Overview
Toulouse, the ‘Pink City' (thus named because of the colour of the brick many of its buildings are made of), is a city at the crossroad between tradition and modernity. The best time (months) of the year to visit Toulouse are February, August and October.
Statistics
Location: Departement of Haute Garonne, Midi-Pyrénées region, southwest France.
International Dialing code: 33
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Average temperatures (January): 5°C (41°F)
Average temperatures (July): 22°C (71°F)
Official Language: French
Currency
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Toulouse, France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
1.00 GBP = 1.13 EUR
1.00 USD = 0.69 EUR
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Emergency Contacts
Police: 17 - free call
Fire service : 18 – free call
Ambulance : 15 – free call
Attractions

Capitole de Toulouse

Banks of the Garonne

Bazacle

Jardin des Plantes

Pont Neuf (16th century)

Canal du Midi

Gare de Toulouse Matabiau

Musée Georges Labit

Saint-Sernin Basilica
Nightlife
Toulouse has a splendid nightlife and this is because the weather, there are natural landscapes and also important venues where take place beautiful concerts, theatre and dance performances, many art centres as the museums, cinemas, parks and also clubs, bars and cafés.
Shopping
The main shopping street in Toulouse is rue Saint Rome. You can find chic boutiques and exclusive labels on rue de la Pomme, while more alternative fashion is on offer on the rue du Taur. Place Occitane also has over 50 boutiques.
Hotels
Hotel prices generally include VAT and a room tax (taxe de séjour) of between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night.
The hotels in Toulouse have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
Category 4 – Over €200
Category 3 – From €120 to €200
Category 2 –From €70 to €120
Category 1 – Up to €70
These prices are for a double room per night and include all taxes but not breakfast, unless otherwise stated.
Restaurants
The restaurants in Toulouse have been divided into four categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, and Budget. Most restaurants include tax and a 12-15% service charge in their prices. If service is good, guests will often leave an extra €2 tip or the small change from their bill, if they pay in cash. If service is not included, it is customary to leave a 12-15% tip.
The restaurants in Toulouse have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
Category 4 – Over €60
Category 3 – From €40 to €60
Category 2 – From €20 to €40
Category 1 – Under €20
These prices are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include tax and service charge.