Toulouse

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Toulouse


Toulouse

Location
Country France
Latitude 43 36 N
Longitude 1 26 E
Time Zone GMT/UTC +1 (CET)
Statistics
Population 435000 (2005)
Area 118 km² (approximate)
Currency Euro (EUR)
Electricity 220V
Language French

Contents

[edit] Toulouse Layover

[edit] City Overview

Toulouse on Google Maps

Toulouse is one of the largest cities in France, situated in the south-western part of the country near the Pyrenees, about half-way between the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea. The city is a major centre in the European aerospace industry, headquartering Airbus, CNES (the french space agency), EADS and Thales Alenia Space, to name a few.

[edit] The Airport(s)


[edit] Layover Hotels

[edit] Novotel Toulouse Airport

Decent Airport Hotel, nothing special, but good value.

[edit] Pullmann Hotel

This is one of the hotels Airbus frequently accomodates you at (at least if you are somewhat higher on their guest list). 4*+ house with excellent amenities, spacious rooms and very attentive staff. Near Blagnac Airport.

[edit] Sofitel Toulouse Centre

Frequent nightstop hotel near the city centre. Nice rooms and friendly staff. Located close to the central train station.

[edit] Getting Around

  • The METRO is a rapid transit system on two lines, running north-south and east-west respectively, and meeting at Jean Jaurès. Additionally there is an extensive bus system running late into the evening, but there's no service between 1am and 4.30am.
  • Taxis are easily available, but rather pricey. They vary in color, but all have a white sign on the roof. Rides to the airport may be subject to a special surcharge.

[edit] Things to See and Do

The old town is a suberb place with lots of old buildings and shops. Generally recommended all times, but best in summer. Also, if you have more time at your hands you might want to rent a car and explore the region a bit. Lourdes and Carcassone are nearby and well worth a visit.

[edit] Shopping

Around the city centre there is a wide array of shops and stores. You will most certainly find small treasures in the shops (and spend small fortunes as shopping in Toulouse is rather expensive).

[edit] Where to Eat

The central area boasts many fine restaurants and mediterranean "fast food" locales. Food is usually very tasty and rather cheap, as long as you go where the local crowd eats. The regional speciality is called "Cassoulet", which is a bean stew with meat and can be found on virtually every menu.

  • L'Entrecote. Really great Steaks, but tends to have a queue after 2000. 15 Bd de Strasbourg
  • Texxas. What the name suggests. Nice bar and restaurant, located on Rue Castellane, near Place Wilson.
  • La Brasserie (south of Place Wilson) is a kind of typical French restaurant with absolutely great food and a nice atmosphere.

[edit] Clubs, Bars, Nightlife

Toulouse's nightlife is centered around Place Wilson downtown. There are a lot of small bars and clubs in this area, and the local people certainly know how to have fun.

  • Beer Academy is a nice pub with beer and live music and good food. Airbus staff frequents this place, as it's located near the airport, in Cornebarrieu.
  • The Melting Pot, Place Wilson/Rue Jean Jaurès. Nice bar for a start into the night.
  • La Bodega (also near Place Wilson) has superb wines and a nice crowd.

[edit] Safety Advisories

Toulouse is a very safe city, but keep in mind it's a tourist hotspot, so be a bit careful.

WARNINGS: Low

State Department Travel Warnings


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