Toulouse is easy to fall in love with; it has the calm River Garonne and rosy-toned brick buildings, that glow pink during sunsets on a summer’s day. Hence, it is fondly called, La Ville Rose. The city is located in southern France, not far from Spain. It has balmy weather almost throughout the year, providing an inviting ambience. Due to this, Toulouse is frequently visited, even by the French, as a holiday destination.
There are many attractions to visit in Toulouse, like museums, town squares, and even the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin. Spending time here will gradually draw out your emotions, allowing you to stay longer. Savour the moment, get a taste of French cuisine, and admire the Southern, Gothic-style architecture.
Best Time to Visit: The spring and summer are the best times to visit Toulouse. This time is ideal for two reasons: the weather and the opportunity to see the city turn pink.
By Air: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, located approximately 7 km northwest of the city, is the main international airport. It is serviced by major airlines, making Toulouse an easy city to connect to from every part of the country. You can find shuttle buses and a tram line that will take you from the airport to the city centre in 30 minutes. Together with Turkish Airlines, we at IndiGo can connect you from India to Toulouse with multiple flights to Toulouse options as well as to several other European cities from Istanbul.
By Train: Toulouse Matabiau is a major station, that is connected to the Toulouse metro. Direct trains run to every major part of the country. Since the station is located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible via different modes of transport: taxi, metro, bus, and tram. There are TGV trains, or Train à grande Vitesse, that run from Paris to Toulouse, which take just over four hours.
By Road: The Central Bus Station, Pierre Sémard, is a major terminal for buses that run to and from Toulouse. You can find domestic and international buses, both day and overnight ones, with good service connecting to countries like Germany and Spain.
Toulouse has convenient modes of transport, with buses, trams, and metros to take you across the city. Tisséo is the main organisation that manages public transport in the city. The city has two metro lines that meet at Jean Jaurès station. The tram network has two lines, which start from the Palais de Justice; they also connect the airport. Toulouse has good bus connectivity, with stops in every neighbourhood, and at tram and metro stations. One of the major transport facilities is Transport on Demand (TAD). Like private taxi services, TAD provides four on-demand lines, which can be booked with a telephone call at least two hours before departure.
When it comes to travelling to Toulouse, and if you have an Indian passport, you need a France visa. France is a member of the European Union, and part of the Schengen Area, so you will be require a Schengen visa. This visa allows the visitor to enter the country for a short-stay period of 90 days. Remember to keep your travel documents updated and ready before the date of departure.