegal and Morocco. His experiences there inspired his later writings, and featured in his autobiographical work Night Flight.
The renowned French scholar and linguist Jean-François Champollion (right) spent some of his childhood years in Toulouse.
His most significant achievement came in 1822, when he successfully translated the Rosetta Stone, which became a key to unlocking the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphics. This monumental breakthrough paved the way for a greater understanding of the ancient civilisation of the Nile, and promoted Egyptology as a field of study.
Further afield
Toulouse is an ideal starting point to explore the Occitanie region, known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional villages and ancient castles.
The nearby towns of Carcassonne, Albi and Montauban are places you should definitely visit while you are in the region.
Information
LOCATION: Occitanie
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 679 km (422 miles) to the southwest.
POPULATION: 494,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), about 7 km (4 miles) west of the city centre.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau.
TOURIST INFORMATION Donjon du Capitole, Square Charles de Gaulle.
MARKETS: Victor Hugo Market; Cristal Market. Place du Capitole also hosts open-air markets and events.
MUST SEE: Aeronautical centres; The Basilique Saint-Sernin; Canal du Midi; museums.
