Toulouse

As the world capital of aeronautics and the birthplace of the renowned Airbus, Toulouse is a hub for aviation enthusiasts. For a really exceptional visit, head to the Lagardère site, 10 km from Toulouse, and learn everything there is to know about how a plane is built, how a plane functions, and how it is tested. Several tours are organised on different themes: discovery experience, panoramic visit, and green tour.

The Basilica of Saint Sernin, Europe's largest Romanesque church, is home to the tomb of Saint Sernin, a bishop and martyr who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Toulouse. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent basilica is a must-visit destination that boasts impressive ceilings and marble decorations that serve as a testament to its illustrious history, including its significant role as a pilgrimage site.

Comprised of a church, a convent, and a cloister, the Convent of the Jacobins houses the remains of its patron, St Thomas Aquinas. Its stunning walls and ceiling provide a beautiful backdrop for concerts and exhibitions that are regularly hosted in the building. If you only have time to visit one church in the city, this should be it.

Follow the stars and discover the mysteries of the universe in this fascinating scientific discovery centre located on the outskirts of Toulouse. Top sights and activities include the Astreala planetarium, real spaceships, the weather forecast planner you can partake in and the space training for adults and children.

The Museum of Toulouse is an interdisciplinary institution that bridges the fields of science, culture, education, and social issues. Serving as a means for exchanging and questioning knowledge, the museum offers a platform for informed discussions and information-sharing that delves into the relationship between humans, nature, and the environment.

Nestled in the heart of Compans-Caffarelli park, the Jardin Japonais is a charming Japanese garden that features a tranquil pond crossed by a picturesque red bridge and a tea pavilion that overlooks the serene landscape.

This public garden has abandoned its medicinal functions to become a popular family outing in Toulouse. It offers a breath of fresh air in the centre of the city and a large range of sights and activities such as playgrounds, ponds with swans and ducks, a small coffee place, pony rides, and beautiful bridges.

Animaparc offers a large range of activities such as trampolines, water activities, and amusement rides in a 14-ha park. It is an attraction for all ages but especially great for young children who will be able to discover over 150 animals and even dinosaur reproductions.

Whether you decide to take a walk on the river banks or to book a cruise, which you can combine with lunch on board, the Garonne offers plenty of sights for a delightful afternoon or early evening. One company that offers cruising activities in the city is Les Bateaux Toulousains and they have three boats located at Port de la Daurade, Port de l'Embouchure and Port Saint-Sauveur.

The Château d'Eau, a 19th-century brick water tower located on the banks of the Garonne river was once used to supply 90 fountains. It has been repurposed as a photography gallery hosting exhibitions and a library selling books on photography.

The Grotte du Mas d'Azil is a significant prehistoric site, renowned globally for its importance during the Magdalenian and Azilian periods. The cave boasts impressive illumination that showcases its natural beauty, and with the help of virtual techniques, visitors can explore the inaccessible decorated galleries. The tour also includes an educational experience that covers the geological formation of the cave, the lives of prehistoric humans, the work of the first diggers, the challenging construction of the road, and many other exciting surprises.