Toulouse Local History

Toulouse appeared in the 4th century B.C. Originally populated by a Celtic tribe, the Volques Tectosages, its good climate and geographical position made it a natural ally of Rome in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, in 5th century it was the centre of the Wisigoth kingdom, and in the 6th century Clovis reignd over Toulouse. It was during the 9th century that Toulouse became glorious, when it was ruled by the Raimonds.

In the middle of the 14th century, another tragedy arose: the plage, which killed between a third and half of the European population, after that the hundred year war which further hampered the development of Toulouse. The 15th century opens the door of Toulouse's golden century : Pastel, a plant giving a blue dye, is commercialised all over the world, the rich traders construct the famous red-brick mansions.

Since Napoleon the 3rd's reign, Toulouse has undergone a process of modernization and urbanization, with the construction of large roads and boulevards downtown, such as rue Alsace-Lorraine, rue de Metz, and rue Ozenne, as well as the implementation of the Grand Rond. In the 20th century, the air industry began to develop, accelerating quickly after World War II.

Toulouse Attractions

Toulouse Activities

La Cite de Espace - Av. Jean Gonord. About half a million visitors a year come here to learn what it's like to program a satellite's launch into orbit or how to maneuver one in space. Both an interactive teaching tool and a fun place to visit, here life-size structural models abound, including one of an astronaut riding an exercise bike in zero gravity. There are plenty of other things to see, and the kids will have a great time.

Observatoire de Jolimont - Built in 1846, the Observatory and its gardens seem to be lost in time; the pathways are barely visible and large trees partially obscure the view from the astronomic telescopes. Since 1973 only non-professionals and schoolchildren use the Observatory. There's a lot for the kids to see and do, they'll have a great time here.

Toulouse Parks & Gardens

Jardin Compans-Caffarelli - Boulevard Lascrosses. This large park was created in 1981 to replace former military barracks. Long paths meander between flowerbeds and ponds to reach the Japanese Garden, which is designed like a traditional meditation garden. Artificial hills; raked gravel geometric designs; a wooden bridge and a teahouse create a magical atmosphere. At the far end of the park, there's a large lake, with a children's playground and a refreshments kiosk.

Jardin des plantes - Allee Frederic-Mistral. This park consists of three large gardens, which are connected by footbridges above the traffic: the Jardin des Plantes, Jardin Royal and Grand Rond. Wide paths wind around old trees, fountains, flowerbeds and ponds, and there are swings and pony-rides for the children.

Toulouse Restaurants and Bars

Toulouse Restaurants

Le Pastel - 237 route de St Simon. This luxurious restaurant occupies a stone-sided manor house built around 1850. The setting is amazing, terraces filled with flowers and a pair of dining rooms whose walls are accented with paintings by local artists. Menu items change about every 2 weeks, Wine choices are as comprehensive and sophisticated.

Emile - 13 place St Georges. This restaurant is in an old-fashioned house on one of the most beautiful squares of Toulouse. In winter, meals are served one floor above street level in a cozy enclave overlooking the square and in summer, the venue moves to the street-level dining room and the flower-filled terrace.

Eau de Folles - 14 Allee du President Roosevelt. This is one of the newer restaurants in Toulouse, their low prices and variety of the menu will garuntee its success. Within a mostly white, fin-de-siecle setting that includes lots of mirrors, you'll be offered a fixed-price menu with a choice of 10 starters, 10 main courses, and 10 desserts.

Toulouse Bars & Clubs

Bar Benachine - 37 place des Carmes. This modern, blue-toned, and sometimes animated bar is one of the best bars in the city. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike, and is a great place to go for a few drinks, while mising with the locals.

Bar La Bodega Bodega - 1 rue Gabrielle-Peri. This is one of the most popular nightclubs in Toulouse, where you can dance till the early hours of the morning, or hang out with friends and have a few drinks. With a scene that's more hip and fashionable than that of many of its competitors, you're garunteed a great time here.

Monsieur Carnaval - 34 rue Bayard. This bar is very popular with the locals and tourists, offering both live and recorded music. There's always a great time to be had here and it's the perfect place to meet some of the locals, while rocking and rolling a la francaise.

Toulouse Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Toulouse for a weekend.

• Basilique St Sernin
• Le Musee du Vieux Toulouse
• Jardin Compans-Caffarelli
• Cathedrale St Etienne
• La Galerie Municipale du Chateau d'Eau

More

Toulouse Tours

Looking for organised tours in Toulouse?

• Toulouse Sightseeing Tour
• Toulouse by Night
• Walled city of Carcassonne

More Toulouse Tours