Toulouse, known as the “Pink City,” offers an array of experiences ranging from futuristic attractions and impressive aviation museums to delightful local cuisine.
As I step into the narrow cabin of an aircraft, memories from 35 years ago come rushing back when I first traveled from the UK to Toulouse for a circular tour of the Lot Valley. My first flight into this enchanting city was aboard the Concorde, an iconic aircraft developed here in the heart of France’s aviation industry.
While standing in the aisle of a Concorde prototype at the Aeroscopia museum, nostalgic memories surface. In 1989, I took a memorable day trip to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved airliner. I enjoyed a flight to Toulouse on an Air France Concorde, a delightful lunch at a chateau, and returned home on a British Airways Concorde. This trip has remained a cherished memory ever since.
Innovative and Delicious Toulouse
I have returned to the Pink City, the capital of the Occitanie region, to explore its historical architecture, museums, and vibrant lifestyle. However, this time, I am diving into its aviation heritage. I plan to spend a weekend discovering family-friendly flying attractions and indulging in the local culinary scene.
My home base is the comfortable Citiz Hotel (citizhotel.com), conveniently located for exploring the city via public transport or on foot. It’s just a ten-minute walk to the main train station and even closer to the historic center, with the Massena Metro station and key bus and tram lines just around the corner.
Aeroscopia
My first destination is Aeroscopia located in Blagnac, near Toulouse’s international airport. Open 361 days a year, this remarkable museum showcases a diverse range of iconic civil and military aircraft, from the beginnings of powered flight to modern times. Here you will find famous planes like the Concorde, Caravelle, Airbus, as well as military aircraft including the Falcon and Mirage, not to mention the historic Blériot XI. It becomes clear that you don’t need to have a particular interest in aviation to appreciate this collection and the fascinating human stories behind it.
It’s humbling to gaze at the replica of Louis Blériot’s tiny wooden airplane suspended over the vast hangar, then shift my gaze to the majestic Concorde, which took to the skies just 60 years later. Blériot was the first to fly across the English Channel from Calais in 1909, inspiring the imaginations of aspiring aviators whose early flying machines were crafted around Paris. However, as World War I loomed, the French government relocated the aviation industry far from the advancing front, leading Toulouse to become a hub of aerial innovation and excellence.
After immersing myself in aviation history for the afternoon, I shift gears with dinner at Les Halles de la Cartoucherie (halles-cartoucherie.fr), which just opened in September 2023 as part of a new eco-district in the city. Easily accessible by tram or bus from the city center, the Cartoucherie neighborhood is only 15 minutes from Place du Capitole and features accommodations, entertainment venues, offices, and leisure facilities, all situated in a repurposed 19th century arsenal.
Previously used for producing gun cartridges and, more recently, electronic accessories, Les Halles has been creatively transformed into a vibrant space combining market stalls and international street food vendors with sports amenities, meeting rooms, and cultural events. You can easily reach it by hopping on the T1 Tram or the L2 bus from the city center. On a Saturday evening, the spacious venue is filled with families and friends enjoying a diverse selection of cuisines at communal tables.
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, consider Eklo (eklohotels.com) located just across the plaza, which embodies a new French concept of eco-friendly and affordable hotels, blending the style of a design hotel with the spirit of a youth hostel, all while adhering to strict sustainability standards.
The next morning, I discover another facet of Toulouse’s rich culinary landscape on a guided tour of Victor Hugo Market, led by American resident Jessica Hammer, founder of Taste of Toulouse (tasteoftoulouse.com). Although I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about French cuisine, I still pick up new insights as Jessica takes our small group on a delightful exploration from one welcoming stall to another, culminating in an indoor picnic featuring carefully curated cheeses and charcuterie, complemented by a glass or two of local wine. It’s a fantastic experience.
Cité de l’Espace
Next, I head to the eastern side of the city to visit Cité de l’Espace, a family-friendly attraction that features spacecraft alongside interactive exhibits, timed shows, a planetarium, and an IMAX® 3D theater, all nestled within a beautifully landscaped park. To truly appreciate all that Cité de l’Espace has to offer, I recommend arriving early and planning your itinerary around the scheduled events.
Inside the exhibition hall, I find the section dedicated to how space impacts our everyday lives particularly fascinating, showcasing satellites that transmit weather data and support telecommunications, TV broadcasts, and GPS technologies. Among numerous hands-on activities, I can’t resist attempting to navigate a virtual moon buggy toward a lunar module, albeit rather clumsily!
Stepping back outside, I stroll among the rockets and moon buggies, experiencing a taste of life inside a space station module. It’s snug but not uncomfortable, especially considering the selection of vacuum-sealed meals on display, which includes my favorite Confit de Canard prepared by the Souillac Hotel School in Lot!
If you have some time to spare, consider visiting nearby Montaudran, where L’Envol des Pionniers – Flight of the Pioneers – commemorates the early days of the French airmail service in the former workshops adjacent to the historic runway. Here, you can learn about the legendary pilots of Aéropostale, such as Saint-Exupéry, Mermoz, and Guillaumet, who traversed deserts, mountains, and oceans to deliver mail. And you might even catch a glimpse of the resident Minotaur nearby!
On my second evening, I treat myself to another round of Toulouse’s exciting dining scene. I wander through the expansive Capitole Square and soak in the lively atmosphere of this popular gathering spot while enjoying an al fresco apéro under the arcades. Next, I make my way to Molette (molette-restaurant.fr), a cozy restaurant just a block back from the banks of the Garonne for my dinner reservation.
The establishment, named Molette—an informal term for “good friend”—serves hearty, homemade dishes crafted from seasonal local ingredients, designed to satisfy even the most voracious appetite, reflected in their bear logo. I arrive right when they open and within minutes every table fills up. Soon, I discover why: their signature dish, Mountain Pork with Thyme, is mouthwatering, compelling me to eat every last bite, followed by an indulgent giant profiterole drizzled with caramel sauce. I then head out into the warm evening air, strolling among the locals along the quayside as nightfall descends over this captivating city.
The following morning, I have a few hours to spare before my flight home, and I seize the opportunity to visit one of the city’s most historic buildings before it closes for major renovations. Scheduled to reopen in Autumn 2025, Le Musée des Augustins is home to an exceptional art collection displayed within a stunning 14th century monastery. Be sure not to miss it if you’re traveling to Toulouse next year.
Later, at the airport, I grab a sandwich for lunch to enjoy mid-flight. I can’t help but wish I were having Confit de Canard instead—but preferably not in a space capsule. Give me that silver service aboard the Concorde any day!
By Gillian Thornton, one of the UK’s leading travel writers, and a regular contributor to The Good Life France Magazine and website.
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