Experience in Toulouse, France by Justine

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

It's a city where the accent is cute (it looks like we sing apparently... ), people is smiling thanks to a lot of sunny days!

A rich architectural history with a big love for good meals and wines. The small sister of Barcelona (4h by car - closer than Paris! ).

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What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

Studies, parties, visits... as everywhere! haha

How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

It depends on what are your habits...

But if you want to share flats, the rate changes from 250 to 500€. Less expansive than cities as Paris or London...

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

It is not so difficult if you are student thanks to all the associations or services located in the Universities. Otherwise, you can visit these websites:

• Appartager (equivalent easyroommate).
• Recherche Colocation.
• Leboncoin (you can even find all the good deals in several field on this website.. ).

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

Toulouse offers you all the south west specialties from wine to old recipes as "lentilles au petit salé" typical from the city.

The region is very rich in the tasting field: Foie gras du Gers, Cassoulet de Castelnaudary, Aligot Aveyronnais... Whether you're a meat, a cheese or vegetable addict, you should be well satisfied!

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What places would you recommend visiting in Toulouse?

There are a lot of places as the Museums (St Augustin, des Abattoirs... ), la Place du Capitole, Wilson, Quai de la Daurade...

But you also have very nice spot outside at less than 60km as St Ferreol Lake, the Black Mountain, Albi... The Pyrenees and the mediterrean sea are very closed (2h max by car). Going to the Atlantic (Côte Basque) is not so difficult too (3h by car).

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

Yes but as all the places in this world you also have very bad places (tourists tracking).. The restaurants change a lot in Toulouse that's why it is difficult to talk about one restaurant.

Currently some places as La Taverne (specialties from the North East of France), Gran'Pizzeria, Pizzetta di Roma, l'Atelier du Burger... are nice spots not so expensive.

Is the nightlife good in Toulouse? Where is good to go?

Yes because this city is the 2nd Student place in France.

You will see a lot of student parties thanks to your University and associations as Erasmus...

Some typical student Bars:

• Le bar Basque
• Chez Tonton
• Le Saint des Seins

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FYI, Toulouse is a great city but unfortunately as all the places now in France and maybe in some other countries, I won't recommend you to go out alone downtown after 3:00am (even if you're a man... unfortunately it is not so safe: I lived 5 years in Montreal in Canada and never had to face to this situation). About French students... hummm about French people in general... haha you are a foreigner so you can use your "exotic charm" to seduce them (I mean friendly.. ). Otherwise wait a little during a party, after some drinks they will be able to talk without any complex! You can find both very very friendly nice people and the contrary or all the French stereotypes... If you're not sure, try to talk to some French who have already travelled.. They should be more open-minded!

What advice would you give future students heading to Toulouse?

Enjoy the south west experience not only Toulouse! There are so many things to do! Go to the Erasmus parties, find local roommates, try to participate a little in some student events, and I'm sure you'll meet wonderful people and you'll come back home with a lot of good pictures!