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Kirstie Will Travel

Making Everywhere You Go An Adventure

South of France · February 16, 2020

The Complete Toulouse Travel Guide

Welcome to the Complete Toulouse Travel Guide! More and more people are venturing further than Paris to explore France, and Toulouse is one of the top destinations on their bucket lists. It’s easy to see why. Toulouse has earned the nickname of La Ville Rose (The Pink City) but it goes so much further than the terracotta bricks that give the buildings a pink hue – a culture filled, peaceful weekend in Toulouse will leave you feeling all kinds of love. If you’re ready to visit this southern French beauty then keep on reading this Toulouse Travel Guide to discover everything you need to know about the city and what it can offer.

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Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?

To start off this travel guide to Toulouse, let’s ask the most important question- Is it worth visiting Toulouse? If you want the short answer, yes! Toulouse is one of the prettiest French cities. It is full of beautiful architecture as well as the iconic terracotta bricks that make up so many of the buildings, leading to its nickname as La Ville Rose. Despite being the fourth largest city in France , it feels very laid back and peaceful. If you’re looking for a picturesque place that’s perfect for wandering, with good weather and heaps of culture, Toulouse is the one for you.

What is Toulouse Famous for?

As I mentioned above, Toulouse is nicknamed La Ville Rose, due to the beautiful pink hue of many of its buildings. It has an incredibly rich history in trade due to its position on the Garonne River.

Toulouse’s most famous dish is Cassoulet , and you won’t have any problems finding some in the city. Cassoulet is a rich meat and bean stew, containing sausages, duck or goose, and often various other meats. In Toulouse the meats are pork and mutton.

Art and Culture are rich in Toulouse, but its main moneymaker is the aerospace industry. Toulouse is home to many aerospace business headquarters, as well as the largest space centre in Europe .

How to Get to Toulouse

From the airport.

Toulouse Blagnac airport lies to the northwest of the city. The easiest ways to travel between the airport and the city are on the Navette Shuffle or Tram T2.

The Trams run from around 5:30 am-11:30 pm daily, and the journey takes a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on where you embark. Journeys from the airport to the city run a little later, until around 12:30 am. A single ticket costs €8 and can be bought on the tram. The unlimited city pass is valid on the airport shuttle.

The shuttle bus runs on a similar timetable to the tram. Transport starts at around 5am. The last bus to the airport runs at 9:40am, but buses to the city run until around 12:30am. The ticket costs the same as the tram, €8.

Read everything you need to know about the tram and the shuttle, with detailed timetables.

Toulouse is easily accessible from all major French cities by train. The Toulouse Matabiau Station lies just a 15 minute walk from the city centre. The SNCF website is the best place to find all the information you need to reach Toulouse by train.

Like the train links, you can also reach Toulouse easily by coach. I would usually recommend taking the train as the price difference is usually not significant, but the journey will be much shorter. Check out BlaBlaBus and FlixBus for the best options to reach Toulouse by bus.

Toulouse Travel Guide Tips and Tricks

How many days should i spend in toulouse.

Toulouse is the perfect size for a weekend getaway. It is relatively small, and although there is plenty to do there, you can get around everything in about 4 days maximum. There are a few good day trips to take from Toulouse which you can read about later on, so if you mix in some of these, you could spend a week in Toulouse.

Is Toulouse Safe?

Toulouse is an incredibly safe city. It is not very busy and feels very peaceful, so you’ll feel very at ease. I went to Toulouse as a solo female traveller and had no problems.

That being said, always make sure you keep an eye or your belongings, especially valuables. I always take precautions like keeping my bag across my body and avoiding putting my phone in my back pocket.

How to Get Around in Toulouse

Toulouse is a relatively small city, and you can easily get everywhere you want to go by foot. However, there is a very well connected public transport system if your feet get tired. It consists of metro, bus and tram, which means you have plenty of options for getting around. The public transport system is run by Tisséo, and you can find out more information about public transport on their website . Look for the Main Lines Map with the Network Maps section for the handiest guide.

Toulouse Travel Pass

As with most cities, Toulouse offers a travel pass that gives you unlimited access to public transport, many museums and monuments, and discounts for other attractions!

Prices: 

24 hours (one day) – €18

48 hours (two days) – €28

72 hours (three days) – €35

You can use the metro, tram and bus system as many times as you’d like during the time that your card is valid. You are also entitled to a return trip on the airport shuttle. Make sure you scan your card before accessing a public transport station and when you board.

There is free access to many of the museums and attractions that I’ll talk about later in this Toulouse travel guide, such as the Toulouse Museum , Les Abbatoirs and the Couvent des Jacobins . You can get discounts off some city tours, including the hop-on hop-off bus tour, and some aerospace attractions. Check out the full list on their website with all the information you need.

Toulouse Travel Guide: The Best Things to do in Toulouse

We’ve made it to the most important part of the Toulouse travel guide- what you should get up to. Here are all the highlights of the city that can be seen in just a couple of days or stretched out to a longer visit. I’ve included practical information for each place to make your planning easier.

Couvent des Jacobins

The Jacobins Convent is a historic Roman Catholic church. It has an important history in the French Revolution, and its really interesting to learn about the role it played. This is a beautiful piece of architecture that you can’t miss in Toulouse.

Practical Information

Address: Place des Jacobins, 31000 Toulouse, France

Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Tues-Sun (closed Mon)

Entry Fee: Access to the Church and the Chapel is free. To enter the Convent it costs €5 (€4 during off season). Entry is free for students, youths, disabled persons and various other concessions.

Website: Access their website here

Tickets can be bought online through the link above, or at the Convent itself. You can pay by card and cash.

Accessibility: The website states that the Convent is accessible to those with reduced mobility.

Basilica of Saint-Sernin

Another stunning piece of architecture in Toulouse, this is the largest Romanesque church in France and is actually a world heritage site. Saint-Sernin was Toulouse’s first bishop, and so this church was built to honour his legacy. Since Toulouse marks an important stop on the Santiago de la Compostela route, this church has received many visitors in the form of pilgrims over the centuries.

Address: Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France

Opening Hours: 8:30am-7pm Daily. Open until 8pm on Sunday. In low season (1st Oct-31st May) the church closes at 6pm Mon-Sat, but stays open until 8pm on Sunday.

Entry Fee: Entry is completed free, and they even offer free guided tours of the church.

Website: Only accessible in French

Accessibility: No information on accessibility, 

Place du Capitole

Address: 1 Place du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, France

This is the main square in Toulouse, in the heart of the city. It hosts Toulouse’s town hall, a beautiful and traditional terracotta building.

All around the square you’ll find different shops, and there’s restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by. You can usually catch a local market at Capitole, which is a great way to see a different side to a city.

Top Tip: Make sure you pop by Capitole in the evening or at night to see the Hotel de Ville all lit up.

Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden

I love visiting Japanese Gardens in different cities, it’s such a great way to escape the city without having to venture too far. The Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden is absolutely no exception. It lies in the north of the city, about a 15-minute stroll from the centre, and you’ll be transported to absolute zen. You’ll find all the typical elements of a Japanese Garden and what’s more, this spot lies inside a spacious park, so you can explore that after your visit.

Address: Jardin Compans Caffarelli, Boulevard Lascrosses, 31000 Toulouse, France

Opening Hours: 7:45am-6pm daily

Entry Price: Free to enter

More Information (Only in French)

Discover top attractions and tours in Toulouse

Pont Neuf and Pont Saint-Pierre

Not quite as impressive as its Parisian counterpart, but this bridge over the Garonne river is still worth seeing. You can also check out Pont Saint-Pierre just along the river, and there are loads of points between the two to sit and watch the water. Make sure you also check out the Prairie des Filtres garden if the weather is nice, as you can relax right on the water with a picnic.

Toulouse Museum

The Museum of Toulouse is a museum of natural history, and a great spot to visit if you have a rainy afternoon in the city. It has a huge collection of items over various permanent exhibits such as the solar system and evolution. There is also a botanical garden outside.

Address:  35 Allée Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France

Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Monday. The gardens close for lunch from 12:30pm-2pm.

Entry Fees: €7 for the permanent exhibition, additional €2 for temporary exhibitions. €5/€7 for concessions (youths, students, seniors, disabled persons). Children under 6 go free. See all reductions here

Website with more info about exhibitions and visits

The museum lies in the Le Busca area of Toulouse, which is also home to the Quai des Savoirs, a science centre, and a large park with plenty of room to explore.

Walk along the Canals

Toulouse is home to an impressive canal that runs from the city all the way to the Mediterranean coast. You can see the starting point of Canal du Midi in the north of the city and follow it as long as you like! There is also a smaller canal that is more central called Canal de Brienne, which feeds into the River Garonne. Either of these canals make for a lovely walk around the city, and they are dipped down from the road so it’s very peaceful and secluded.

When walking along Canal de Brienne, make sure you pop into Le Montagu for a coffee and pastry. It’s in the perfect position for a break, and they have some delicious delicacies.

Walk around the City

Don’t forget that one of the best ways to discover Toulouse is by walking the streets and seeing the beautiful architecture. Of course, in exploring the attractions above you’ll walk all around the city, but make sure you stop and take in everything that you see!

Where to Stay in Toulouse

A Toulouse Travel guide couldn’t be complete without finding you a place to stay! Toulouse has a beautiful range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles so you’re sure to find something that is right for you.

La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin

I stayed in this cute little hostel on the north side of the city. It was very simple but the people were so lovely, and the place very clean. They have dorms of 4-8 beds, and they all cost about £20 a night, so you’re best trying to book a 4 bed dorm. This hostel was the perfect place for a couple of nights, especially if you are looking for somewhere calm and accommodating. They have one all female 4-bed dorm, so keep in mind that if you’d prefer that you’ll have to book early.

Adress:  17 Rue d’Embarthe, 31000 Toulouse, France

Check-in times: 10am-12:30pm, 2:30pm-9pm

Prices: €23/night or £20/night. Book in euros directly or in pounds at hostelworld

Additional Information: Washing machines are available for a small fee. Free wifi is available.

Other Accommodation Options

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, there are plenty of hotels in Toulouse, so you’ll find something to suit your style. I recommend checking out booking.com for the widest range of options.

Of course, my first stop for accommodation is always Airbnb. There are a great mix of budget rooms and boutique apartments. It is always nice to have a spot to call your own when travelling, which is why I love using Airbnb so much. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, make sure you sign up here to get up to £34 off your first booking!

Day Trips from Toulouse

Carcassonne.

This is one of the most popular day trips to take from Toulouse. Carcassonne is about an hour drive away from the city, and it takes the same amount of time by train.

The city is known for it’s hillside location and city walls. It has an important place in medieval history which is really interesting to learn about when visiting, and seeing this unique spot should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Also around an hour outside of Toulouse, but this time to the north, Albi is another town where you can see the traditional red brick that has made Toulouse so famous. It boasts one of the oldest and best preserved castles in France, the Palais de la Berbie, which is now an art museum.

One of the best parts of this town is how it has remained preserved from its historic architecture. It has led to the commune being recognised as a World Heritage Site, with note being made of the Old Bridge and various other religious buildings.

If you fancy ticking another country of the list during your time in Toulouse, then make a trip to Andorra for the day. It is a little further away, taking about 2.5 hours in the car. It is a little more complicated to travel by public transport as there is no train station in Andorra, but you can take a bus, which will take around 3.5 hours.

Andorra is rich in a culture puts its own twist on Catalan traditions. You can spend a lovely day learning all about this culture and the history of Andorra, whilst admiring the beautiful mountainous backdrop.

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February 16, 2020 at 10:24 pm

Such a great post! Thank you for sharing all the details

February 22, 2020 at 3:58 pm

Ahhh love Toulouse! Wish I had your guide when I visited. Don’t think I realised some the places you mentioned hehe. Must go back one day! Carcasonne was such an easy day trip and very pictureesque!

February 22, 2020 at 6:39 pm

This is a great post. I recently moved back to Spain and Toulouse is easy to get to from there and I have heard lots of really good things about it. This post would be perfect to look back on if I ever get the chance to go.

February 22, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Saving this one for later! I’ll be in France this summer. Thanks for sharing!

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3 Best Travel Agencies in Toulouse, FR

Expert recommended top 3 travel agencies in toulouse, france. all of our travel agencies actually face a rigorous 50-point inspection , which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence., promovacances, travel evasion, carrefour voyages purpan.

Promovacances is a premier travel agency in Toulouse, France, situated within the Centre Commercial Gramont. Their offerings encompass bookings for hotels, flights, and cruises, with meticulous arrangements aimed at enhancing your travel experience. The adept team at Promovacances offers tailored advice, aligning with customers' preferences and capabilities. Whether seeking a romantic getaway in France, they offer a selection of four cities to explore. Moreover, the company assures the best price guarantee. With over 65 branches, Promovacances extends extensive coverage. Contact Promovacances to secure a trip and elevate the memorability of your travels. UNIQUE FACTS: • Friendly Staff.

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• 08 92 23 08 97

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Tbr® inspection report:, promovacances reviews.

De retour d'un voyage à Agadir organisé par l'agence. La conseillère nous a recommandé un hôtel incroyable!! De part son expérience la bas, elle nous a également recommandé des excursions au top !!! Petit + elle s'est occupée de nos cartes d'embarquement afin de ne pas avoir de frais à l'aéroport. Nous avons malheureusement rencontré un soucis avec nos bagages sur place mais avons pu faire marcher l'assurance souscrite sans problème. Je recommande cette agence et je reviendrais c'est sur !!!

Excellent séjour en crête suite aux conseils de Mélodie et son équipe. Aucune déception, l'hôtel était parfait, tout correspondait à nos attentes. Il y a un super suivi, ce fût très agréable de partir avec cette agence. Je recommande ! Encore merci pour votre professionnalisme !

Bonjour, Je suis venue avec une amie dans votre agence et nous avons été agréablement reçues par Rouquia qui nous a donné de bons conseils et l envie de revenir vers vous quand nous seront décidées pour de prochaines vacances.

Help others: Click Here to send review or send us your review to [email protected] . Negative and positive review will be used for rating. Make a difference.

Travel Evasion, located in Toulouse, France, is a renowned tour agency. Their team boasts expertise in event travel and an in-depth understanding of various countries for every project they undertake. Offering diverse stays across numerous destinations, they cater to all preferences and budgets. Whether you seek an economical stay or aspire to indulge in luxury accommodations, Travel Evasion has meticulously handpicked the finest establishments in each destination to exceed your expectations. Welcoming children aged 3 to 12, their professional, dedicated, and French-speaking entertainment team orchestrates various daily activities. Do not hesitate to consult their trips in the Caribbean, Asia or America for a tour or a stay in the islands. Specialising in trips to Egypt and staying around the Mediterranean, Travel Evasion extends opportunities to explore destinations across Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, Central Europe, North America, the Caribbean Sea, the Middle East, South and Central America, the Indian Ocean/Pacific, and Asia. UNIQUE FACTS: • Friendly Staff.

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TRAVEL EVASION REVIEWS

Retour d'un séjour d'une semaine à l'hôtel Strand Beach à Taba Heights qui s'est très bien passé. Très beau personnel de l'hôtel, souriant et disponible. -Repas : Très bon, petit déjeuner très copieux, déjeuner et dîner très moyens. -Chambre spacieuse et propre. magnifique piscine, très propre et bien entretenue. -Quelques poissons et coraux surtout à gauche de l'hôtel à l'hôtel mosaïque. Quelques poissons et coraux surtout à gauche de l'hôtel à l'hôtel mosaïque. Notre représentant IBRAHIM a été formidable et très professionnel, disponible avec de bons conseils. Un grand merci à TRAVEL ÉVASION pour nous avoir pris en charge pour les 4 jours supplémentaires à Sharm el-Sheikh suite à un problème de vol retour avec Transavia. Je recommande TRAVEL évasé, un tour opérateur sérieux !

Très beau voyage en Egypte. Sites et paysages exceptionnels. Le bateau est beau et propre. Le personnel et les guides sont très serviables et sympathiques. Les excursions sont superbes. Cependant, c'est un voyage fatiguant (lever très tôt + chaleur) surtout si on opte pour toutes les excursions. Dommage que le vol aller soit si tardif et le vol retour si tôt le matin.

Une semaine en Tunisie tout était au top, accueil, réceptif, le personnel de l'hôtel attentif et le buffet varié et de qualité. Tour opérateur de confiance.

Carrefour Voyages Purpan, situated in Toulouse, France, is a highly sought-after travel agency with over 25 years of dedicated service. Their team possesses extensive knowledge about various destinations, ensuring they assist in organizing your next vacation, whether within France or abroad. Guiding you seamlessly from booking to your return home, their expert staff prioritizes client satisfaction, patiently listening to your needs and sharing invaluable insights about your dream destination to meet all your requirements at competitive rates. Valuing feedback, they actively seek your input on trip arrangements, aiming to enhance their services continually. They aim to provide a comfortable, stress-free experience, allowing you to savour each moment without disappointments. Carrefour Voyages Purpan offers services, including rentals, stays, circuits, flights, and car rentals, with 115 travel agencies available to cater to your needs. Their experts from the Carrefour Toulouse travel agency will help you book your dream vacation: all-inclusive stay, tour, cruise, rental. For an enjoyable journey, consider booking your visit to your preferred destination through Carrefour Voyages Purpan. UNIQUE FACTS: • Gift Cards • Good Accommodation.

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CARREFOUR VOYAGES PURPAN REVIEWS

Je recommande vivement Carrefour Voyage ! J'ai fait un voyage en Egypte (croisière) et tout s'est parfaitement déroulé. Je remercie l'équipe et le guide local, c'était merveilleux ! Le seul bémol a été le retard de 9 heures de l'avion à l'allée, ce qui a fait que la première nuit a été très courte. Pour le reste, tout était parfaitement organisé !

Excellent accueil et professionnalisme. Gentillesse et amour du métier de la part du responsable, ce qui est plutôt rare de nos jours. Bravo ! Je recommande vivement cette agence que je remercie encore vivement.

Une équipe agréable et attentionnée que je recommande vivement pour la réalisation de grands projets de voyage avec toujours de bons conseils.

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CTA Business Travel Agence voyages d'affaires, dilletterie d'affaires Toulouse

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Au cœur de la politique de voyage des entreprises : le travel manager

L’importance des voyages d’affaires pour les entreprises n’est plus à démontrer. S’ils apparaissent souvent comme sources de stress et d’anxiété pour certains salariés, pour beaucoup d’autres, ils sont considérés comme particulièrement gratifiants.

Si pour les très grosses entreprises le budget moyen dédié aux voyages d’affaires est de l’ordre de plusieurs millions d’euros, pour les entreprises plus petites, le montant est bien moindre. Néanmoins, dans un cas comme dans l’autre, l’heure est à l’optimisation du budget.

Le rôle du travel manager est tout indiqué. Il est celui qui va définir la politique de voyages dans l’entreprise. Véritable interface entre l’entreprise, le collaborateur et même les agences de voyage, il occupe un poste et un rôle central.

Le travel manager définit la politique de l’entreprise en matière de déplacements professionnels

L’augmentation des déplacements d’affaires au sein des entreprises, couplée à la volonté de ces dernières de faire le maximum d’économie, est à l’origine de la création de cette fonction qu’est le travel manager. Au fil des années, il s’est avéré indispensable pour les entreprises, peu importe leur taille, d’avoir une gestion particulière des déplacements d’affaires des collaborateurs.

Le premier rôle d’un travel manager est de définir la politique de l’entreprise en matière de voyages d’affaires. Plus concrètement, il s’agit pour lui de déterminer les règles de déplacements des salariés de l’entreprise. Mais aussi d’attirer l’attention des collaborateurs sur les enjeux économiques et environnementaux liés aux voyages.

Pour être le plus efficaces possible, ses recommandations doivent être claires et précises. Mais plus encore appliquées par tous les collaborateurs. Il est important de préciser que le travel manager n’a pas un rôle de gendarme. Il ne va pas exercer un contrôle sur les salariés. Il peut toutefois évaluer leur application par l’ensemble des salariés et obtenir les informations qui permettent d’en expliquer la mauvaise application.

Les politiques de voyage évoluant très souvent avec les mutations au sein de l’entreprise, le travel manager aura aussi un rôle d’accompagnement auprès des collaborateurs.

Accompagner les collaborateurs avant, pendant et après les déplacements

L’entreprise évolue et les différentes politiques liées au déplacement professionnel avec. Il s’agit d’une évidence qui peut être difficile à intégrer par l’ensemble des salariés de l’entreprise. Le travel manager a donc aussi un rôle pédagogique. Il est celui qui va assurer la communication de l’entreprise autour des règles établies, des économies réalisées et des changements à envisager. Il est à l’écoute de ses collaborateurs et tient compte de leurs différents retours pour améliorer la politique de voyage de l’entreprise.

En résumé, le travel manager est celui qui va gérer la planification et l’organisation de l’ensemble des déplacements professionnels de l’entreprise. Pour ce faire, il va s’appuyer sur des outils technologiques de plus en plus affinés. Il va de plus sensibiliser les collaborateurs à la politique voyage de leur entreprise. Il est enfin celui qui va négocier les contrats avec les différentes catégories de prestataires.

On ne saurait parler des rôles du travel manager sans évoquer les évolutions plutôt récentes de leur champ d’activité. Toujours au centre de la politique liée aux déplacements professionnels dans l’entreprise, il n’est désormais plus rare qu’il gère aussi la flotte automobile. Il analyse en permanence les besoins et difficultés des voyageurs, les questions relatives aux paiements et bien d’autres aspects administratifs qui peuvent alourdir la gestion. Il sert donc d’interface entre la direction, les salariés et même les agences de voyages spécialisées.

Servir d’interface entre la direction de l’entreprise, les collaborateurs et les agences de voyage spécialisées

Dans leur quête permanente des meilleurs services pour les coûts les moins élevés, les entreprises font de plus en plus appel à des agences de voyages d’affaires, à l’instar de CTA Business Travel.

La recherche, la réservation des billets ou encore de prestations hôtelières aux meilleurs prix n’est pas chose aisée. Cela demande du temps et de l’expérience. Un consultant indépendant comme CTA Travel Business vous fait ainsi bénéficier de son expertise. Son réseau de partenaires est ainsi mis à votre disposition. Ce qui vous permet de réaliser des économies plutôt conséquentes.

Au regard de ce qui vient d’être énoncé, la question du rôle du travel manager se pose de nouveau. Il est en effet celui qui de prime abord va négocier avec le consultant voyage indépendant. Il est celui qui l’informe sur les attentes de l’entreprise et lui communique le cahier des charges.

Il faut garder à l’esprit que si faire appel à une agence de voyages spécialisée vous décharge de tout ce qui concerne les questions logistiques, cela ne remet pas en cause son rôle au sein de l’entreprise.

CTA Business Travel tient particulièrement compte des contraintes imposées par l’entreprise via le travel manager, et met ainsi à disposition un outil online personnalisable. La politique voyage de chaque entreprise cliente est ainsi paramétrée dans l’interface et s’applique automatiquement à l’ensemble des prestations.

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Toulouse travel tips: 10 things you need to know before visiting toulouse, france.

Are you visiting South West France soon and looking for the most useful Toulouse travel tips? We are here to help!

Toulouse is one of the most beautiful cities in France and while it’s a pretty popular place to visit for the French themselves, a lot of international tourists completely overlook it. This is a mistake you are not going to do!

Toulouse was my home for years and it’s fair to say that I am completely in love with it!

This city is full of history and culture. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

It’s also a paradise for foodies (so is the rest of South West France to be fair!)

If you’re planning a trip to Toulouse, make sure you read this list of travel tips first! I am going to tell you everything you need to know before your visit.

From where to stay, to what to eat and how to get around!

So, are you ready to discover the best travel tips for visiting Toulouse? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Table of Contents

Stay in the city centre of Toulouse

One of the best things about Toulouse is that its city centre is quite small and compact. This makes it really easy to get around on foot.

The city centre is also where you’ll find most of the attractions, restaurants and cafes.

For this reason, you definitely should stay in the centre. While accommodation may be a tiny bit more expensive than in the surrounding areas, it’s totally worth it!

Firstly, it’s not that much more expensive.

Secondly, you will truly get to enjoy the city and it will be much more practical at night.

Since Toulouse is such a lively city and has so many restaurants and bars, you will want to enjoy some nice meals in the evening and being able to go back to your accommodation on foot is a huge advantage.

While public transport is quite good in Toulouse, it’s just not worth you going too far. The difference in price won’t make up for the cost of the metro and the time wasted in transportation.

Here are the areas I recommend:

• Capitole . This is as central as it gets so you can’t beat it but it’s also the most expensive part.
• Esquirol . Perfect for restaurants and bars.
• Carmes . Beautiful neighbourhoods with loads of shops.
• St Pierre. Ideal for nightlife.
• Jean Jaures , Jeanne d’Arc and Compans Caffarelli are also excellent options in terms of location and are usually a bit cheaper.

If you are looking for hotel recommendations, here they are:

• Grand Hotel de l’Opera in Capitole. Incredibly well located with amazing views over the Capitole Square.
• Mercure Toulouse Centre Wilson in Jean Jaures. Great location and convenient if you want access to nightclubs or the station
• Hôtel Le Père Léon in Esquirol. It’s close to the restaurants and bars so you’ll never be bored in the evening here.

Get a Toulouse City Card

If you’re going to be spending a few days in Toulouse, I suggest getting a Toulouse City Card.

Prices start at 18 euros for 24 hours and it includes free entrance to most of the museums and monuments in Toulouse as well as discounts on various activities, restaurants and bars.

It also includes unlimited use of public transport so it’s definitely worth it!

Finally, with this card , you can book one of the walking tours organised by the visitor centre of Toulouse for free! This alone makes the card worth it!

If you’re not planning to visit any paying attractions in Toulouse then of course, you can skip it but if you have even one on your list, you’ll get your money back with this card.

While you can take it for 72 hours, I recommend to take the 24 or 48 hours and gather all the attractions with an entrance fee plus your walking tour during that time.

Here are some of the best places to visit with the card:

• Couvent des Jacobins
• Natural History Museum
• Abattoirs Museum
• Augustins Museum

You will also get discounts on the bus tours, cité de l’Espace and cruises.

You can purchase the Toulouse City Card online and pick it up at the Tourism Office just behind Capitole when you arrive.

At this point, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for advice. They are adorable and super useful. They can also help you book your walking tour.

Book a walking tour

So, I know I just said to book the Toulouse Tourism Card and that a walking tour was included.

If that’s the option you are going for, perfect.

However, if you do not want to do any of the paying attractions such as the Jacobin Convent or the museums, it will work out a bit cheaper to book a walking tour on its own.

Toulouse is a city where we walk so walking tours make all the sense in the world.

In the space of 2 to 3 hours you will have discovered most of the city!

Also, the guides are passionate! They are locals who know the city like the back of their hand so they won’t only show you the famous landmarks, they will also show you some hidden gems and give you insider tips.

It’s such a good way to spend your time in the city and it’s excellent value for money.

See prices here.

Learn a few phrases in French to help you get around

Obviously, I am not expecting you to learn French just so you can visit Toulouse however, knowing a few sentences and the basic words will always come in handy!

In touristy places, people at the front desk will probably speak English but everywhere else, it’s not a guarantee.

As you may know, the French aren’t too good at speaking English and they are extremely shy about it.

Here are a few sentences you should know:

• Bonjour! (Hello!)
• S’il vous plait. (Please.)
• Merci. (Thank you.)
• Au Revoir. (Goodbye.)
• Oui. (Yes.)
• L’addition s’il vous plait. (The bill please.)
• Je ne comprends pas. (I don’t understand.)
• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)

LOCAL TIP: So, I know the French have the reputation to be rude but let me break this stereotype.

The French aren’t rude, especially not in Toulouse. As a matter of fact, the Toulousains are known for being extremely friendly and helpful.

The thing is though, the etiquette is very important in France and that starts with the language.

They will not like if you expect them to speak English in their own country. While some of them can, they will appreciate you asking them to speak another language and not trying to impose yours in what is their home.

They also love politeness and in France that starts by saying ‘Bonjour’.

It’s incredibly important to say to say hello. If you don’t, you’re off to a very rocky start.

There is a whole ‘Bonjour process’ in France with la bise and everything around it but I’ll spare you the details since you don’t need to do all of that.

Here is how to start your interaction in order to make sure you will get the warmest welcome: ‘Bonjour. Désolé, je ne parle pas Français. Savez-vous parler Anglais ?’.

This means “Hello. Sorry, I don’t speak French. Do you speak English?”.

While this may look like a very simple thing to say, I promise it will change everything.

Also, don’t forget the please and merci. It’s super important too!

Sample some of the local cuisine

South West France is famous in the entire world for its food. That’s where the foie gras comes from as well as the duck confit.

For this reason, it would be a shame to leave Toulouse without tasting the local dishes.

You will find all sorts of restaurants in Toulouse so make sure to pick a traditional place like Chez Émile in Saint-Georges, La Maison du Cassoulet or Le Point d’Ogre in Carmes.

I would also highly recommend La P’tite Gouaille in Esquirol. It’s authentic, affordable and located in a typical Toulouse cave with bricks. It’s a locals’ favourite!

If you are looking for a place for lunch, head to the café de la Concorde in the Chalets neighbourhood. Again, it’s super good value for money and loads of locals come here for lunch. They don’t serve food in the evening though.

Now that you know where to eat, let’s talk about what to eat!

The first one would be the Cassoulet. The origins are these dish are debatable since two other places (Carcassonne and Castelnaudary) claims the dish is theirs. Regardless, Toulouse has its own version and it’s worth trying it.

A cassoulet is a hearty dish made with white beans, sausage and pork rib or belly. It will usually cost between 15 and 20 euros but I promise you’ll be super full after that!

Here are another few dishes from Toulouse that are worth trying:

• Toulouse sausage: a type of sausage that is specific to the region
• Confit de canard: duck leg confit, another iconic dish from South West France
• Foie gras: while this doesn’t come from Toulouse itself, it’s still a famous delicacy from the region
• Violets : Toulouse is known for its sweets, liquors and cakes made from this flower

PRO TIP: You can also join the food tour of Victor Hugo market . This is the largest and best market in the city. No matter what, it must be on your itinerary but if you want to taste local dishes and wine, this food tour (ran by a native-English speaker who lives in Toulouse) will be perfect for you.

Rent a bicycle and explore all the narrow streets and alleyways

One of the best ways to explore Toulouse is by bicycle. The city is quite flat so it’s perfect for a leisurely ride.

As a matter of fact, you’ll quickly notice that there are bikes everywhere and that the locals use their bikes for everything.

Best of all, it’s very easy to rent a bike in Toulouse.

You can use the VélôToulouse (nicknamed Velouse by the locals). Basically, it’s a network of public bikes. You will find stations all over the city and it’s very affordable.

Most locals take the annual plan since it’s cheap as chips but you can also rent one for a day.

Go to one of the stations (again they are everywhere so you won’t need to look for them for long) and head to the machine where you can pay for a ticket.

It costs 1.20 euro for one day or 5 euros for 7 days. Yes, you’ve read that right. You see what I mean when I say it’s super cheap!

You will need a card to do that though since the company needs to make sure they can hold a deposit in case you don’t return the bike to the station.

You will be able to cover so much ground with the bike and since it’s flat and the weather is nice, it’s such a pleasant thing to do!

PRO TIP: Since you don’t know the city like the back of your pocket yet, I would recommend booking the e-bike tour of Toulouse first.

Basically, you will be with a local guide who will take you all around the city centre on an electric bike. Not only is it great fun and you get to learn so much about the city but it will also be a great opportunity to get more familiar with the city and you’ll feel more comfortable exploring on your own after.

Stroll around the city centre

This may sound a bit silly at first but yet, that’s probably the best Toulouse tip of them all.

As I previously said, Toulouse has a very small and compact city centre which makes it easy to explore on foot and bike.

Of course, there are some landmarks to check out and I’m sure you’re already looking at the Jacobins Convent but Toulouse is not Paris.

It’s not a city where you go from landmark to landmark trying to tick off bucket list items.

It’s a city where people take their time and enjoy ‘ flâner ‘.

What on earth is flâner , I hear you say. Well, that’s a French concept that actually doesn’t have a translation in English so the best I can do is to give you an example.

Flâner means taking your time, wandering around, looking at the buildings, popping up in local boutiques, stop for a coffee. Basically it’s exploring without having a specific goal.

It’s walking around, relaxing and just see where that leads you.

Toulouse is a city where the whole concept of flâner will make so much sense because that’s simply the best way to discover it.

Also, since it’s small, you won’t ever go that far and if you do feel like you’re lost at some point, you can be sure to find a metro station nearby that will bring you back to somewhere you know.

Do not rent a car in Toulouse

I simply can not stress this enough: DO NOT GET A CAR!

Toulouse is not the best city to explore with a car. Streets are narrow, most of them are one ways, the traffic on the ring road is insane and also, well, Toulousains are quite hot-headed drivers and have very little patience.

Since the city centre is mainly pedestrian anyway, you won’t even get to enjoy your car in the city.

Finally, parking is a nightmare and can be very expensive. On top of it, most parking spots are limited to 2 hours.

So, now you got it, as long as you are staying in the city, you really shouldn’t rent a car. Not only will it be a hassle but it will cost you a fortune.

You can do so if you are planning on taking some day trips though. Speaking of that, that’s my next point!

Take day trips and explore more of South West France

Toulouse and Bordeaux might be the most famous spots in this region of France but they are far from being the only places worth visiting.

South West France is incredibly beautiful! It’s a land of traditions and authenticity that has been shaped throughout centuries of history!

That’s something you should learn more about.

Toulouse is ideally located in the centre of Occitanie which means that there are many places you can visit in one day from the city including castles, villages , cities and lakes!

Here are some of the one I highly recommend:

• Carcassonne
• Cordes-Sur-Ciel
• The Pyrenees
• Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

READ MORE: 21 Best Day Trips from Toulouse, France

Have a picnic at La Daurade

If ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is your motto then this one is for you!

La Daurade are the quays / waterfront located on the side of the River Garonne. You can easily access it from Capitole, Esquirol or Saint-Pierre.

Here you will find restaurants, cafes but also a lot of green spaces.

Most locals go there during the summer with a picnic and some drinks and enjoy a nice evening between friends while watching the stunning sunset.

You usually get to see the sky turning all pink (which is beautiful on top of these pink buildings), the beautiful cupola of La Grave hospital and the reflection on the water.

It’s simply beautiful! (and free!)

Toulouse is a city that has much to offer in the way of history, culture and beauty.

Toulousains are known for their hospitality so you’ll feel right at home no matter how long your trip lasts.

So now that you know the best travel tips and things to know before visiting Toulouse, pack your bags and enjoy the Pink city!

You may also be interested in:

• 13 Prettiest Villages near Toulouse, France
• 21 Best Day Trips from Toulouse, France
• Toulouse 1-Day Itinerary: Exactly How to spend 1 Day in Toulouse, France

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Travel Guide To Toulouse

If you're looking for an antidote to urban stress, head to the city of Toulouse, where walking is a way of life. Find cobblestoned squares, gourmet shopping and the ubiquitous cassoulet.

Where to stay in Toulouse

GRAND HOTEL DE L'OPERA

1 Place du Capitole (00 33 5 61 21 82 66; www.grand-hotel-opera.com ). A luxurious, 57-room, old-world classic in a 17th-century former convent. There are several contemporary-style suites for those who prefer their rooms to be spare rather than fussy. The best are 104-106 (with views of the square) and the spacious, romantic and private Verdi suite. £

HOTEL DEX BEAUX ARTS

1 place du Pont-Neuf (00 33 5 34 45 42 42; www.hoteldesbeauxarts.com ). This cosy, three-star alternative has a pretty, 18th-century façade and a relaxed B&B vibe. Many of the simple, cheery rooms have a river view, but the most sought-after are 42, which has a private rooftop terrace, and 16, a spacious junior suite. £

HOTEL GARONNE

22 descente de la Halle aux Poissons (00 33 5 34 31 94 80; www.hotelgaronne.com ) stands on a narrow, sloping street near the Pont Neuf, adjacent to the townhouse of 17th-century magistrate Joseph Borista. It's an arty, 14-room haven featuring a mix of Italian, African and Asian-inspired designs in deep reds, oranges and dark oak. Ask for the corner suite 29, or junior suite 27, with a view of the Garonne. Friendly, comfortable and in a superb location, this is a charming option. £

OUTSIDE THE TOWN

CHATEAU DE SALETTES

Cahuzac-sur-Vère (00 33 5 63 33 60 60; www.chateaudesalettes.com ). It's only a 40 minute-drive beyond Gaillac through lush, vine-growing country to the Château de Salettes, a medieval castle that once belonged to the Toulouse-Lautrec family. It has been transformed into a contemporary, 18-room hotel with spare but comfortable rooms, a pool and a gastronomic restaurant where the wine list includes the château's own superb vintages. It is the ideal stopover on the way to Albi. £

Where to eat out in Toulouse

LE BON VIVRE 15 bis, place Wilson (00 33 5 61 23 07 17; www.lebonvivre.com ). A modestly priced bistro specialising in delicious regional food. It is often packed with locals tucking into large portions of foie gras and grilled duck breasts, hearts and thighs.

LES JARDINS DE L'OPERA 1 place du Capitole (00 33 5 61 23 07 76; www.lesjardinsdelopera.com ). This is where serious foodies flock. Stéphane Tournie's elegant dishes are served in a lovely, glassed-in Florentine courtyard. If you crave a simple beef tartare, head next door to the Art Deco-style Grand Café de l'Opéra.

LE RESTAURANT ADRESSE 4 rue Baronie (00 33 5 61 22 55 48). This opened two years ago. It offers Mediterranean staples and Asian-inspired dishes such as sesame tuna.

LE VELANE 3 place Montoulieu (00 33 5 61 53 60 56; www.restaurant-levelane.com ). This is an inviting restaurant on a quiet square, with velvet banquettes and faux-leopardskin décor. It offers a creative menu of nouveau south-western dishes, such as chorizo-and-cucumber gazpacho served in a tumbler, and canard confit strudel with pecans.

RESTAURANT EMILE 13 place Saint-Georges (00 33 5 61 21 05 56; www.restaurant-emile.com ). Book a table on the terrace of Restaurant Emile, a local institution serving authentic cassoulet and, to start, marinated ginger-lime salmon.

RESTAURANT LE 19 19 descente de la Halle aux Poissons (00 33 5 34 31 94 84; www.restaurantle19.com ). This offers a contemporary spin on traditional specialities, whipped up by chef Jean Oliva. The setting - a revamped, two-level vaulted cellar - is as lovely as the exquisite dishes. Try the truffle-and-foie-gras-stuffed cabbage, the ginger-roasted duck or the warm prune clafoutis with Armagnac ice cream.

BARS AND CAFES

AU PERE LOUIS 45 rue des Tourneurs (00 33 5 61 21 33 45). Founded in 1889, this is a tiny, convivial tavern with one of the city's oldest zinc-topped bars. It is always packed at aperitif hour. Try a glass of the renowned Grenache Vieux or Quinquina.

BAPZ BAKERY AND TEA ROOM 1 rue de la Bourse (00 33 5 61 23 06 63). This is a cosy spot for afternoon coffee or tea (served in pretty, English china pots dating from 1900), or a large brunch. Cast your calorie cares to the wind and try the home-made scones and English muffins.

LE CLASSICO 37 rue des Filatiers (00 33 5 61 53 53 60). This is a cosy restaurant and bar that attracts a young, professional crowd. A DJ cranks up the volume after midnight from Wednesday to Saturday.

L'OENOTILUS Boulevard Griffoul-Dorval (00 33 5 62 16 39 47). This is a wine bar that opened recently on a revamped barge (which dates back to 1927), with a large terrace under the trees lining the Canal du Midi. Expect a dizzying choice of vintages, mostly from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, as well as liqueurs; and you can take advantage of expert advice from the friendly young owners, Xavier and Carole.

What to see in Toulouse

FONDATION BEMBERG Hôtel d'Assézat, rue de Metz (00 33 5 61 12 06 89; www.fondation-bemberg.fr ). This has a mix of artworks ranging from the Renaissance to the French Modern school, donated by the Argentine collector George Bemberg. Check the website for opening hours.

LE MUSEE DES AUGUSTINS 21 rue de Metz (00 33 5 61 22 21 82; www.augustins.org ). This is in a beautifully restored, Gothic Augustine monastery, and has a rich collection of Romanesque sculpture as well as a diverse selection of French 14th to 20th-century paintings. Check out the gargoyles in the lovely cloister. Check the website for opening hours.

LE MUSEE SAINT RAYMOND Place Saint-Sernin (00 33 5 61 22 31 44; www.saintraymond.toulouse.fr/ ). Next to the St Sernin basilica, this is a treasure trove of Gallo-Roman art and marble sculptures, with an archaeological section.

LES ABBATOIRS 76 allées Charles-de-Fitte (00 33 5 62 48 58 00; www.lesabattoirs.org ). This is a vast, artfully designed museum of contemporary art in a former slaughterhouse on Toulouse's right bank. It has more than 2,000 works, with Arman, Brassai, Dubuffet and Matta among the artists represented. Check the website for opening hours.

Things to do in Toulouse

ALBI Take a trip to the lovely, red-brick town of Albi, with its 11th-century bridge over the River Tarn. Visit the massive Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, which has a stunning, kaleidoscopic interior. Next door is the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec (Palais de la Berbie (00 33 5 63 49 48 70; www.musee-toulouse-lautrec.com ), a fascinating collection of the artist's work, plus a few personal objects such as his walking stick embedded with an absinthe flask.

How to get to Toulouse

AIRPORT The nearest international airport is at Toulouse.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com ) flies from Gatwick to Toulouse. Easyjet (0905 821 0905; www.easyjet.com ) also flies from Gatwick BMI (0844 8484 888; www.flybmi.com ) flies from Manchester. To get there by train, visit www.eurostar.com and www.raileurope.co.uk .

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9 Best Day Trips from Toulouse

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Best Places to Visit Near Toulouse

Toulouse is a beautiful city to discover, but if you have extra time during your holiday and would love to explore more of the Occitanie region , a Toulouse day trip is a good idea.

Toulouse’s strategic location will allow you to visit medieval towns, hilltop villages surrounded by the Pyrénées Mountains, important pilgrimage sites, and rolling vineyards with wine-producing châteaux.

Here’s our list of the nine best places to visit near Toulouse: top day trips from Toulouse by train, car, or guided tour with something for every traveler.

Best Toulouse Day Trips

Toulouse day trips in a nutshell.

Best day trips from Toulouse by train: Albi, Foix, Carcassonne.

Book your train tickets with Omio.com or Trainline.com

Best day trips from Toulouse by car: Gaillac Wine Route, Rieux-Volvestre.

Rent a car in Toulouse with DiscoverCars.com . Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France .

Best day tours from Toulouse: Carcassonne and Albi + Cordes-sur-Ciel

Lying along the Tarn River and located 75km northeast of Toulouse, Albi is a gorgeous UNESCO medieval town. Nicknamed “Albi la Rouge,” the whole town is characterized by red-brick architecture that makes strolling around the center a never-ending photo opportunity.

Its most striking feature is the Cathédrale Sainte-Cecile , an impressive fortress-like Gothic Cathedral you can see anywhere in the city. This religious building is pretty unique as it is the largest brick cathedral in the world.

Albi has many historic landmarks, such as the Pont Vieux, the old bridge dating back to the 11th century, the Romanesque Church of Saint-Salvy, and the Palais de la Berbie with idyllic gardens. The Palais de la Berbie hosts the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum , a must-see place for fans of this famous painter.

Visiting Albi is one of the best day trips from Toulouse for history lovers and photography geeks! Albi is super easy to reach by train – the train journey from Toulouse to Albi only takes one hour. To get the most out of your day, book this guided tour that visits Albi and the oh-so-pretty medieval town of Cordes-sur-Ciel.

2. Cité de Carcassonne

At a distance of 95 km southeast of Toulouse is the magnificent Cité de Carcassonne . This UNESCO-listed medieval Citadel will blow your mind if you are passionate about history and architecture.

Cité de Carcassonne is one of the best places to visit from Toulouse and one of the unmissable French landmarks with its impressive 52 watchtowers and the Château Comtal. The Castle sits on a hilltop, and it gives visitors fairytale vibes. Built in the 12th century, inside, you can still see what’s left of the Counts’ private chapel. The Castle also houses a museum with an interesting collection about the Cathars in Carcassonne and Southern France.

Finally, don’t miss visiting the Basilique Saint Nazaire, displaying a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and walking the Citadel ramparts.

A Toulouse to Carcassonne day trip is very easy to organize by train – Click here to buy your train tickets to Carcassonne . Some people, however, prefer the comfort of a minibus and the explanations of an expert guide on this Carcassonne day tour .

3. Gaillac Wine Route

The charming town of Gaillac is 50 km northeast of Toulouse and lies on the Tarn River. Easily reachable by train, the town holds historical monuments like the Abbatiale Saint Michel, a 10th-century Benedictine abbey, and the Maison des Vins, ideal if you want to learn more about wine and do some tastings.

Gaillac is one of the best places near Toulouse to visit for wine lovers. The Gaillac vineyard extends over both banks of the Tarn River to the northeast of Toulouse and is a delight for lovers of wines with a tasty character. If the Romans had already noticed that the terroir of Gaillac was extraordinary, it was the monks who shaped the Gaillac vineyard from the 10th century.

The best way to explore the Gaillac wine route is by car, during which you can admire the panorama. Stop by beautiful wine-producing châteaux, like Château Lastours and Cave de Labastide , to visit the properties and sample their wines (advance booking is necessary). If you can’t resist the allure of a château and a glass of good wine, this day trip from Toulouse is for you!

4. Rieux-Volvestre

South of Toulouse, at a distance of 45 km, is the lovely village of Rieux-Volvestre . With a prestigious heritage, the village is nestled on the edge of the small Arize River.

Strolling around the historic medieval streets, you can admire traditional timber-framed houses, a covered market hall, and a fortified brick-built cathedral. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie et Trésor Episcopal is in Gothic style and features an octagonal bell tower. On the inside, the church displays Episcopal treasures.

A great Toulouse day trip if you are fond of the past and relaxing walks, Rieux-Volvestre also has the Papogay Festival on the first Sunday of May, during which medieval-like archers shoot a wooden parrot off a 45-meter-high pole. You will surely love this historical reenactment!

Although there are direct bus connections Toulouse – Rieux (1 hr one way), it is much easier to visit by car.

5. Cité de l’Espace

Cité de l’Espace is 5.5 km south of Toulouse, at a short 20-minute drive, and is among the top places to visit near Toulouse. This Cité de l’Espace is actually a theme park dedicated to space, so step inside to discover the history of space exploration.

Ideal if you are traveling with kids or want to have a fun-filled day, the Cité de l’Espace is divided into several thematic areas where you will find a planetarium, a real spacecraft, an IMAX cinema, and a space flight simulation area, among the others.

The Cité de l’Espace is also a meeting venue for astronomy and science enthusiasts and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.

The Cité de l’Espace is an easy half-day or day trip from Toulouse. From central Toulouse, you can get to La Cité de l’Espace by bus. Take line 1 and stop at Collège Vernant + 15 min of walking or use the Cité de l’Espace stop on line 37. You can catch bus line 37 by taking metro line A to Jolimont or metro line B to Ramonville, then bus line 37, Cité de l’Espace stop.

A pilgrimage site 72 km north of Toulouse, Moissac is well-known for the wonderful Abbaye Saint-Pierre . This UNESCO-listed religious building was built between the 12th and the 15th century, and it features an ornamental Romanesque architecture epitomized by the magnificent façade and the richly decorated interior.

The Abbey has been part of the Camino de Santiago (Chemin de Saint-Jacques) since the Middle Ages, making Moissac an interesting place for history geeks.

But this riverside town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, creating a romantic and bucolic atmosphere perfect for everyone looking for a relaxing day trip. During the summer, Moissac hosts many cultural events, such as the Festival of the Voice (in July) and classical music concerts.

There are many direct trains from Toulouse to Moissac. You can reach Moissac in less than one hour (one way).

7. Canal du Midi by Bike

The Canal du Midi passes through the very heart of Toulouse, stretching for 240 km from the Atlantic coast all the way south to the Mediterranean Sea. This artificial Canal is considered one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century.

The Canal’s main purpose was to transport merchandise across the area; nowadays, it is a tourist spot where you can have fun walking, biking, or navigating along. If you are looking for a fun day trip for the whole family or a sporty one, hop on a bike and embark on a 40 km cycling adventure that connects Toulouse to the municipality of Avignonet-Lauragais via the Voie Verte du Canal de Midi .

While in Toulouse, head to Le Petit Cyclo shop to rent your bike and get ready to discover the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi.

Lourdes is 175 km southwest of Toulouse and is Europe’s most important Catholic pilgrimage site. The Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes is the main reason visitors come into town and includes several religious buildings and monuments around the Grotto of Massabielle . This Grotto is the very place where the apparitions occurred. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to a local girl named Bernadette 18 times!

Lourdes is among the places to visit near Toulouse for religious tourism. If you are not into that, a Toulouse to Lourdes day trip is also interesting: Lourdes’ Cathedral is stunning in its own right, and the town boasts another fantastic sight, the Château Fort. Reach it by riding the Pic du Jer funicular to marvel at the views of the forested mountains of the Pyrénées – Click here to buy your train tickets from Toulouse to Lourdes

Among the best day trips from Toulouse is the one to Foix , a must-stop along the Cathar Route . Foix is located 87 km south of Toulouse and lies close to the borders with Catalunya and Andorra.

The town is famous for its medieval castle – Château de Foix – featuring three well-preserved machicolated towers and high walls. This imposing fortress now hosts the Ariège Departmental Museum, where you can learn the town’s past through themed exhibitions and a permanent collection of medieval everyday objects and weapons.

Château de Foix boasts stunning views over the roofs of the old town, the Ariège Valley, and the surrounding mountains. Besides being a perfect spot for history lovers, Foix will delight those looking for a relaxing one-day-long getaway.

Foix is an easy day trip from Toulouse by train. If you visit by car, don’t miss to explore the underground River Labouiche . Located 6 km from Foix, you will navigate 60 m below the ground!

And there you have it, the best day trips from Toulouse, France. Which Toulouse day trips tempt you most?

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How to Spend 24 hours in Toulouse, France : A One Day Itinerary

Although it is France’s fourth largest city, Toulouse has a very relaxed, friendly feel to it. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city – and many of them are free – but if you’re short on time this guide offers my suggestions for how to spend 24 hours in Toulouse.

Known as the ‘ Ville Rose ’ (Pink City) for the colour of the terracotta bricks used in many of its buildings, Toulouse, in the southern French region of Occitanie , enjoys a mild climate and a great location on the banks of both the River Garonne and the Canal du Midi.

Home to a large student population due to its well-regarded university, Toulouse easily blends the old with the new. The charming Old Quarter (or Toulouse Old Town) is lined with buildings in all shades of pink whilst just outside the city centre, which is ringed by wide boulevards, the finest aeronautical engineering is on display at the home of Airbus.

My visit to Toulouse was brief but I managed to pack plenty in to my visit. I’d booked to stay two nights in Toulouse so that I had one full day to see the main points of interest.

With the benefit of long daylight hours due to visiting in summer, 24 hours was enough time to give me a good overview of the city.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Itinerary for one day in Toulouse, France

My day started after breakfast with a walk along Promenade Henri Martin beside the River Garonne . As my hotel was located near the Canal de Brienne , I also enjoyed wandering along the plane tree-lined canal.

At Pont Neuf (the old bridge), where you can look across the river to the lovely Musees de la Medecine , I turned left and headed to the Hotel d’Assezat Fondation Bemberg .

Built in the 17th century as an elegant town house for one of the city’s rich merchants, it is now home to a private museum for a collection of paintings, sculptures and objets d’art. (Free entry to the courtyard, admission fees apply to the gallery.) I didn’t go inside but spent some time admiring the lovely courtyard and imagining what it must have been like to live in such an elegant mansion.

At Notre-Dame de la Dalbade , just a short walk away, I marveled at the colourful, sculpted façade and rose window above the door.

As I strolled along the ancient narrow streets towards the town centre, I couldn’t help but admire the pleasing mix of architecture. Pink houses blended in with half-timbered buildings overhanging the footpath, whilst wrought iron balcony railings added grandeur to others.

Ready for a rest, I continued on towards the Place du Capitole and stopped for coffee and a pastry in one of the neighbouring side streets. I can recommend L’Amie des Laveurs, a boulangerie and patisserie, on rue Gambetta. Make a point of stopping off for a tasty treat when you are visiting Toulouse!

I was eagerly anticipating seeing Place du Capitole and it’s namesake building, Capitole, Toulouse’s impressive Town Hall and National Theatre. The 128 metre long façade of the building, which features eight columns of pink marble, takes up one side of the square and oozes importance. It dates back to 1750.

The façade isn’t the only impressive thing about Capitole, though. Step through the main entrance, pass through the pink and white striped Henry IV courtyard and head into the Salle des Illustres for an unexpected surprise.

Stunning late 19th-century frescoes line the domed roof and walls of a number of rooms, creating a wonderful display.

I am still amazed that you can visit a public building in France and see priceless artworks for free – and photography is permitted inside. It seems incredible and a huge privilege to be able to experience this.

Back outside, I spent some time absorbing the lively atmosphere in Place du Capitole and the surrounding squares before my stomach reminded me it was time for lunch.

When it comes time to eat, there’s no shortage of choice in Toulouse and luckily, thanks to the large student population, prices are pretty reasonable. Some of the busiest restaurants can be found in Place du Capitole directly opposite Capitole but these appeared to be full of tourists and we prefer to eat where the locals eat.

A few streets away from Place du Capitole, we found an outdoor café where we could enjoy both our lunch and the typically French pastime of people watching.

After refueling, it was time to explore the shops that had been enticing me with their ‘Solde’ (Sale) signs. In France, shops are only allowed to put their goods on sale twice a year and fortuitously I was visiting during the annual summer sales.

Galleries Lafayette was the first store I visited but there were numerous others whose daily takings were increased thanks to my husband and I!

TIP: If you’re not into shopping, why not relax in the Japanese Gardens or enjoy a cruise on the River Garonne or Canal du Midi? See below for more info.

When we’d had enough of shopping, we made our way to Basilique St-Sernin . With its prominent octagonal brick bell tower, the basilica is hard to miss. Built in the 11th and 12th-centuries, it is the largest Romanesque basilica in Europe.

The church was an important stop for pilgrims undertaking the journey on the ‘Way of St. James’, and has been extensively renovated over the last few decades. Today it’s mostly tourists, not pilgrims, that include Basilique St-Sernin in their Toulouse itinerary.

Entry is free but for just 2.50 euro you can visit the ambulatory and crypt to see ancient relics and treasures.

Having spent most of the day on our feet, we took time out for a short rest and a cool drink before we made our way to Allee Jean Jaures.

One thing I enjoy doing in a new city is taking a city tour as it gives me a great overview of the city and takes me past places that I might not otherwise visit.

At 6pm we boarded the open-topped Citytour Toulouse bus for a 75-minute tour of the city. Commentary was provided in English (and seven other languages) via headphones and although the tour took us past some of the sites we had visited earlier in the day, it was still worthwhile as we picked up plenty of interesting facts.

The Citytour starts and finishes at Place d’Amenie on Allee Jean Jaures. Click here to check prices and buy tickets .

After finishing our Citytour, it was just a short walk to Place Wilson , another lively square with plenty of dining options. Although it was a Monday night, the area was buzzing with people and had a very festive atmosphere.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner outdoors at a typically French bistro before meandering back to our hotel around 10.30pm.

After a long, but very enjoyable day visiting many of Toulouse’s main attractions, it was time for bed.

More things to do in Toulouse

The sights listed above give you a great overview of Toulouse in one day but if you have more time, there’s lots more on offer. Find more things to do in Toulouse here and see my suggestions below.

Panoramic Views

For the best views over the rooftops of Toulouse, head to Galeries Lafayette. A panoramic terrace on the 6th floor offers great views of the Pink City. (Unfortunately the terrace was closed for renovations when I visited.)

Churches and Museums

In addition to the ones mentioned above, Toulouse is home to several other churches of interest. The somewhat austere exterior of Couvent des Jacobins is in total contrast to the light interior. Inside the Gothic church, the 22 ribs of a palm tree-shaped vault stretch upwards. (Small entry fee applies.)

Two others worth visiting are the Saint-Etienne Cathedral which was built over five centuries from the 13th-century, and the Carmelite Chapel , home to some exquisite 17th-century painted murals. (Free entry to both.)

There are over 20 museums in Toulouse including the National History Museum , Les Abattoirs (a former abattoirs which now houses modern and contemporary artworks), and Cite de l’espace , a space museum dedicated to all things aeronautical.

River and Canal Cruises

An enjoyable and relaxing way to see the city and surrounds from another perspective is from the water. Cruises on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal du Midi are available from March to June, and cruises on both the River Garonne and Canal de Brienne operate from June to October.

No visit to France is complete without a trip to the local market and Toulouse’s Marche couvert Victor Hugo (covered market) is a fine example. With over 100 stalls selling everything from fish to fruit and vegetables to cakes and pastries, a visit will definitely overload your senses.

On the bottom floor of the market hall over 100 merchants sell their produce whilst the top floor is home to numerous restaurants serving meals from the produce sold below.

The market is open every day except Monday from 6am to 2pm.

Parks and Gardens

There is plenty of green space to be found in Toulouse and these make an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Jardin des Plantes is a seven hectare park with a 200 year old sculpted garden, and the smaller Jardin Japonais (Japanese Gardens) feature a pond and pagoda.

Day trips from Toulouse

If you’d like to get out of the city,  Carcassonne , the Fronton vineyards, Albi and the beautiful villages of the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne departments (including Cordes sur Ciel), are all within easy reach.

Getting around Toulouse

The best way to get around Toulouse is on foot. All of the places I visited in my one-day itinerary mentioned are within close proximity to Place du Capitole.

Public transport is available to reach Cite de l’espace, the airport and the city’s outskirts.

Where to stay in Toulouse

I chose Hotel de Brienne for my two-night stay in Toulouse. Located a 15-minute walk from Place du Capitole, it was perfect for our brief visit. Read my review here | Click here for current prices

For something a bit more central (and upmarket), I would consider the Crowne Plaza Capitole , located in Place du Capitole. Click here for current prices

Getting to Toulouse

Toulouse is situated in south west France, 680 km south of Paris and 400 km north of Barcelona. Driving times are approximately six and a half hours from Paris and four hours from Barcelona.

Flights from all over Europe service Toulouse Blagnac Airport.

The Paris to Toulouse train journey (numerous services per day) takes around four and a half hours.

There are numerous daily services on the Toulouse to Barcelona train line, with a journey time of around four hours (one connection required).

Toulouse is also connected to many other destinations in France by frequent rail services.

Still need more info about Toulouse?   Visit the city’s official tourism website here .

You can read all my posts about France here >>

PIN FOR LATER

Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

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What A Business Travel Manager Does

What does a corporate travel manager do.

A look at what makes up a travel manager’s job description

Travel managers play a critical role in the success of a corporate travel program. But the scope of their job reaches far beyond reserving flights, making hotel reservations, and booking car rentals. Travel managers interact with many – if not all – of the stakeholders in a company to make sure the corporate travel program supports business objectives, aligns with company culture, helps retain talent by keeping travelers happy, and much, much more.

Travel managers oversee and administer corporate travel policies and are traditionally tasked with travel expense management, leading vendor and partner contracts, monitoring business travelers’ needs and identifying cost savings. Their work could also involve procurement or working with external partners to get reimbursements for cancelled trips. It takes years of experience to master all of this. Working with a travel management company (TMC), travel managers make sure your travel program and policies meet the needs of your business and travelers.

Download the toolkit to redesign your travel program

Defining and implementing an effective business travel program is no easy task. Business requirements can change quickly, and the travel program must adapt just as fast. The business travel environment can shift unexpectedly, and the travel manager must proactively put travel policies in place to speed the corporate response and safeguard against risk. Effective business travel programs are built on a foundation of:

• Clearly defined travel policies and procedures
• Easy-to-use travel management tools and technologies
• Traveler safety and risk management tools
• Travel optimization programs

The travel manager works with various stakeholders to build and direct that foundation.

Defining travel policies and procedures

Clearly defined travel policies and procedures help rein in costs and promote traveler wellbeing. Consistency in policy definition and enforcement are key. Because business travel maps to business objectives, there are policies and rules in place that we don’t see when we book our leisure travel.

Corporations may have preferred vendors for hotels and car rentals, for instance. Setting limits for travel, accommodation and per diems can be defined for specific regions and countries and take into account cultural differences in various parts of the world. Duty of care policies also take a front seat when it comes to determining your travel policy.

All of this allows an organization to manage costs, measure return on investment and help keep travelers safe. For instance, NASDAQ discovered the benefits of thinking through their travel policy and leading a change in policy and process that benefitted business travelers’ experiences and the bottom line.

Managing all these moving parts is the role of the travel manager. It’s also the reason that many companies work with a TMC like Egencia. Choosing the right TMC is critical to the success of your travel program. You want a partner with the booking tools and technology that will make it easier for you to manage everything from making travel arrangements to refining the specifics of your travel policies. They should be a leader in the travel industry that’s able to help you negotiate the best rates and discounts for all of your business trips.

Using technology to create a better travel experience

The entire travel booking experience has been changed by technology. Your employees are consumers too, and they expect the same seamless, easy-to-use experience when it comes to business travel. The travel program has to serve them the way they want to be served.

For some, that’s on the web. For others, they want to book a business trip with just a few taps on their phones. Some still want to be able to call someone who will take care of things for them. The booking tools you offer employees have to meet their expectations and requirements, as investment firm West Park Management Services discovered when their switch to Egencia propelled them from 11% online adoption to more than 80% in the first month.

And you have to meet those traveler expectations while satisfying all the organization’s needs for travel program compliance. Today’s travel manager has to strike that balance — meeting business travelers’ needs and those of the business.

Fortunately, technology is available to do that. Beyond the very visible apps and websites, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are making it easier for travelers to make the best choices that meet their preferences and stay compliant. Egencia customers are using AI every day, even if they don’t know it. Some of the latest travel technology is working in the background to improve experiences and compliance.

Traveler safety and risk management

As a travel manager, you’re responsible for the health and wellbeing of your business travelers. This falls under the definition of duty of care as a legal principle. Companies are legally required to have safety and security measures in place across all business functions, including travel.

When employees travel, the business is still responsible for them. Where are your employees? What is their situation? Do they need help?

Travel managers need business travel tools that allow them to anticipate issues or contact and locate travelers in a time of emergency. In fact, eight out of 10 companies integrate security factors into their travel policy and many companies have prioritized duty of care as a key component of their travel program strategy.

Crisis management is a critical aspect for the travel manager. Taking care of travelers while they’re on the road is one of the key jobs of the travel manager. In an emergency, you need to know where your travelers are and help them get to safety. When everyone books through the Egencia platform, you can access their location with Traveler Tracker .

Optimizing your travel program

Travel managers add value to the organization with travel program optimization through savings, reporting, duty of care and change and expense management. They are expected to advocate for the advantages that business travel creates. This requires understanding the business well enough to show the value of travel on competitive advantage, revenue and employee retention.

Egencia offers a powerful online platform so that travel managers have the tools to perform the analysis to find cost savings and demonstrate ROI. Egencia Analytics Studio gives travel managers visual dashboards with robust drill-down capabilities to analyze their programs and find cost savings. At  NTT Singapore , they use our data tools to monitor travel spend, analyze travel by individuals or business groups and report back to executives with visual reports on any aspect of their travel program. The company gains actionable insights from their travelers data, and their travelers get to enjoy an easy booking experience that meets their needs.

Corporate travel managers lead the journey

Travel directly affects organizational culture and the bottom line. The travel manager guides the program to serve those aims.

From policies and procedures to choosing the right TMC, corporate travel managers play a key role in building successful organizations.

Looking for better business travel solutions? Get in touch with us.

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The Best Travel Agents Near Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

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Explore more on these 7 day trips from Toulouse

Sep 7, 2023 • 7 min read

Toulouse is connected to many amazing regions by train for a rewarding and easy day trip © Getty Images

Toulouse lies between France's Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, not far from the Pyrenees mountains as well as a number of charming cities such as Bordeaux, Agen, Carcassonne and others. 

This makes the Ville Rose a fantastic base for a wide variety of short trips, lasting half a day, a day or more. It would be a shame to miss out if the length of your stay in Toulouse allows for it. Also, sometimes you can get tired of the urban hustle and bustle of Toulouse. Why not explore the surrounding Toulouse region, and discover its natural riches in areas that are still under the radar?

Here are some ideas for trips you can enjoy in couples, with your family or with a group of friends; eight destinations to enjoy fresh air, a sea swim or discover the culinary and architectural heritage. And a few surprises.

1. Stroll through the medieval city of Carcassonne

Travel time: 40 mins

Carcassonne is Toulouse's little sister. A fortified medieval city, built around 1130, it overlooks the entire town. Entering the fortifications is like stepping back nine centuries, or finding yourself in an episode of Game of Thrones . 

In addition to tour guides (and guided tours) of this Unesco World Heritage site, there are numerous educational workshops on life in the past, crafts of today and yesteryear, folklore, and cute boutiques along the cobbled streets. 

A visit to Carcassonne and its medieval city can be done in a single day. An ideal destination for families interested in discovering the secrets of yesteryear – but also for couples with the city's many fine restaurants ideal for evenings out with your loved one. 

How to get from Toulouse to the medieval city of Carcassonne:

Take the train from the Matabiau station. Many journeys are made every day for a simple reason: Toulouse and Carcassonne are on the lines linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. By taking the train from Toulouse to Carcassonne, you'll save time and money compared with driving.

2. Discover the Pyrenean mountains 

Travel time: 1.5 hours

A break in nature and fresh air is always a hit on vacation. Ax-les-Thermes fits the bill perfectly with Pyrenean mountain landscape and many natural parks. Whether in winter or summer, Ax-les-Thermes remains an under-the-radar destination. 

There's plenty to do: the ski slopes of the Ax 3 Domaines resort; hikes within easy reach of the Château de Lordat ruins; the Orlu wildlife park with its magnificent resident wolves; the natural hot baths and spa at Le Couloubret; spa treatments and rustic mountain restaurants. 

To make the most of this destination, you would ideally spend the night. However, Ax-les-Thermes is easily reached in less than two hours by train. It's a popular destination for people from Toulouse who make the round trip in a day by train to spend a day skiing here, for example. 

How to get from Toulouse city-center to Ax-les-Thermes: 

Numerous direct trains run between Toulouse and Ax-les-Thermes, covering the whole day. Tickets range from 9 to 25 euros on the Sncf website. By car, allow an hour and a half via the A66 freeway.

3. Enjoy the gentle Mediterranean coastline in Narbonne 

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Looking for a breath of sea air less than two hours from Toulouse? Head for the Mediterranean town of Narbonne , with its beaches, natural marine park, sunny terraces and one of the world's largest traditional buffets.

Far removed from mass tourism, the small, modest town of Narbonne has a number of nuggets worth discovering. The Narbo Via museum covers the town's Roman past. Next explore the splendid Chalets Gruissan beach, Narbonne plage, the Etang de Bages, and all the other ponds that make up the beauty of the Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve and the Parc Naturel de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée. These “picnic in a bag” walks are accessible to everyone, and include swimming if the weather permits. Don't forget your hiking boots, swimsuit and flip-flops. 

In the evening, enjoy the Grands Buffets de Narbonne – a prestigious all-you-can-eat buffet that has won international awards. Enjoy traditional French dishes and service, plus the world's largest cheese platter. The restaurant is open at lunchtime but staying overnight to enjoy dinner is a great option.

How to get from Toulouse to Narbonne:

The average train journey from Toulouse to Narbonne is 1.5 hours – although some journeys take 1 hour 10 minutes. The line is direct and costs only €1 at certain times of the year, on average it’s a €10 trip. 

4. Pedal along the Canal du Midi

Travel time: up to 4 hours cycling

The Canal du Midi is the pride of Toulouse with plenty of long trails for walking and cycling. I recommend a trip on a VelÔToulouse , which can be rented easily and cheaply throughout the pink city. 

Leaving from the Port Saint-Sauveur in the city of Toulouse, you can reach up to Avignonet-Lauragais in four hours, via a specially-designed greenway. Discover rural landscapes, the canal, villages and castles along the way. It's an easy, level ride. A perfect day out with a picnic in the bag  to get away from the city and enjoy the company of friends and family.

How to get from Toulouse Marengo train station to Voie Verte from Port-Saint-Sauveur: 

You can pick up a VelÔToulouse from Matabiau station and pedal to Port-Saint-Sauveur via boulevard Lazare Carnot in twelve minutes to start your cycling tour.

5. Taste wine at its source in these vineyards

The south of France is rich with vineyards and quality wines. Toulouse and the surrounding region are a perfect example. As a family, a couple or a group of friends, you can set off to discover a gastronomic adventure.

Among the destinations to visit is Fronton with its Maison des Vins et du Tourisme . This magnificent building awaits you amidst the hectares of vines of Château de Capdeville in the Fronton appellation. Tastings, tours and purchases of over 150 wine referencing are possible here alongside wine professionals. You can also go further and meet wine growers and winemakers directly on their estates. Seven hectares surround the building, which you can explore and enjoy for picnics or aperitifs. The Maison des Vins et du Tourisme regularly organizes winegrower meetings and tastings, as well as artistic events. Find out about the program in advance. 

How to get from Toulouse to Fronton

By car, from downtown Toulouse, less than 40 minutes via the A62 freeway.

6. Get into African safari mode

Travel time: 1h 50 mins 

The Sigean African Reserve is one of the best places in France to get close to African wildlife in complete safety. This giant wildlife park boasts 3,800 endemic African animals, including mammals, reptiles and birds. You can discover them on foot and by car, in the middle of their habitat, with the animals roaming freely – in the lions' park and the bears' park. 

The visit can be completed in a day (minimum four hours), but a car is compulsory for the park experience and there’s a lack of public transport to get there directly. 

How to get from Toulouse to Réserve Africaine de Sigean:

If you're coming by train, you'll pass through Narbonne, and the line is easy and regular. You can also rent a car in Narbonne (the reserve is 15 minutes from the station). If you're coming by car, you'll need to take the A61 freeway.

7. Lose yourself in the garden and labyrinth of Merville 

Travel time: from  30 mins to 1h 20 mins (by car or bike)

Merville, a town just outside Toulouse in Haute-Garonne, boasts a French singularity: a resplendent château with a five-hectare garden featuring a plant maze. There's no better way for couples, families or friends to spend some green time (with a playful touch). 

It's not for nothing that the Château de Merville, which was built in the 18th century, was awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label. Immerse yourself in the history of France and its heritage, with this high point of French garden design. 

How to get from Toulouse to Château de Merville: 

Car is the preferred means of getting to Merville due to the lack of easy, regular public transport. It takes around 30 minutes. If you rent a VelÔToulouse bike from Toulouse station, you'll need 1h 20 mins. The route is simple and level via the grand boulevard des Minimes and the Chemin de l'Enseigure.

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Travel Manager Job Description

Travel manager duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective travel manager job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included travel manager job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Travel Manager Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Travel Manager

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: RCDD, PMP, CPR, CTC, BLS, CTA, GTP, IOPP, CIPT, PMI

Education for Travel Manager

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the travel manager job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Collage Degree in Business, Marketing, Education, Business/Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Management, Finance, Accounting, Hospitality, Tourism

Skills for Travel Manager

Desired skills for travel manager include:

Desired experience for travel manager includes:

Travel Manager Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Perform random audit analysis on employee expense reimbursement claims following established corporate policies and department operating procedures
• Perform necessary research and analysis using various tools
• Resolve all outstanding audit issues timely and accurately in order to complete the process
• Determine whether to apply additional auditing techniques on a case-by-case basis where suspicious or fraudulent activity is suspected
• Provide training to internal clients in complex processing and/or problem resolution
• Assist employees with reconciling their AMEX accounts
• Responsible for market analysis to understand industry trends and best practices in the Travel program and to ensure best practice implementation
• Influences business groups to address key opportunities for demand management savings by using spend information and category metrics
• Works with business groups to ensure supplier and policy compliance
• Manages escalations on behalf of suppliers and users to ensure successful resolution
• Previous experience in operations and/or analysis a must
• Experience in corporate travel & expense management is preferred
• Experienced in creation, negotiation, and administration of contracts and corporate credit card programs
• Knowledge of leading industry travel tools, , Concur, Amadeus, preferred
• Markets preferred suppliers through a multi-pronged communication strategy
• Manages supplier relationships, addressing service and quality issues
• Formulate, implement and execute regional PR plans to generate awareness and maximize exposure with positive coverage of company's luxurious line of business
• Lead the CSR project and also drive the crisis management plan
• Develop, lead and execute all aspects of email newsletter and marketing campaigns, from creative/content through deployment
• Support the testing and development of new email capabilities including segmentation, personalization, recommendations, and creative improvements
• Influence product and offer selection, messaging strategy, and targeting based on prior campaign performance
• Become the subject matter expert on email campaign operations – distribute, communicate and apply best practices and learnings to continually improve results
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of external competitor activity and market trends to recommend process and overall program enhancements
• Analyze web analytics and email metrics to discover trends and identify opportunities for growth
• Create, develop and test new user acquisition and retention strategies
• Analyze employee travel and expense cost trends and drivers
• Review and maintain Tour Operator trip revenue data in reservation system
• Coordinate and supervise all Lodges revenue including billings, Lodge set up and room reservation revenue
• Work with Travel management to manage all department expenses
• Work with finance management to develop and monitor cash flow projections
• Manage department purchasing, reviewing and ensuring accurate coding of all P-card transactions
• Help develop other accounting procedures and processes for Marketing and other expense management
• Identifies areas of non-compliance with company policies and communicates with appropriate parties in a timely manner
• Oversee administrative processes and determine ways for improvement
• Manage and negotiate with brokers and third party solution providers, , certain vendors to take advantage of volume discount programs
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for travel and expense policies, maintaining relevant communication internally
• Processes expense reports and related duties
• Processes credit card requests And ensure that credit cards are integrated with expense management Liaison with Travel Services provider on a regular basis and ensure excellent service levels
• Work with Human Resources regarding needed emergency travel resources
• Coordinate travel insurance programs with travel services
• Continuously improve processes and programs for ease of employee, gathering business intelligence, creating efficiencies and reducing costs
• Multi lingual capability – Mandarin / English (spoken and written)
• Flexible and presentable
• Coordinate with Marketing team to review all Catalog and digital expenses and monitor budget for Marketing
• Assist supervisor/ Travel management with budgets and forecasts
• Manage financial accounts in coordination with Corp Finance, including monthly financial statement reporting, monthly and YE close accruals and journal entries
• Prepare Variance analysis for monthly assessment of revenue and expense compared to forecast
• Assist in preparation of analysis and strategic planning as needed
• We are looking for a manager to work across multiple functions with the Loyalty Solutions business across the customer journey
• Manage the expectations of the client (internal and external) with regard to project objectives, deliverables, timeframes, by understanding the key business drivers and their
• Management of key strategic external partner relationships, focusing on growing and expanding our best in class travel loyalty program
• Responsible for the performance of the portfolio with the goal of achieving profitable growth cost optimization
• Monitor competitive landscape and explore new travel product constructs to identify current and future consumer needs and business opportunities
• Responsible for conducting analysis (KPIs in travel patterns, client behaviors and partnership financial performance) providing insight for portfolio/program improvements and opportunities
• Lead both internal and external quarterly and annual business reviews contribute to building out strategic plans through the annual planning process
• Improve the client experience by recommending initiatives to streamline processes, adding additional functionality and improving call center servicing
• Work across business lines (Operations, IT, Marketing, Credit Cards, Procurement, Legal, Digital) to ensure that activities relating to the performance and management of the portfolio are operating in the most optimal way possible
• Work closely with Product partners to understand client needs and develop strategies to address these needs
• Knowledge of the Concur system and the reporting tool, Cognos
• The Finance Manager will manage Tour Operator & Lodge revenue reporting and analysis
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in group travel management
• Must understand air, hotel, and shuttle contract verbiage and can negotiate to meet the needs of the event
• Loves travel!
• Travel demand model development, staff supervision, client interface and marketing for new projects experience
• Maintain and own the Bank’s online applications
• Assist third party firms with the configuration, maintenance and future rollout implementations
• Oversee the day to day T&E operations
• Ensure system is running properly and address issues promptly
• Handle business and management ah-hoc queries and requests
• Assist third party firms with the configuration, maintenance, and future rollout implementations of the T&E system
• Advise and communicate all Service updates with new features and benefits of the product
• Implement new features once presented and approved by senior management
• Act as a liaison with Corporate Credit Card provider for all credit card support and maintenance
• Manage the selection process, negotiations and risk mitigation, in partnership with Juniper legal, of travel, corporate card, meetings & events contracts (Airlines/transportations, hotels, card providers, event/production management, registration providers, venues)
• PE or AICP as applicable
• Business travel product technical and operational knowledge, including the Concur product suite
• Excellent understanding of travel management company operational processes and systems
• Experience in delivering technical training is an asset
• High degree of proficiency with data analysis and business process design
• People management experience (2/3 years time)

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Travel Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the era of global connectivity, the role of travel managers has become increasingly critical.

As the world becomes more interconnected, and business operations expand across borders, the demand for experienced professionals who can plan, execute, and manage travel arrangements grows more intense.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a travel manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of travel management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable travel manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Travel Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Travel Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing travel plans for a corporation or an individual.

They are responsible for cost management, ensuring safety and comfort of the travelers, and making sure all travel operations run smoothly.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement corporate travel policies
• Negotiate contracts or rates with travel service providers
• Provide advice on travel documents, insurance, import/export regulations etc.
• Handle credit card programs and charges
• Process T&E reports and handle reimbursements
• Create and maintain relationships with vendors and service providers
• Ensure compliance with company travel policy, procedures, and service quality
• Book transportation, make hotel reservations, and collect payment/fees
• Deal with occurring travel problems, complaints or refunds
• Enter data into our software and maintain T&E records
• Participate in educational opportunities & professional organizations in the travel field
• Stay informed about travel industry trends and best practices

Travel Manager Job Description Template

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Travel Manager to join our team.

The Travel Manager responsibilities include managing corporate travel service providers, negotiating contracts and managing relationships with travel suppliers, planning and managing all travel arrangements for the organization, and developing strategies to improve travel programs.

Our ideal candidates have a strong understanding of the travel industry, excellent problem-solving skills, and an ability to negotiate effectively.

Ultimately, the role of the Travel Manager is to ensure all travel arrangements run smoothly and align with the needs and requirements of the company.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic policies and programs for corporate travel
• Handle and oversee all travel arrangements and operations (air, lodgings etc.)
• Manage relationships with travel agencies and vendors
• Provide advise on travel documents, insurance, import/export regulations etc.
• Ensure compliance in all aspects of travel procedures
• Drive continuous improvement of travel programs

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Travel Manager
• Knowledge of international travel regulations, customs and currencies
• Knowledge of T&E reporting and processing
• Working knowledge of MS Office and CTM (corporate travel management) software
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and negotiation skills
• Well-organized and reliable
• An analytical mind with strong business acumen
• Customer-oriented approach
• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

• Job Title: Travel Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings with travel suppliers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Travel Manager Do?

Travel Managers are professionals who work for corporations, travel agencies, or as self-employed consultants.

They are responsible for planning, developing, and managing all aspects of travel for organizations or individuals.

They ensure that travel needs, such as accommodation, transportation, and special requirements, are taken care of, in line with the budget and preferences of their clients or organization.

Travel Managers often negotiate contracts with travel service providers, such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to secure the best rates and services.

They monitor travel trends and update travel policies accordingly.

They are tasked with handling travel emergencies, resolving travel issues, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of travelers.

Moreover, they are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories, visa requirements, and travel regulations.

Travel Managers may also be responsible for overseeing travel expenditures and ensuring all travel activities comply with company policies and legal regulations.

In some cases, they also have to plan and coordinate travel itineraries for individuals, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Travel Manager Qualifications and Skills

Travel Managers must possess a wide range of skills and qualifications to effectively manage and execute travel arrangements and itineraries, including:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple travel schedules, arrange transportation and accommodation, and ensure all aspects of business travel are taken care of.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with clients, travel agents, and vendors, as well as addressing any travel-related concerns or inquiries from employees.
• Exceptional negotiation skills to secure the best rates and services from travel suppliers and vendors.
• Understanding of travel regulations, customs and currencies to ensure compliance and advise clients.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask to handle last-minute changes to travel plans and respond to emergencies.
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, understand cost structures, and achieve cost efficiencies in travel plans.
• Problem-solving skills to swiftly tackle any travel disruptions or conflicts, and find practical and efficient solutions.
• Knowledge of travel software and platforms to book flights, hotels, and car rentals, and to manage travel plans and itineraries.
• Customer service skills to provide high-quality service to clients, understand their needs, and ensure their satisfaction.

Travel Manager Experience Requirements

A Travel Manager typically needs several years of experience in the travel industry or a related field.

Entry-level candidates often start in roles such as Travel Agent, Tour Guide, or Customer Service Representative in a travel agency, where they gain firsthand experience in coordinating travel arrangements and dealing with the common issues that arise.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience may have developed their skills in communication, problem-solving, and organization.

They may also have gained a solid understanding of travel management software and industry regulations.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often move into roles such as Senior Travel Consultant or Travel Coordinator, where they hone their skills in negotiating with vendors, overseeing travel budgets, and managing corporate travel policies.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have significant leadership and managerial experience, along with extensive knowledge of travel industry trends and the ability to build strong relationships with vendors and clients.

Such candidates are often ready to take on the responsibilities of a Travel Manager, such as developing strategic plans for travel, managing a team, and ensuring the company’s travel needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively.

They may also have experience with risk management and emergency response planning, which are critical aspects of this role.

Travel Manager Education and Training Requirements

Travel Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in travel and tourism, business management, or another related field.

They need a strong understanding of the travel industry, including knowledge of various travel destinations, booking procedures, and travel regulations.

Previous experience in the travel industry or in a managerial role could be beneficial.

Proficiency in a second language can also be an advantage in this global industry.

Some positions, especially those in large corporations or specialized travel agencies, may require Travel Managers to have a master’s degree in tourism management or business administration.

There are various certifications available for Travel Managers, such as the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC).

These certifications may showcase a Travel Manager’s expertise in the field and commitment to ongoing learning.

Continuing education is also important in this role as travel trends, regulations, and technologies are constantly changing.

Hence, Travel Managers should stay updated through workshops, seminars, and industry conferences.

Travel Manager Salary Expectations

A Travel Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $81,437 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary based on factors such as professional experience, education, the scale of the employer’s business, and the location of the job.

Travel Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a travel manager need.

A Travel Manager should have excellent organizational and planning skills to coordinate various travel arrangements smoothly.

They should have strong negotiation skills to secure the best deals and prices.

Interpersonal and communication skills are also essential to liaise with clients, travel agents, and other service providers.

A good Travel Manager should also have a deep understanding of the travel industry trends, issues, and legal aspects of domestic and international travel.

Do Travel Managers need a degree?

A degree is not mandatory but is often beneficial.

A degree in business administration, hospitality management, or tourism can be particularly useful.

Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with experience in the travel industry or in a similar role.

The most important thing for a Travel Manager is to have a good understanding of travel arrangements, regulations, and cost management.

What should you look for in a Travel Manager resume?

When reviewing a Travel Manager’s resume, look for experience in managing corporate travel, including planning, booking, and coordinating travel arrangements.

They should have experience in negotiating with travel service providers and managing travel budgets.

Also, check for any relevant qualifications or certifications, such as a Certified Travel Associate or Certified Travel Counselor credential.

What qualities make a good Travel Manager?

A good Travel Manager should be detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to handle multiple travel bookings and schedules at once.

They should be good problem solvers, capable of dealing with any travel disruptions or emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they need to liaise with various stakeholders and service providers.

A good Travel Manager should also have a passion for travel and a thorough understanding of the travel industry.

Is it difficult to hire a Travel Manager?

The difficulty of hiring a Travel Manager can depend on the specific requirements of the role.

For instance, if the position requires extensive travel industry experience or specific language skills, it might be more challenging to find the right candidate.

However, with a clear job description, competitive salary, and benefits package, and by utilizing various recruitment channels, it’s certainly possible to find a qualified and suitable Travel Manager.

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken an in-depth journey into the dynamic role of a travel manager .

It’s not just about booking flights.

It’s about orchestrating unforgettable experiences, one destination at a time.

Our travel manager job description template and real-world examples have given you the tools you need to set sail.

But why drop anchor now?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator . It’s your compass to precision-crafted job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Every journey is a part of a larger adventure.

Let’s navigate that future. Together.

Reasons to Become a Travel Manager (Lead Adventure, Earn Money)

How to Become a Travel Manager (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Travel Manager (Crisis Conundrums!)

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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visitors, enjoy Toulouse with Tisséo !

Have a good trip with Tisséo!

Take a couple of minutes to discover the network and all the innovative services that will make your stay even simpler.

The easy way to get around the city!

Buy your ticket wherever and whenever you want and validate the actual journey with your Androïd smartphone.

Plan a journey

Simple, pratical and economical: the metro, tram and bus lines open up the whole of Toulouse for you.

Tisséo takes you everywhere in Toulouse !

2 metro lines + 2 tram lines + 9 linéo bus lines + 1 aerial tramway and more than 100 bus lines + 14 park-and-ride facilities + 7 bike stations: tisséo is all this, and more.

The «Ville rose» has plenty of great sites to see and secrets to discover: cultural and architectural heritage, gastronomy, night-life, etc.

Simple, pratical and economical: the metro, tram, the aerial tramway and bus lines open up the whole of Toulouse for you.

My favourite travel companion: the Tisséo mobile app!

All Tisséo's services are available in a single app! You can buy and validate your tickets directly in the app (only available on Android). You can also plan your routes, find out the times of the next departures, consult the network map, and much more. Thanks to the app's many features, you will get to know the Tisséo network inside out!

Price made for you

Travelling alone or in a group travelling throughout the weekend or just for a day.

• 3 days: 13,50 €
• 1 day: 6,80 €
• "Tribu" group ticket: 8,90 €
• 10 journeys: 15,10 €
• 1 deplacement: 1,80 €
• 1 journey to the airport: 9 €

Faster and easier, contactless credit card payments are now available across the Tisséo network!

Tried and tested on the airport shuttle since summer 2022, validation with your contactless bank card (CB-Visa-Mastercard) is now available across the entire Tisséo network!

For occasional travel on metro, tram, bus, and Téléo, no need to buy a ticket or have a Pastel card anymore. Your contactless bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch becomes your transport ticket.

In one simple step, your trip is paid for and validated: it’s that simple!

Donjon du Capitole Square Charles de Gaulle à Toulouse

Culture, sport, heritage… Get around with Tisséo!

NOT TO BE MISSED

1 Basilique St-Sernin

Station Jeanne d'Arc

2 Couvent des Jacobins

Station Capitole

4 CATHÉDRALE ST-ÉTIENNE

Station François Verdier

SO MUCH CULTURE

5 Centre des congrès

Station Compans Caffarelli

6 Les abattoirs, musée-Frac Occitanie Toulouse

Station St Cyprien-République

7 Musée des Augustins

Station Esquirol

8 Musée de Toulouse / Quai des savoirs

Station Palais de Justice

9 Cité de l'espace

Stop Cité de l'Espace

Stop Collège JP Vernant

10 Aéroscopia

Station Beauzelle - Aéroscopia

Station Zénith

12 Halle de la Machine / L'Envol des pionniers

Stop Jardins de la Ligne

13 Meett : Parc des expositions, centre de convention

Station MEETT

SPORTING EVENTS

14 Stade Ernest Wallon

Shuttle bus from Barrière de Paris, on match days only.

Station St Michel-Marcel Langer

Stop Croix de Pierre

Shuttle bus from Arènes, on match days only.

Looking to cool off and take a dip?

Toulouse has seven municipal swimming pools open in the summer and one lake, and Tisséo will take you right there!

16 Bellevue

Stop Coteaux

Stop Ponts Jumeaux

Stop Stadium Est

20 Alex Jany

Station Argoulets

22 Toulouse Lautrec

Stop Toulouse-Lautrec

23 Lac de la Ramée

Stop La Ramée

Toulouse Plage (Urban Beach)

Every year, Port Viguerie and Prairie des Filtres on the banks of the Garonne River open up for the summer, with a Ferris wheel, a guinguette (riverside bar), electric boats, canoeing-kayaking and stand-up paddleboard rentals, and more.

with Tisséo !

Come and relax by the river and enjoy the many activities available!

Alex Jany MA – Bellevue Castex MB L4 L5 Chapou L1 Nakache MB L4 L5 Papus L4 Toulouse Lautrec Lac de la Ramée --> Visit the largest modern art gallery:

48 works, 27km of metro lines, 16km of tram lines.

Download the ARTéo app: discover Tisséo’s underground artistic heritage.

DID YOU KNOW? Tisséo and the Tourist Office organise guided tours: Art in the Metro. More information on: toulouse-tourisme.com

My metro from image to image

To help you get around more easily, the name of each metro station is supplemented with an identifying image.

Les lignes de métro, le tram, le téléphérique et bus Linéo sont 100% accessibles. Pensés pour tous, ces modes de transport permettent aussi aux personnes à mobilité réduite de se déplacer aisément.

" Have a good trip with Tisséo! "

6 Tips to Comfortably Visiting Toulouse, France

Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.

Travel long enough and you should realise that not all cities need to dazzle you with attractions. Sometimes all it takes is a vibe, especially in a foreign country. At least that’s how I felt after visiting Toulouse in the South of France. Even with two full days of sightseeing there, it’s not the Toulouse attractions that stick with me, but rather how it felt to be there. A bit like my hometown of Melbourne, it’s more about the culture and way of life than any specific landmark.

With all that in mind, it wouldn’t make sense now for me to rattle off all the things to do in Toulouse. Instead, I’m going to focus on aspects of Toulouse that I liked. Hopefully this guide with my Toulouse photos and reasons you should visit, will give you a better sense of what to expect from the city. That way, you’ll be fully prepared to make the most of your Toulouse travel experience.

Table of Contents

How to get to Toulouse and get around

Toulouse has one of the largest airports in France, making it easy to travel to Toulouse as your first stop in France or the country’s south. Even better, the airport is very accessible from the city centre. To get from Toulouse Airport to the city simply take the T2 tram to either Arenes or Palais de Justice. Both of these stops give you access to the Toulouse Metro with stations right through the city. 

Travellers also have great options when it comes to arriving by train and bus. You can easily use Flixbus to get to Toulouse from other major cities and destinations in the South of France. Intercity, regional and TGV trains all come into Gare de Toulouse Matabiau right next to the bus station, as well, simplifying matters.

As previously mentioned, Toulouse has trams and a metro network for getting around the city. I used both to get around without issue. Toulouse also has city buses, but I never found a need for them. Walking around is fine a lot of the time, especially if you’re sightseeing, but you may need some form of public transport if you stay out of the city centre as I did.

Where to stay in Toulouse

One constant when I travel to France is that I almost exclusively stay in Airbnbs with people hosting me in their spare rooms. This has proved to be the most affordable way to travel in France, while also getting to meet friendly locals.

A slight downside to staying with locals is you may end up a long way from the city centre, as I did. While I enjoyed experiencing a local neighbourhood, the commute to see the sights slowed me down.

I understand that this approach isn’t for everyone. The good news is that you’ll certainly find many of Toulouse’s hotels and hostels much closer to the city centre. My recommendation for where to stay in Toulouse is to look at accommodation in either Capitole, Saint Georges, Saint-Etienne, or Dupuy. As for actual places to stay, these places are highly rated:

• Le Grand Balcon Hotel
• Hotel Albert 1er
• Boutique Hotel SOCLO
• Villa du Taur

Recommendations for visiting Toulouse

Throughout my sightseeing in Toulouse, I noticed themes in the different activities I was doing. While sometimes they meant visiting a major Toulouse attraction, more often than not, it was about appreciating different sides of the city. Here are my tips for exploring Toulouse so that you don’t feel like you’re missing anything.

Wander the Historic Centre of Toulouse

Much like any city in France or Europe, the best place to start with Toulouse is its historical centre. There you’ll find many of the main places to visit in Toulouse and get a real sense of what the city is like. I know this isn’t unique to a Toulouse visit, but it’s worth mentioning all the same.

The borders of the historical centre are a bit vague, but the heart of its Old Town is the Capitole de Toulouse area. You’ll see much of this area if you walk from the Toulouse City Hall or Hotel de Ville right down to Le Pont Neuf bridge on the river.

But again, don’t look at this part of the city as just somewhere to pass through between landmarks. Rather than wondering what to do or what to see in Toulouse, instead just enjoy exploring its city centre. Appreciate where you are and I’m sure you’ll start to better appreciate the city’s atmosphere.

While there are some pretty great pedestrian streets lined with historic buildings, it gets even better when you get into all the city’s narrow alleys. This isn’t just true for Capitole de Toulouse, but also much of the city centre between the Garonne River and the city’s main boulevard.

Linger on the Beautiful Riverfront

As nice as walking through the historical centre is, it can’t compete with the simple beauty of Toulouse’s river. The Garonne River flows right through the city’s core, with high brick walls running by either side. These walls sit in the shade of leafy trees, creating quite a pretty view of the river for you to enjoy.

What makes this one of the best things to see in Toulouse is not only the river and buildings along the far bank but the bridges over the Garonne. The most iconic bridge in Toulouse is the Pont Neuf, a picturesque arch bridge finished in 1632.

One cool thing about the bridge is the ornately decorated openings between each arch are designed to look like the faces of lions. However, the Pont Saint Pierre is no slouch either, thanks to its more modern steel design which I have to say I appreciated.

You really can spend quite a while down by the Garonne River given how much there is to see. This is because there are plenty of significant buildings on both banks of the river.

Buildings like the Notre-Dame de la Daurade or the Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Grave create quite an imposing presence by the riverfront. There are even venues like Les Abattoirs and its collection of Modern and Contemporary art that you can pay a visit to.

Admire its Balconies and Architecture

Having just come from Sicily before arriving in Toulouse, it was hard not to notice how different the architecture was. Even compared to other places I’ve been in the South of France previously like Nimes , Toulouse stood out. And I’m not just talking about overly grand buildings like the Hôtel d’Assézat seen below.

No, two features of the city’s architecture distinguished it. One is something that Toulouse is so well-known for that it’s earned the city the nickname “La Ville Rose”. It translates to “The Pink City” and comes from the many historic buildings made from terracotta bricks .

You’ll see plenty of these buildings around town, especially around Carmes and St Etienne. But there’s a nice mix of building types around the city, and as they’re often different colours, it creates quite a colourful cityscape.

The other main feature is the city’s love affair with ornate balconies. All around the city centre, you’ll spy balconies done in elaborate wrought iron. It may be a common obsession across cities in France, but Toulouse is the one place where they just seemed everywhere. At least to me anyway.

Find its Distinctive Churches

We all know that it’s quite easy to tire of seeing churches when travelling in Europe. So when you come across ones that are even a little out of the ordinary, it feels like a win. Thankfully that’s the case with some of the main churches of Toulouse. Several of the most popular Toulouse sights are indeed churches and yet they couldn’t be more different.

The city’s most famous is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin because the Basilica is the the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe. It dates from the 12th century and was part of the no-longer-standing Abbey of Saint-Sernin. Other interesting features of it include the lone gate standing away from the building and its five-tiered bell tower.

Then there’s the Toulouse Cathedral , a usually lopsided Gothic building that’s made from two incomplete churches. Perhaps that explains why the main entrance is elaborate stonework, while the rest is simple brickwork. I also found the Notre-Dame du Taur kind of interesting, with its flat and skinny facade wedged in between normal houses.

Take a Break in its Gardens and Parks

If we’re talking about taking it easy in Toulouse then you have to spend some time relaxing in its many green spaces. The centre of Toulouse can feel a bit dense, so it’s nice to break up the sightseeing with wide-open spaces.

The best place for this kind of thing is the intersection of neighbourhoods at the Grand Rond . Not only is this huge roundabout home to quite a nice park and pavilion but it’s also surrounded by other parks and gardens. From Grand Rond it’s worth walking along the vibrant Esplanade Des Français D’Afrique Du Nord lined with trees.

That’s because the esplanade offers access to two lovely gardens, the Jardin Royal and Jardin des Plantes. This is the part of the city to go to if you’re after somewhere peaceful to have lunch. For me though, I just enjoyed having somewhere to sit and rest during my sightseeing.

Explore Different Neighbourhoods

With more time in Toulouse, it’s worth visiting different neighbourhoods around the city. You’ll probably find it a little hard to visit all of these with only one day in Toulouse, but this is more than a “one day city”. Sticking to central neighbourhoods like the Capitole and Carmes is all well and good, but they won’t give you a well-rounded idea of the city.

First up is the classy and elegant neighbourhood of Saint-Etienne , home to the Toulouse Cathedral. It’s directly adjacent to both the Capitole and Carmes but feels noticeably more upmarket in parts. It may even be my favourite part of the city, although the cafes and restaurants of Carmes are pretty inviting.

Then there are districts like Le Busca and Dupuy just past Saint-Etienne that feel like more local inner city suburbs. Very little of Toulouse feels touristy, but these areas aren’t. And that’s the point of exploring destinations like this; gaining a little insight into a place beyond the famous attractions you always hear about.

Have you visited or ever wanted to visit Toulouse? Do you mind visiting destinations that don’t have star attractions? Please share your thoughts in the comments below

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

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I really get the impression Toulouse is a great option/mixture of Paris and Strasbourg/Colmar! So pretty!

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• Job Descriptions
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Travel Manager Job Description

Travel managers direct, administer, and monitor the travel policies, guidelines, and budgets for businesses and travel agencies. When working for travel agencies, they will assist customers with travel plans and itineraries. When working for corporations, they will make business travel arrangements for executives and employees.

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Travel Manager Job Description Template

We are looking for a detail-oriented individual to join our team as a travel manager. The responsibilities of the travel manager include optimizing our travel operations, making travel arrangements over the phone or the internet, providing guidance on travel arrangements, and preparing budget reports.

To be a successful travel manager, you should have a strong working knowledge of travel management processes and excellent attention to detail. Ultimately, a top-notch travel manager is skilled at maintaining positive relationships with airlines and hotels and at providing a smooth travel experience.

Travel Manager Responsibilities:

• Maintaining positive relationships with vendors of direct travel, such as car rentals, hotels, and airlines.
• Negotiating preferred rates with vendors of direct travel.
• Planning travel accommodations, booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and coordinating activities.
• Managing and processing all travel-related documentation, including payments, itineraries, visas, medical, and legal forms.
• Assisting with any travel-related issues that may arise.
• Researching travel deals and evaluating prices and services.
• Arranging travel accommodations for business visitors.
• Creating, optimizing, and monitoring corporate travel policies.
• Preparing travel budget reports.
• Analyzing and preparing reports on travel spend.

Travel Manager Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in tourism, travel or hospitality is required for corporate travel managers.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in the travel industry.
• A minimum of 1 year supervisory experience may be preferred.
• Certification in travel or hospitality may be advantageous.
• Knowledge of travel management processes.
• The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with vendors of direct travel (existing relationships may be advantageous).
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Good communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• A basic understanding of Geography.
• Strong computer skills.

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Travel planner job description, travel agent job description, travel consultant job description, travel manager interview questions, travel planner interview questions, travel agent interview questions, travel consultant interview questions.

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The modern corporate travel manager guide

What is a travel manager, what does a travel manager do main tasks and responsibilities, corporate travel policy.

• Booking procedure and approved travel booking tool
• Allowable cost of booking (hotels, flights, ground transportation)
• Special exceptions or rules for more expensive cities or routes
• Preferred company vendors
• Approval process for trips that exceed typical limitations
• Reimbursement process
• Permitted and not permitted expenses
• Travel debriefing process
• Travel insurance carrier
• Duty of care vendor or procedures

The modern guide to writing a company travel policy

Overseeing travel plans and arrangements, managing expenses and the travel budget, analyzing data, embracing new technology, why is a travel manager important, related questions, how is using a travel manager different from not using one, how is a travel manager different from a travel agency, we caught up with natalie marcantonio, office manager at quadmark to hear her thoughts on corporate travel being an appealing area to work in:.

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