Why fly to Toulouse?
Mouthwatering French cuisine, a compact yet stunning old quarter and a surrounding countryside that is quite simply the best in France, Toulouse has all the ingredients for the perfect getaway. Normally overlooked by tourists for cities and resorts closer to the sea, Toulouse flights are a great option for a city break or that longer summer getaway. The main appeal of this southern metropolis just a stone's throw from the Pyrenees has to be its spectacular architecture.
Things to do in Toulouse
Low-cost flights to Toulouse take you to France's 'Pink Town'. Its nickname refers to the huge number of Neoclassical and gothic buildings in the city center made from pink, red, and orange-colored bricks. One of the most notable of these buildings is Capitole in the main city square. There's also Saint Stephen's Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, and lots more, all giving Toulouse its iconic rose hue.
The city of Toulouse is split in two by the Garonne River, and you'll spend most of your time on the east bank, where the main center is. This is where you'll find Toulouse's great souvenir stores. The thing to buy here is violet. Violets have been grown in the area since the mid-1800s, and they're used to make violet-flavored everything! On the streets of Toulouse, you can pick up violet liqueur, violet sweets, crystallized violet, and violet teas. There are even some shops selling violet French mustards.
Over on the west side of the Garonne, one of the best attractions is the huge waterfront park, Prairie des Filtres. This place is a popular hangout place in the summer, with locals stopping for picnics. It's a relaxing place overlooking the water and a great place to photograph the red-bricked city from.
Day trips from Toulouse
If you want to explore more of Toulouse's nature, it's definitely worth taking a stroll along the pathway that follows the Canal du Midi. The canal itself, built in the 1600s, is a UNESCO site that the organization calls 'a work of art'. In total, it stretches 240 km from Toulouse to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast, but you don't have to walk that far! You can take in as much of it as you want.
If you do fancy spending some time near the Med without an epic hike, why not take the train? It takes around 90 minutes to reach the coastal city of Narbonne, and there's a sandy beach there. It's a hugely energetic beach with watersports, ball games, sand yachting, swimming, and sunbathing.
Make your flight from the UK to Toulouse really count by exploring more of Occitanie, the region surrounding Toulouse. Toulouse may be the capital, but some of the neighboring towns are famous in France for their beauty and cultural significance. Consider a trip to the beautiful villages of Bruniquel or Montauban to experience a dreamy slice of small-town France.
Toulouse's cuisine
Back in Toulouse, if you're a meat eater, you should sample the regional specialty: cassoulet. Lots of different French cities, including Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, claim ownership of cassoulet, but there's only one that makes it the traditional Toulouse way. The city of Toulouse uses local Toulouse sausage alongside the pork and lamb and typically uses Tarbes beans for a creamier texture. It's all cooked up in a casserole dish and is the ultimate comfort food, especially during cooler evenings.
Toulouse Flight and Holiday Packages
For a convenient and easy city break to Toulouse, consider booking with easyJet holidays. Whatever you're looking for, we can deliver- from cozy boutique hotels to luxe modern chains. Let us handle the details of your direct flight to Toulouse and your accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying all this stunning city has to offer.
Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Toulouse flights page.
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