Car RentalToulouse

From the authentic old town to vibrant cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, driving in Toulouse gives you easy access to the city’s major attractions. Toulouse is also in the perfect location to explore and experience the allure of southern France allure, with its bustling dockside coasts to the east and magnificent Pyrenees mountain range in the south.

While much of the city centre is compact, hiring a car means you can explore the outer districts such as the peaceful Ramier Island, which is connected to the city through a series of bridges and provides an ideal spot for relaxation. Additionally, there’s plenty of parking to be found within the city, both on-street for short stays and underground parking over night, so you can get around the districts with ease.

Toulouse is a great base for exploring the Occitanie region and beyond. The A620 and the A61 form a ring road around the centre, giving you easy access to other major interstates. From here, Tarascon-sur-Ariege is only 90 minutes south of Toulouse, providing a gorgeous destination to begin your journey to the summit of the Pyrenean mountains. The picturesque town of Albi sits to the north-east of Toulouse, an hour’s drive via the A68, while Narbonne, which oozes in artistic ambiance, is a two-hour drive via the A61. If you’ve soaked up enough French culture and are looking for more, Spain’s border is just over two hours away to the south.

As in most European countries, the French drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits vary but for the most part autoroutes are 130 km/h, major roads are 90 km/h and urban streets are 50 km/h. Always check signs for the route you are on however.

Blending the delightful old quarter with a vibrant modern city, Toulouse is built for art lovers, history buffs and adventure-seekers alike. Explore its streets and the local area to discover rare works of art, beautiful botanic gardens and ancient architecture which will take your breath away.

H2: Historic wonder

Step back in time inside Toulouse’s attractive old town. Featuring rose-tinted rooftops and towering churches, you can really lose yourself in the romantic ambiance of your surroundings as you meander through the medieval streets.

At the heart of this quarter is the magnificent Capitole de Toulouse. Oozing in grandeur and luxury, this iconic building is home to the city’s town hall as well as the opera house, Théâtre du Capitole. Tour the halls to be transported into a world of wealth and glamour as you gaze upon golden façades, romantic works of art and decorated busts of some of France’s most famous historic figures, including painters Henri Martin and Jean-Paul Laurens.

To learn more about Toulouse’s rich and fascinating history, visit Musée du Vieux-Toulouse. This quaint museum is a hidden gem situated along one of the quarter’s cobbled alleyways. Inside, you can find out what life was like for citizens in the 18^th century, and discover how the city came to be one of the nation’s largest and most important.

Each room exhibits the past through cosy old salons to encapsulate Southern France’s authentic charm.

H2: Garden paradise

To unwind and relax, visit one of Toulouse’s many public gardens and immerse yourself in a botanical paradise.

You’ll be transported to East Asia when you head to Jardin Japonais. Situated inside the Compans-Caffarelli business district, channel your inner Zen as you wander the exotic gardens. Afterwards, call in at Jardin Compans Caffarelli, located beside the Japanese garden. This park is a great chance to spot some local fauna and flora, and children can let off some steam in the playground.

For an even more vibrant slice of the city’s natural scene, visit Jardin des Plantes. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, discover hundreds of colourful and captivating plant species as you stroll through the botanic gardens. Take in the ducks, geese and swans which call the park home and enjoy a picnic overlooking the fountain in Grand Rond in the sunshine. You can also marvel at the intricate statues based on Greek and Roman mytho, such as Diana and Hippomène.

The Museum of Natural History beside the park meanwhile offers an interactive journey through time gone by. Discover exotic species of plants and creatures from the past including dinosaurs, embark on ‘The Stairway of Time’, experience earthquakes first hand, and learn what the future holds for the planet.

H2: Artistic splendour

Toulouse is a city of great beauty and passion, and this is particularly evident in its vast array of art galleries. The city’s artistic vibe is encompassed through its rich history dating back to the renaissance period as well as its vibrant contemporary art scene.

Once a grand palace, the breath-taking Hôtel d'Assézat houses the vast private art collection of wealthy Argentinian Georges Bemberg. With one of the largest private collections in Europe, step inside the renaissance grandeur to experience five centuries of art, culture and wealth with works from artistic greats such as Picasso, Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec.

For contemporary art lovers, Les Abattoirs is a must-see. Housing an array of thought-provoking exhibitions, this collection aims to challenge the way we perceive art through themes such as nature, culture and economy. There’s over 4,000 works on display in this grand museum, as well as temporary exhibitions, cultural events and a resource centre.

H2: Beyond Toulouse

Outside of the city, within an hour’s drive, you’ll also find charming villages and vineyards, and picturesque walking and cycling routes, not to mention further sites of historic or cultural interest - such as the stylish 18^th century Château de Merville, famous for its maze.