« Tolosa » : the Capital of Occitania!
When you walk through Toulouse, Occitan culture greets you at every step: from the street names to the underground stations, the convivial Langue d’Oc accent echoes all around you.
When you reach the famous Place du Capitole, be sure to pass through the massive doorway and climb the few stairs to the Salle des Illustres. Here you will find a place steeped in history – the headquarters of the Capitouls, filled with the secrets of great figures in Occitan culture.
© Manuel HuynhCité de l’Espace: Toulouse’s space adventure park
When you visit the Cité de l’Espace, you step into the shoes of the heroes of the final frontier. Are you ready?
The planetarium and IMAX® theatre transport you to the confines of the cosmos! Climb aboard the Mir space station to experience life in space. And hold your breath: it feels like Ariane 5, the famous shuttle reproduced here in full scale, is ready for takeoff!
Toulouse museums and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum in Albi
Toulouse boasts a wealth of museums of its own – including Les Jacobins, Les Augustins, the Muséum (museum of natural history) and Aéroscopia.
But to discover the work of Toulouse-Lautrec, you will have to go further afield: a thousand of the artist’s works, including the famous Moulin Rouge posters, are exhibited at the Berbie Palace in the medieval city of Albi. From this magnificent palace surrounded by French gardens, you will also have a breathtaking view of Albi Cathedral (aka, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia).
© Eiffage CEVM - Foster+Partners - D. JammeAt the gates of Gorges du Tarn: the Millau Viaduct
Called ‘The Great Veil’, measuring 2460 metres end to end and standing 343 metres high, the highest bridge in the world brings you to the impressive canyon carved into the plateau, known as the Gorges du Tarn. Now you just need to choose which side to explore – the Causse Rouge or the Causse du Larzac!
The areas around Toulouse offer a plethora of wonders for you to discover: we recommend a visit to the Roquefort Caves for a taste of the cheese so famous it has been dubbed the ‘King of Cheeses’!
© Pierre Selim FlickrThe Stade Toulousain: experience the pulse of the city!
In Toulouse, rugby is an institution… Nineteen times Champion of France and four times Champion of Europe, the Stade Toulousain is the pulse of the city!
To feel your heart beat as one with the Capital of Rugby, there is nothing like a rugby match. For the ultimate experience, wear the red and black jersey and allow yourself be swept up in the contagious passion for the oval ball!
