Major city · France
Toulouse
Give Toulouse 2 nights: one full day for the pink-brick old town and one for Cité de l'Espace or Airbus. Base east of the Garonne, walk everywhere.
Toulouse is France's fourth-largest city, built in pink terracotta brick on the Garonne between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The historic core is compact and walkable; the aerospace sights (Cité de l'Espace, Airbus) sit outside it and each eat half a day. Two nights covers the city; add a third for a Canal du Midi or Pyrenees day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, 28–29°C (82–84°F) highs), mid-August closuresavoid Jul–Aug (hot, 82–84°F (28–29°C) highs), mid-August closures
- Airport
- TLS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Toulouse112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Toulouse, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyToulouse is a safe big city by day; the real risks are summer heat, pickpockets around the Capitole and metro, and late-night bar streets.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency (police, fire, ambulance) · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTLS Toulouse–Blagnac (8 km (5 mi) west of the centre; Navette bus to Matabiau station about 25 min, or tram T1 plus bus 30/31 for about €1.80 (≈ US$3)).TLS Toulouse–Blagnac (5 mi (8 km) west of the centre; Navette bus to Matabiau station about 25 min, or tram T1 plus bus 30/31 for about €1.80 (≈ US$3)).
- Getting aroundThe old centre is compact and best on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealCassoulet or a main course€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Beerdraught / supermarket can€5–7 (≈ US$6–9)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideMetro or tram single ticket€1.80 (≈ US$3) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€5–9 (≈ US$6–11), many free (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 2- or 3-star, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, 2- or 3-star, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TLS Toulouse–Blagnac (8 km (5 mi) west of the centre; Navette bus to Matabiau station about 25 min, or tram T1 plus bus 30/31 for about €1.80)TLS Toulouse–Blagnac (5 mi (8 km) west of the centre; Navette bus to Matabiau station about 25 min, or tram T1 plus bus 30/31 for about €1.80)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (10 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Toulouse: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old centre is compact and best on foot. Tisséo runs metro A and B, trams T1 and the cable car; a single ticket from a machine is €1.80 (€2.50 on board), a day pass €6.90, valid for transfers within one hour. Bikes: a one-day Tisséo Vélô ticket is about €1.20 with the first 30 min free. Don't drive into the centre; use a park-and-ride at a metro or tram stop.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Carcassonne
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15
Train from Matabiau, about 45–50 min
Walled Cité plus the lower town; a full day.
Albi
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30
Train from Matabiau, about 1 h
Brick cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec museum.
Canal du Midi by bike
goDoor to door: From your door
Ride east from the centre along the towpath
Flat, traffic-free; hire a bike for a half day.
Andorra la Vella
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 30
Bus, about 3 h
Too far for a return day; sleep one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Capitole / Carmes
The pedestrianised core east of the Garonne; walk to Saint-Sernin, Jacobins and the river. Best for a first trip.
Matabiau station area
Around the main rail and bus stations; practical for an early train or a one-night stop, less atmospheric.
Saint-Cyprien / west bank
Across the Pont-Neuf; quieter, near Les Abattoirs, 10–15 min walk to the Capitole.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 2- or 3-star1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Airport Navette, both ways2 × €18 · check | €36 |
| Tisséo day pass, one day2 × €7 · check | €14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €80 |
| Trip total≈ €220 per person per day, bed included | €880≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Lunch menu (formule midi) | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Cassoulet or a main course | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | €5–7 (≈ US$6–9) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Metro or tram single ticket | €1.80 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| Museum entry | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11), many free (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Metro access at Matabiau station is under maintenance until mid-2026: allow about 10 extra minutes to walk around to line A, or use Jeanne d'Arc on line B.
- Summer afternoons hit 28–29°C (82–84°F); do the churches and museums in the morning.Summer afternoons hit 82–84°F (28–29°C); do the churches and museums in the morning.
- Some museums close on Mondays or have seasonal hours: check the official site before you go.
- Pickpockets work the Capitole square and metro in tourist season; keep bags zipped.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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ToulouseToulouse
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Toulouse (check the address); most other countries: consulates in Bordeaux or Marseille, embassies in Paris.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport Navette → Matabiau: about €9 (≈ US$11), 25 min (check)
- Taxi airport → centre: €25–35 (≈ US$30–45) (check)
- Tisséo single ticket: €1.80 (≈ US$3) from a machine, €2.50 (≈ US$3) on board (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-YAY par kart)
- Où est le métro ? — Where is the metro? (oo ay luh may-TROH)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Toulouse. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, 28–29°C highs), mid-August closures · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TLS: Navette and tram-plus-bus options field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Capitole, Saint-Sernin, Carmes and the river, Saint-Cyprien.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Saint-Sernin, Jacobins, Musée des Augustins, Cité de l'Espace, Airbus) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.