Experience in Toulouse, France by Eric

What is it like to live in Toulouse? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Toulouse is a beautiful city with a "human size": fourth city of France, big enough to have everything and small enough so you don't feel anonymous. Weather is very mild throughout the year. The city dates back to roman times but doesn't live in the past, as it is becoming a major powerhouse for aeronautics, aerospace, and medical research and industry. Public transport is very convenient : everything is at 15-20 min metro at the most.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

The city bursts with cultural activities, and many bars and restaurants open until late, as Toulouse lives on Spanish time... One quarter of the population are students, so as long as you have a student card, you can do many things at a very cheap price, whether it is culture (opera, cinema, theatre) within the city or outside the city (skiing, winter sports, nautical sports etc. ): both beach and mountain are within one hour and a half driving (or train) distance!

How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

Not as much as Paris, but is might be a bit steep if you live in the centre.

If you're a student, a meal at the university cafeteria will cost only about 3 Euros. There are plenty of cheap dining out options available in town, and quite cosmopolitan ones: you can get easily Halal Food, especially in the district around the train station. Asian cuisine is everywhere, and of course Spanish and latino restaurants are a must.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Toulouse? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not difficult but, as said before, city centre is quite expensive.

Might be a good move though to rent an apartment within a broader radius as long as you are connected with the metro line. There are only 2 metro lines and, if you choose to rent at the terminus of one them, you're barely 15 minutes metro from the city centre! A university residence studio costs between 250 and 350 Euros a month, depending on the condition. Renting an apartment will be a bit more expensive, but as a student you can request "APL" (government subsidy to help you pay your accommodation): it will decrease significantly your rental cost.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Traditional "Toulousan" food relates to "Southwestern cuisine". Main cultural marker: duck meat, in all its forms : foie gras, gizzard and liver salad, grilled "magrets" (duck juicy fillets), sausages etc... It is a generous, robust, home-cooked style kind of cuisine; the cassoulet (bean stew) might be the epitome of it.

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Other than that, you have all the other options cited above.

What places would you recommend visiting in Toulouse?

Saint Sernin Church (largest in France, as a church). Have a drink at the terrace of one of the arcades' bar of Capitole Square (the main square of Toulouse where the city hall is located). Have a walk on the banks of the river Garonne (beautiful bridges and the occasional music band). Take a cruise on the "Canal du Midi" (man made channel that connects the Mediterranean and the Atlantic): beautiful scenery.

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Is it good to eat out in Toulouse? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is. Try the local gastronomy!

Brasserie de l'Opera (Place du Capitole) - A must: a bit on the upscale side, but very good value for money, and excellent service.

Café-restaurant Le Parisien (boulevard de Strasbourg): Beautiful classic cuisine and Basque recipes, and very affordable.

La Compagnie Française : don't let its name mislead you: the best Italian restaurant in town... with out-of-this world pasta recipes.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Toulouse?

Make the most of it! You'll get cheap access to many sport and cultural activities that you might not be able to afford once you step into working life: go skiing and mountain trekking and canyoning in the Pyrénées; go scuba-diving and water skiing on the Atlantic or Mediterranean costs!..

Word of advice: secure your accommodation before going to Toulouse. Toulouse is the only city in France whose population grows at more than 2% every year (including peri urban area). So there is plenty of accommodation options but they all become scarce in September (especially the fully furbished ones). Book early July for a stay starting end August or early September.