Welcome to Toulouse
We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.
Toulouse, known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) for its distinctive terracotta brick architecture, is a vibrant city in southwestern France. As the capital of the Occitanie region, it blends a rich history with a dynamic modern spirit, driven by its role as Europe’s aerospace capital.
The city’s historic center is filled with charming squares, lively cafés, and landmarks like the Capitole de Toulouse, Basilica of Saint-Sernin, and the Garonne River’s scenic quays. Toulouse’s student population gives it a youthful energy, with cultural festivals, street performances, and bustling nightlife.
Its cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with regional specialties such as cassoulet, foie gras, and duck dishes, paired perfectly with wines from nearby vineyards. Thanks to its excellent rail, road, and air connections, Toulouse is both a cultural treasure and a gateway to the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean, and Spain.
Toulouse is the capital (Préfecture) of the Haute-Garonne department (31) and the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is the fourth-largest city in France and a major center for aerospace, technology, education, and culture. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, Toulouse is known as “La Ville Rose” due to its distinctive pink terracotta buildings.
Toulouse is at the heart of the Toulouse Métropole, an intercommunal body that includes 37 communes, coordinating essential services like urban planning, transport, and economic development across the metropolitan area.
A commune is the smallest administrative unit in France, functioning like a municipality with a high level of autonomy.
1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)
Mairie de Toulouse is the central authority for civil, urban, and community services within the city.
Toulouse also has mairies annexes (district town halls) in its neighborhoods to improve local access.
Responsibilities include: Civil registrations (births, marriages, deaths), Local permits and urban planning, Public services like water, sanitation, and local transport, Education and childcare services, Community programs, sports, and culture
2. Police Municipale (Municipal Police)
Ensures local public order, parking enforcement, and traffic management.
Collaborates with the Police Nationale, which handles crime prevention, identity checks, and immigration.
Both forces operate in parallel, especially in larger urban settings like Toulouse.
3. Other Local Services
Public libraries, swimming pools, and cultural institutions
Social support centers (for seniors, low-income families, persons with disabilities)
Environmental services and sustainable urban development
Administrative Structure – Toulouse & Haute-Garonne
Préfecture & Subprefectures
Préfecture de Haute-Garonne is located in Toulouse, overseeing public order, civil protection, and coordination of national policies.
Subprefectures:
Muret and Saint-Gaudens serve other areas of the department.
Judicial & Tax Offices
Tribunal judiciaire de Toulouse: Handles legal matters for the department.
Tribunal administratif: Deals with disputes involving public authorities.
Tribunal de commerce: Manages commercial and company-related cases.
Tax Services:
SIP (for individuals), SIE (for businesses), and CDIF (property taxation) offices available across Toulouse and surrounding communes.
Toulouse Métropole
Toulouse Métropole is a governing structure of 37 communes, working together on: Public Transport: Managed by Tisséo, operating metro, trams, and buses, Economic development and innovation, Housing and sustainable urban growth, Waste management, water supply, and environmental planning, Support for local culture, events, and international partnerships
Notable communes include Blagnac, Colomiers, Balma, Ramonville-Saint-Agne, and L’Union.
City Structure of Toulouse
Toulouse is divided into 6 sectors, comprising 20 quartiers (districts), each with local facilities and identity:
Capitole (city center)
Saint-Cyprien, Minimes, Rangueil, Mirail, Borderouge, and more
Each district has its own cultural centers, schools, parks, and neighborhood councils under the direction of the main mairie.
🚇🚍🚲 Public Transport in Toulouse & Occitanie Region – Tisséo & Regional Connections
Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose, has a well-developed and efficient public transport network run by Tisséo, connecting the city center, suburbs, and key economic areas like the aerospace district.
🌐 Tisséo Network
Tisséo covers Toulouse Métropole and neighboring communes with multiple modes of transport.
🚇 Metro – 2 automated lines:
Line A – East–west axis (Basso Cambo ↔ Balma-Gramont).
Line B – North–south axis (Borderouge ↔ Ramonville).
🚋 Trams – 2 lines (T1 & T2) connecting the city to the airport, exhibition park, and western suburbs.
🚌 Buses – Over 80 routes, including express buses (Linéo) and night services.
🚲 VélôToulouse – Self-service bicycles available 24/7 throughout the city.
🚐 Paratransit Services – For people with reduced mobility.
💳 Ticketing & Pass Options
🎫 Single & 10-trip Tickets – Valid across metro, tram, and bus for 1 hour after validation.
🎓 Youth & Student Passes – Reduced-price monthly/annual subscriptions.
👩💼 Employee Commuter Passes – Employers can reimburse up to 50% of the cost.
👶 Free for children under 4; reduced fares for children, seniors, and job seekers.
Tickets can be bought at vending machines in metro/tram stations, Tisséo agencies, authorized retailers, and via the Tisséo mobile app for digital tickets, trip planning, and live updates.
🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Toulouse
🚆 TER Occitanie Trains – Run by SNCF, connecting Toulouse to regional hubs and scenic towns. Major destinations: Montauban, Albi, Carcassonne, Auch, Castres, and Narbonne.
🚌 Regional Coaches (LIO) – Low-cost buses linking smaller towns, rural areas, and tourist sites in Occitanie.
💡 Tip: Combine Tisséo + TER
If you live in a nearby town and commute to Toulouse, a combined pass can save time and money while giving you unlimited travel in both the city and the region.
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📍 Places to Visit in Toulouse
🏛 Historic & Iconic
1. Place du Capitole
About: Main square of Toulouse, home to the City Hall and Capitole Theatre.
From Centre: 0 km (reference point).
How to Reach: Metro Line A (Capitole).
2. Basilique Saint-Sernin
About: UNESCO-listed Romanesque basilica on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
From Centre: ~0.5 km northwest.
How to Reach: Walk or Metro Line B (Jeanne d’Arc).
3. Couvent des Jacobins
About: Gothic convent with unique palm-tree-shaped columns and serene cloister.
From Centre: ~0.5 km southwest.
How to Reach: Walk.
4. Pont Neuf
About: 16th-century stone bridge with great views of the Garonne River.
From Centre: ~0.8 km southwest.
How to Reach: Walk.
🎨 Museums & Culture
5. Musée des Augustins
About: Fine arts museum in a former convent with medieval sculptures and paintings.
From Centre: ~0.5 km south.
How to Reach: Walk or Metro Line A (Esquirol).
6. Cité de l’Espace
About: Space-themed park and museum with rocket replicas and planetarium.
From Centre: ~6 km southeast.
How to Reach: Bus 37 from Jolimont or shuttle from city center.
7. Les Abattoirs
About: Modern and contemporary art museum in a converted slaughterhouse.
From Centre: ~1.5 km west.
How to Reach: Metro Line A (St-Cyprien–République).
🌳 Outdoor & Scenic
8. Jardin des Plantes
About: Botanical garden with ponds, playgrounds, and walking paths.
From Centre: ~1.3 km southeast.
How to Reach: Walk or Metro Line B (Carmes).
9. Prairie des Filtres
About: Riverside park with picnic spots and Garonne River views.
From Centre: ~1 km southwest.
How to Reach: Walk or Metro Line A (St-Cyprien–République).
10. Canal du Midi
About: UNESCO-listed canal ideal for cycling, walking, and boat rides.
From Centre: Access points ~0.8 km east.
How to Reach: Walk or bike.
🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Toulouse
🏙 Historic Towns & Villages
1. Albi
About: UNESCO town with red-brick cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
Distance: ~85 km northeast.
How to Reach: Train (~1h).
2. Carcassonne
About: Medieval fortified city with double walls and fairy-tale towers.
Distance: ~95 km southeast.
How to Reach: Train (~1h 15m).
3. Moissac
About: Abbey with Romanesque cloister and peaceful riverside setting.
Distance: ~75 km northwest.
How to Reach: Train (~50 min).
🌳 Nature & Scenic
4. Pyrenees Mountains
About: Hiking, skiing, and mountain villages like Bagnères-de-Luchon.
Distance: ~150 km south.
How to Reach: Train to Luchon area + bus (2–3h).
5. Canal du Midi Day Cruise
About: Boat trips along tree-lined waterways and historic locks.
Distance: Starts in Toulouse or nearby towns.
How to Reach: Walking distance from center.
6. Gers Countryside
About: Rolling hills, vineyards, and bastide villages like Lectoure and Auch.
Distance: ~80–100 km west.
How to Reach: Car or regional bus.
🍇 Wine Regions
7. Gaillac Wine Country
About: One of France’s oldest wine regions with reds, whites, and sparkling wines.
Distance: ~70 km northeast.
How to Reach: Train to Gaillac (~50 min) or car.
8. Fronton Wine Route
About: Vineyards producing unique Négrette grape wines.
Distance: ~30 km north.
How to Reach: Car (~40 min) or guided wine tour.
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Accommodation in Toulouse blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering options for every budget and style.
Luxury hotels are often set in beautifully restored heritage buildings near landmarks like Capitole de Toulouse, combining elegant interiors with fine dining and top-tier amenities. Boutique hotels in the city center and along the Garonne River provide a more intimate stay, often reflecting Toulouse’s unique pink-brick architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Mid-range hotels are plentiful around the Jean-Jaurès and Saint-Cyprien districts, placing visitors within easy reach of metro lines, shopping streets, and popular cafés. For budget-conscious travelers, hostels and economical hotels near Toulouse-Matabiau train station offer convenient access to both the city and regional transport.
Aparthotels and furnished rentals are ideal for longer stays, featuring kitchen facilities and flexible layouts for families or business travelers.
With Toulouse’s excellent public transport—two metro lines, trams, and buses—it’s easy to explore nearby attractions such as the Airbus factory tours, Cité de l’Espace, or charming villages in the Occitanie region while enjoying the warm, friendly atmosphere of France’s “Pink City.”
🍽 A Taste of Toulouse: Food & Restaurants
Known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) for its terracotta architecture, Toulouse is also a paradise for food lovers, blending southwestern French tradition with a growing range of international flavors and vegan-friendly spots.
🌍 International Flavors
Beyond its rich local gastronomy, Toulouse offers diverse global cuisines. Indian restaurants serve fragrant curries, biryanis, and tandoori platters. Asian eateries range from Japanese sushi and ramen bars to Thai kitchens and Chinese dim sum spots. Turkish grills offer juicy kebabs, flatbreads, and mezze, while Afghani restaurants prepare mantu, qabuli pulao, and marinated lamb. Arabic cuisine brings shawarma, hummus, and falafel, and African dining features Moroccan couscous, Algerian chorba, and West African peanut stews.
⭐ Fine Dining
Michelin-starred addresses like Michel Sarran, Le Py-r, and Les Jardins de l’Opéra showcase the elegance of Toulouse’s haute cuisine, with seasonal menus and impeccable wine pairings.
🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Contemporary bistros such as Le Saint Sauvage, Au Pois Gourmand, and Le Cénacle offer inventive takes on regional ingredients, combining tradition with modern flair.
💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
Small family-owned restaurants and cafés in the Carmes and Capitole districts serve generous meals at fair prices, including cassoulet, duck magret sandwiches, and fresh salads.
🥩 Local Classics
Toulouse is the birthplace of cassoulet—a hearty white bean, duck, and sausage stew—along with specialties like foie gras, confit de canard, and the famous Toulouse sausage. The city’s markets overflow with cured meats, cheeses, and pastries.
🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
Plant-based dining is on the rise, with options such as:
Le Cri de la Carotte – 100% vegan café with colorful seasonal plates.
FLOW – Vegan burgers, bowls, and homemade desserts.
Pousse-Pousse – Vegetarian & vegan-friendly healthy café.
B12 – Creative vegan comfort food.
🛍 Eat & Explore
Don’t miss the Marché Victor Hugo, the city’s iconic covered market, for gourmet stalls, artisan products, and upstairs bistros. Marché des Carmes offers fresh produce and local treats, while street food festivals bring global flavors to Toulouse throughout the year.
🚨 Health & Emergency Contacts – Toulouse Region
🏥 Medical Emergencies
SAMU (Ambulance & Medical Assistance) – ☎️ 15
European Emergency Number – ☎️ 112
Fire Brigade (Pompiers) – ☎️ 18
Police Emergency – ☎️ 17
Police SMS (Hearing/Speech Impaired) – 📱 114
SOS Médecins Toulouse (Doctors 24/7) – ☎️ 36 24 (national) or 05 61 33 00 00 (local)
Pharmacy on Duty Info – ☎️ 32 37
Poison Control Center – Toulouse – ☎️ 05 61 77 74 47
Major Hospital Emergency Departments in Toulouse:
CHU Toulouse – Hôpital Purpan (Adults & Children) – ☎️ 05 61 77 22 33
Hôpital Rangueil (Adults & Cardiac) – ☎️ 05 61 32 31 31
Hôpital des Enfants (Children’s Emergencies) – ☎️ 05 61 77 20 30
Clinique Pasteur (Private Hospital Emergency) – ☎️ 05 62 21 31 31
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support
Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7) – ☎️ 31 14
SOS Amitié Toulouse – ☎️ 05 61 21 22 33
Psychological Support Line – ☎️ 0 800 71 08 90 (free)
👶🧓 Child, Senior & Vulnerable Group Support
Child Protection (All France) – ☎️ 119
SOS Missing Children – ☎️ 116 000
Elderly & Disabled Abuse Helpline – ☎️ 39 77
Senior Support Platform (CLIC/MAIA) – ☎️ 0 800 62 58 85
🛡️ Legal & Violence Support
Domestic Violence Hotline – ☎️ 39 19
CIDFF Haute-Garonne (Women’s Rights & Family Support) – ☎️ 05 61 24 91 31
Free Legal Advice – Toulouse Bar Association – ☎️ 05 61 14 41 41
Cyber-harassment Helpline (Net Ecoute) – ☎️ 30 18
Victim Support France – Toulouse – ☎️ 05 61 63 13 13
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