Toulouse car rental comparison

The distinctive hot-pink stone that embodies many of Toulouse’s buildings has given the vibrant city its moniker “La Ville Rose”, and with a 2,000 year old history with its feet planted firmly in the future. France’s fourth-largest city can’t be missed. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Toulouse has to offer so you can take full advantage of this elegant city, and a direct car hire Toulouse Airport is also available. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your vacation needs.

General Information

Half way between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Toulouse has been a centre of aviation and spaceflight since the 1930's and its clean green energy push leads the nation in technological innovation. Its pre-eminence began in the 10th century when the counts of Toulouse controlled much of Southern France, with the likes of Dante and Chaucer frequented their court. Toulouse has a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, thanks in part to its large student population and the city boasts a thriving cultural scene, equidistant to Marseille, with an atmospheric old quarter.

To Do

Tolouse is famous around the world for its violet flowers and a barge anchored on the Canal du Midi, the Maison de la Violette, sells all manner of violet souvenirs. There are three very good museums and some real architectural treasures in the churches of St-Sernin and Les Jacobins and in the magnificent Renaissance townhouses of the merchants who grew rich on the woad-dye trade. On Sunday mornings, the whole of St- Sernin turns into a fantastic flea market and there are also many book markets all day Saturday in St-Étienne. You must visit the Cité de l'Espace, Europe’s best space museum, with interactive displays and a life-size version of the Ariane 5 rocket. Toulouse is one of the most alternative French cities and along with many political and social activities the city has an extensive list of live music venues.

Attractions

A rental car in Toulouse can make a great tour of the heart of the city, if you choose a compact car. You can whizz past the 11th century Basilica of St Sernin, the largest and finest Romanesque church in Europe, which contains the tomb of St Thomas Aquinas. Nearby is the art gallery Hôtel d'Assézat with landscapes by Pierre Bonnard, famous for his intense colors. Arguably the star of the museum circuit is the contemporary art gallery Les Abattoirs. Not only is it one of France’s best contemporary art museums, but it is also an inspiring example of urban regeneration. A large number of people in Toulouse are employed by Airbus and tours can be taken around the facility where you can learn more about the company and their production line.

Eating

The southwest of France is known for its meat specialties and Toulouse is no exception. Its Toulouse sausage has become symbolic of the region and is sometimes added to its other local dish, like the famous cassoulet, a hearty Gascon stew with duck, pork and white beans. Another exotic food in Toulouse can be found in the form of the violet flower. It can be found in vinegar, biscuits, or as a unique touch in salads. Toulouse and the surrounding area are keen wine producing regions, with a focus on a contemporary red wine grown in the region known as la Négrette.

Excursions

Many beautiful and emblematic heritage sites await the eager traveler with a Toulouse car rental. Nearby is Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful painted cathedral. One of the most beautiful villages in France, Cordes-sur-Ciel, is also in close vicinity. A Tolouse car hire can also take you to other famous cities in the area, such as the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne, just an hour and a half from Toulouse. Bordeaux also not being far away being only 150 miles away.