Getting out and about in Toulouse: Week 3

The week 3 of living in Toulouse came around very quickly. Before you even know it, you've been living in a country for three weeks, you get used to the daily commute to uni, and your French has even improved?

I found myself it normal to grab the French daily in the morning on my way to uni, and grabbing a baguette on the way home from uni to have for lunch. To add to the fun, I received my first visitor! Both mine and my good friend from uni's friend came from Seville to spend a few days with us, and there's something exciting about having to be a tour guide to someone and showing them your new home as if it's always been that way.

The interesting thing about acting as a host is that you always want to show the best of where you live and so I compiled a little list of the best places to show your friends and family when they come to Toulouse:

Top sightseeing locations

Musée des Augustins: fine art, sculptures and paintings.

Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine: the history of medical objects.

Musée du Compagnonnage: museum dedicated to the learning of trade and craft, travelling and handing down of skills and knowledge.

Musée d'Histoire Naturelle: natural history museum with a botanical garden and a plant garden.

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Musée des Transports et des Communications: all about Toulouse's transport and communications history.

Musée Saint-Raymond: museum dedicated to antique busts and sculptures.

Musée Départemental de la Résistance et de la Déportation: museum dedicated to everything around the time of the French resistance to the Nazis in and around Toulouse during World War Two.

Chateau d'Eau: previously a water tower, now a museum to photography exhibitions.

Les Abattoirs: modern and contemporary art museum.

Musée Postal des Anciens Ambulants de Toulouse: a museum dedicated to the former railway mail of Toulouse.

Musée Paul-Dupuy: textiles, ceramics, sculptures and furniture all feature at this art museum.

Musée du Vieux Toulouse: antique mosaics, paintings and costumes.

Musée Georges Labit: Oriental French art and collections from India, Cambodia, China and Tibet.

Le Quai des Savoirs: scientific, technical and industrial culture.

Fondation Bemberg: paintings, bronzes and art galore.

Espace muséographique Georges Baccrabère de l'Institut Catholique: the museographical space belonging to the Catholic Institute which boasts paintings, sculptures and more from Toulouse's history.

Churches

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Couvent des Jacobins

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

Chapelle des Carmélites

Église Saint-Jérome

Église Saint-Aubin

Église Saint-Pierre des Chartreux

Église Notre-Dame du Taur

Église Saint-Nicolas

Église Notre-Dame de la Dalbade

In the summer

Festival Toulouse d'Été: from July to August, there are musical events across Toulouse featuring all sorts of events which celebrate every music genre you could think of from across the world.

Rio Loco: Toulouse's June-time festival is also dedicated to world music (seems the city is a fan of celebrating music genres all the time?).

Tangopostale: in July, Toulouse celebrates all things tango-esque by bringing this international tango festival to its base.

Place du Capitole: head on over to the main square and watch the world go by, or visit the historical rooms of the Capitole building.

Markets: there are loads of markets in Toulouse, so if you want to purchase edible treats, local produce or handmade goods, you should head on over.

Place Saint-Pierre: Toulouse's riverbank is the perfect place for hanging out with friends and watching the sun set (maybe avoid around the night time though). It's 5 mins from the main square and if you love seeing the city by night, this is the perfect place to hit up.

Canal de Midi, Canal Lateral and Canal de Brienne: if anything, Toulouse's canals make it the wondrous place it is. If you're into jogging or cycling, make sure to head along the canals.

Jardin du Grand Rond: Toulouse is full of gardens and this one is flower-filled and delightful for summer days and picnics.

Jardins Japonais and Comapns-Caffarelli: if you head to this beautiful park area or garden, you'll come across a gorgeous, hidden-away Japanese garden.

Le Prairie des Filtres: overlooking the Garonne, Le Prairie des Filtres is beautiful.

Cité de l'Espace: this is the place I'd recommend taking any space-loving friends. It's a theme park dedicated to all things out of this world and space-like.

Observatoire de Jolimont: following on with the space themes, stargazers will love this observatory. Even better, it's free!

Le Zénith: concert lovers and gig fans, head on over to Le Zénith to see global, national and local musical talent.

Pont Neuf and Quai de la Daurade: this bridge is lovely for strolls and close to the Métro stop Esquirol.

In the winter

Marchés de Noël (the Christmas markets).

La Fête des Violettes: the flower symbolic of Toulouse is given its own festival which takes place in February.

Toulouse les Orgues: this international organ festival is often in October and is a great shout for classical music fans.

Piano aux Jacobins: this international piano festival takes place in September.

Cinemas: Toulouse has two huge cinemas which feature French and English films alike. Tickets are under 10 euros, and there's popcorn, chocolates, ice cream, a ginormous pick-and-mix tower and plenty of other snacks to keep you happy.

Galaries Lafayette: shopaholics, your wish has been granted. If you're a lover of all things luxury, head to this department store. Like sightseeing instead? Head to the rooftop and admire the beautiful view.

Aeroscopia: aviation lovers, this is the place for you. If you hop on the T1 tram to Aéroconstellation, you'll find this beautiful place, and tickets are around 10-15 euros for students or adults. It's a good shout for a day out with friends and family.

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Ice Skating: there's an ice-skating rink in town, and tickets aren't expensive.

Escape Rooms and adventures: head on over to AdventureRooms or Enigma Escape (they're quite expensive at over 15-25 euros for tickets) but they're good fun for big groups of friends.

Events

Les Siestes Électroniques: if you like electronic music, Toulouse hosts this festival across concerts, club nights, workshops and exhibitions, and features a whole host of musicians, from emerging talent to up-and-coming artists.

Over March and April, the Festival Flamenco of Toulouse hits the town and there's shows, classes, exhibitions and film shows all dedicated to flamenco dance, its culture and history.

For Art Lovers

There are so many galleries in Toulouse, and they're always good fun.

Here's a lowdown on all of them:

Galerie Alain Daudet: contemporary art.

Galerie de l'Echarpe or Concept Galerie: local artists.

Galerie EXPRMNTL: contemporary art.

Centre de l'Affice: graphic art.

Galerie Next: pop-art and urban art.

Onwards from this - this week was the week I really got to know and love Toulouse. It may have its flaws (there's a lot of sexual harassment issues in Toulouse, and I think there's quite a lot of crime, too) but it's a fantastic place to both visit and live in. There's always something new to do, somewhere to see, and events galore. If that wasn't enough, you can head out of town and hit up the neighbouring areas (I'll mention those in Week 4).

I made sure to take my friend from Seville around the town and introduce her to all things French. Nights out became even more on the agenda, given that the rugby came to town, and everyone was always up to go and watch the matches, and then carry on the nights.

If possible, get your loved ones to come and check out where you live! It also helps you build memories of your adopted home, and makes you feel like you've truly settled in!

Week 4

More visitors, getting to know Toulouse cuisine (the best part of living in France), more clubbing and bar excursions, and getting to know the shady side of Toulouse... read on!

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