Toulouse is a superb place to discover from inside your car. As well as being extremely well-connected to the surrounding areas and the rest of France, the centre itself is charming, with winding streets affording a surprise around every corner.

Before you arrive, it’s worth brushing up on a French local traffic rules. The main difference, as in most of mainland Europe, is that you’ll be driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Speed limits vary from 50kph in built-up areas to 130kph on motorways. Seat belts must be worn by all. You can see more details on driving in France online.

From the airport, the city lies to the south-east, around 6 miles away on the A621. Reminiscent of Paris, but easier to navigate, the city has a form of Peripherique, consisting of the A620, A62 and A61. It runs for 21 miles and is a great way to avoid the busy traffic in the centre of the city, especially during rush hour.

Toulouse sits in the far south-west of France, not too far from the Pyrenees and the border with Spain. In winter, it’s a good idea to heed weather warnings before heading into the mountains, as some of the smaller roads can have issues with snow. Time it right, however, and you’re guaranteed dramatic vistas.

To the north-west along the A62 you’ll find Bergerac and beyond that the coast. The A20 takes you north, past the beautiful Cahors with its Cathedral to Limoges, famed for its porcelain. 

Much of Toulouse’s appeal lies in the way it strikes a fine balance between the new and old. There’s a really successful science and aerospace industry here, an old and renowned University, but also that tell-tale terracotta, the lovely old town and a tasty food scene that is modernising the French classics. Fine art, fine museums and fine food? What could be better?

Pilgrim’s Choice

Like much of Midi-Pyrenees and the Languedoc, Toulouse is stuffed with religious buildings and fascinating medieval history. The Basilique Saint Sernin in the Old Quarter is the pick of the bunch and showcases Toulouse's religious treasures. This Romanesque church dates back as early as 1080, although the number of later additions and restorations means it doesn’t really have a unified aesthetic. It’s still stunning though, and a 20^th century cleaning project has restored it to peak condition. It’s brick tower, 15^th century stone spire, tomb of St. Sernin and statues are well worth the visit.

The region is popular with historians and religious pilgrims, with Lourdes lying to the south of the city. Those of a similar bent – or perhaps those just interested in architecture, should also visit the Couvent des Jacobins, a Dominican church that’s over 800-year-old and which contains a sense of grace and stillness punctuated by dramatic 14^th century frescoes.

The centre of attention

The Place du Capitole is the city’s centre point and very much its hub. Tourists may come here in their thousands, but so do the Toulousiens, for whom it’s the beating heart of their town. The 18^th century City Hall commands one side of the square, while the rest is dotted with graceful cafes perfect for idling at.

Come on the right day and you might find an exhibition or a farmer’s market. It’s also a great place from which to head out for a shopping exhibition or on the hunt for a great place for lunch or dinner.

Art in the abattoir

A visit to an abattoir might not be on most people’s Toulouse checklists, but Les Abattoirs is no longer a slaughterhouse – it was converted to a contemporary and modern art museum in 2000. As well as a rolling programme of exhibitions, conferences and events, it houses pieces from art giants Robert Rauschenberg, Marcel Duchamp and, most impressively, a vast Pablo Picasso stage backdrop.

We’ve merely dipped our toe into Toulouse – there’s much more to see both in the city and beyond. With car hire at Toulouse Airport you can fly in, touch down and venture out to see it all.