Car Rental Toulouse

If you’re collecting your rental car at Toulouse Airport, it’s just a five-mile drive into the city via the A621 and A624. To reach the east side of the city, on the other side of the Garonne River, continue along the A621, which takes you close to the cathedral and other attractions.

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region, and so enjoys excellent road connections to many other destinations. Head just 50 miles west of the city along the N124 and you’ll find the town of Auch, home to an impressive cathedral and a medieval old town. A similar distance from Toulouse to the east lies Castres, a colorful town on the banks of the River Agout.

There are major highways – called autoroutes – that link Toulouse with the French capital Paris, 420 miles north along the A20, and Marseille, 250 miles east via the A61 and A9. The city of Bordeaux, center of the eponymous wine-producing region, is 150 miles from Toulouse along the A62.

From Toulouse, it’s an easy drive to the south-west coast of France. The stylish city of Montpellier is just 150 miles along the A61 and A9, and from here you can reach coastal resorts such as La Grande-Motte and Palavas-les-Flots.

If you’re driving in the center of Toulouse, you’ll find plenty of parking in the city center, including a 24-hour lot by the main train station. The roads are less crowded than cities such as Paris, but if you’re traveling during the rush hour you should still allow plenty of time for your journey. Remember that in France you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the speed limit in most built-up areas is 50km/h (30mph).

The warm climate and friendly atmosphere make Toulouse a popular destination in south-west France. The border with Spain is not far away, and the city itself is home to some fascinating historic architecture, as well as a major space center and theme park. Renting a car also gives you the freedom to explore other great destinations in this part of France.

Heart of the city

A great place to begin your journey in Toulouse is the Saint-Sernin Basilica, not far from the riverbank. Built in the 11^th and 12^th centuries, it’s remarkably well preserved and one of the finest examples of a Romanesque church in Europe.

Built in the typical rose-colored bricks of Toulouse, the octagonal bell tower forms an iconic part of the city skyline. Entry is free, but it’s possible to pay to visit the ambulatory and crypt, where an array of precious relics are housed.

Not far from the basilica you’ll find one of the other most popular attractions in the city, the Place du Capitole. This lively square hosts events throughout the year, from farmers’ markets to art exhibitions, but if you look around you’ll see it also showcases some of Toulouse’s best architecture.

At one end of the square you’ll find the 18^th-century Capitole building, now the town hall, easily recognizable by its columns of pink marble. In and around the square there are also a host of stylish stores as well as cafes where you can stop for a coffee or a spot of lunch. 

Scientific wonders

Toulouse is home to several fascinating museums and galleries, not least the Museum de Toulouse. This huge venue houses many exhibitions on the wonders of the natural world, from animal displays to science and space.

Just a short drive outside the city you’ll also find Cité de l'espace, a theme park all about space, where you can find interactive exhibits and an IMAX cinema, as well as a planetarium. There’s also the chance to step inside a replica of the Mir Space Station and see a life-sized model of the Ariane 5 rocket. This is a hugely popular attraction, and it’s a good idea to reserve tickets online before you go.

Coast and countryside

With a rental car in Toulouse you’ll have the chance to explore the towns and countryside of south-west France. Fewer than 60 miles outside the city, you’ll find Carcassonne, a historic hilltop town surrounded by medieval walls and turrets.

The old town, known as the Cité Médiévale, is a hugely popular tourist attraction where you can walk along the ramparts and admire the architecture of this ancient castle. Or head to the lower town, known as Ville Basse, to experience the more modern and cosmopolitan side of the city, home to many stores, cafes and restaurants.

Once you’ve explored Carcassonne, it’s just a short drive to the beaches of the Mediterranean coast.

These picturesque coastal towns and fascinating attractions are all easily accessible when you rent a car in Toulouse.