Hertz car hire in Toulouse

Blending history with innovation against the stunning backdrop of its rose-tinted rooftops, Toulouse, or ‘the pink city’ as it is known, is a wonderful destination. Situated at the heart of southern France, and the capital of the Occitanie region, the city is enhanced by the scenic Garonne river which flows through it.

Hire a car in Toulouse to ensure you capture all of its charms, quirks and attractions – and discover the wealth of enticing day trips on its doorstep. We have a number of convenient pick-up locations in the city, including at Toulouse Airport and the railway station, so you can make the most of your trip.

Whether you’re here for business or leisure, we have a wide collection of cars to peruse, from sporty models to comfortable family vehicles. Book online before you travel, and our professional team will aim to have you on the road as soon as possible.

Driving in and around Toulouse

Nestled in the heart of southern France, with easy access to the major motorways, Toulouse opens up a gateway to many of France’s most popular cities and attractions.

Travel north-east on the A68 to Albi in around an hour, or join the A62 north-west to Bordeaux. The Pyrenees mountains are just under two hours away via the A64 south, while the south-west coastline can be reached in a similar time along the A61.

Driving in Toulouse itself is relatively easy, with the A620 connecting most of the city to the west, and the A61 joining the east. There are also several bridges crossing the River Garonne at various points to link both sides.

Driving in France is on the right-hand side of the road and you should ensure you always carry your passport and driving licence with you. Speed limits vary, with the majority of motorways set at 130km/h or 110km/h in good conditions and unless otherwise signed, while it’s usually 90km/h on other major rural roads. In towns and city centres, the maximum is usually 50km/h, but you should always check signs for the route that you are on. Speed limits can vary according to the area and weather.

On-street parking is limited in the city centre (up to two hours) but there are car parks available for longer periods, including underground parking for overnight stays. There is free parking in marked areas of the centre on Sundays and bank holidays, and in the first two weeks of August. Blue Zone parking is free with a parking disc, but limitations do apply, including a maximum hour stay between 9am and 12pm.

A quick guide to Toulouse

La Ville Rose, or the Pink City, refers to the rose-hued buildings which engulf Toulouse in a soft glow as the sun sets each evening. A truly wonderful sight to stroll through, Toulouse is also host to a wide array of attractions – from regal historical buildings to innovative space centres.

Head to the historic core

The city of Toulouse is more than 2,000 years old, and has a historic heritage dating back to the Roman era. With influences across the centuries, wander its charming streets to discover an array of different styles and periods, all of which have made Toulouse what it is today.

A prime example of this is the Hôtel d'Assézat. Once a 16^th-century Renaissance mansion, it now houses a vast collection of furnishings, paintings and sculptures. Step inside the 13 rooms to see works of art in their natural, period settings – from Impressionism to the Les Nabis movement.

Another stunning piece of history comes in the shape of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a huge Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century. Dominated by the striking octagonal bell tower which rises above the structure and looms iconically over the city, this building captures the rose-tinted ambience of Toulouse perfectly.

Enjoy a foodie haven

Toulouse is well-known for its exquisite yet classic French cuisine, with authentic dishes to savour. The city’s most famous speciality is perhaps the Cassoulet, a rich stew featuring beans, sausages and duck, which dates back to the medieval period.

Wander down any Toulouse street and you’ll soon come across a restaurant offering traditional southern French food, but head to the Carmes neighbourhood for your pick of the bunch. This area is regarded as Toulouse’s dining district, and features everything from traditional French and Spanish infusions to Japanese influences.

Another key location where you can experience the best of French food is the Victor Hugo Market. Featuring more than a hundred stalls of fresh, local produce – with restaurants above making waves with each ingredient – an explosion of colour and flavour can be found here. Sample regional cheeses, enjoy delicious pastries and marvel at the amazing array of freshly caught seafood.

Explore time and space

A city that still holds pride over its heritage, Toulouse also places a great focus on its innovation and development.

To find out more, and leap into the future, visit its space musuem, Cité de l'espace, about a twenty-minute drive from the city centre. Fun for the whole family, you can discover the wonders of the universe through a series of interactive exhibits and activities. Experience space at your fingertips inside the planetarium, admire real treasures such as rockets and capsules, and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.

Another museum leading the way in forward thinking is the Muséum de Toulouse, a National History institution. Combining science and culture, walk through each exhibit to discover the unique relationship between people, nature and environment. There’s also an array of temporary events on show here, from workshops and conferences to films and exhibitions, which aim to explore society and history.

From tantalising your taste buds to venturing into an ancient past, explore all that southern France has to offer with car hire in Toulouse.