Toulouse
Toulouse reveals its historical and cultural heritage in its prestigious and old buildings, picturesque courtyards, fountains and works of art. The “pink city”, which gets its nickname from the colour of the brick in its bridges, churches and houses, is also a water town, with the Canal du Midi and the Garonne River. Sun, greenery, gastronomy… this large European capital is not only a place of good living, it is also the birthplace of several industries and companies such as Airbus. You will be seduced by the dual charm of this peaceful and dynamic city.
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Toulouse.
Novotel Toulouse Centre Compans Caffarelli
45 000
At 2 km in size, the Midi- Pyrénées region is the largest region in France and Toulouse is its capital.
2 027
In Toulouse, the sun shines on average 2027 hours per year. The national average is 1973 hours.
500
The stuffed elephant that sits imposingly at the entrance to the Natural History Museum weighs 500 kg. Alive, it would weigh 3 tonnes!
Museums & Exhibitions
La Cité de l’Espace
An enjoyable scientific and educational park, the cité de l’Espace transports you through the cosmos. Explore the universe in exhibitions, 3D Imax, a planetarium, Mir station, Terr@dome (a journey of 5 million years!), and actual-size space engines. Observe earth from space! An adventure to enjoy as a family and not to be missed under any circumstances!
Avenue Jean Gonord, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 820 377 223
Every day from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, closes at 6.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Closed on some Mondays. Call for details.
Natural History Museum
Entering the large hall with the symbolic Asian elephant and the huge flying Quetzalcoaltus reptile, you will discover the two stages of the permanent exhibition “Science and Living Consciousness” which explains the relationship between man, nature and environment through earth sciences (meteorites, mineralogy, fossils etc.), life sciences (bird, mammal, extinct species) and human sciences (mummies, prehistoric gallery). The visit ends in the botanical garden. Must be seen!
35 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 67 73 84 84
Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Saint Raymond Museum
This museum retraces the history of Toulouse and its surrounding region. There is so much to discover in the different rooms…the large sarcophagus room in the basement, a real archaeological site, the Roman portrait gallery on the first floor and the Antiquity exhibition on the second floor. The appeal of this museum is that it offers children a large choice of activities to do themselves, with a guide or as a family. An excellent way of learning while having fun!
Place Saint-Sernin, Toulouse - Tel.: (+33) 5 61 22 31 44
Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, closes at 7.00 pm from June to August.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
African Safari
Ready for a family safari photo? Come and discover the 80 species that live in this zoo! Two huge areas are provided: the “Reserve” which is visited by car, lets you observe African animals such as wildebeest, camels, lions, rhinoceros, zebras, watusis, and the “Park” which is visited on foot, allows you to discover 500 animals from the entire world. You can even watch a seal display (between April and August). A guaranteed change of scenery!
41 rue des Landes, Plaisance du Touch – Tel.: (+33) 5 61 86 45 03
Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, from April to September from 9.30 am to 8.00 pm.
Muret Aquarium
Come and discover the fauna and flora of rivers and streams through a presentation of biotopes and the ecosystems of the Garonne. This aquarium in an old master’s house has twelve soft water bowls and a tunnel of 250,000 litres…pike, salmon, capers and eels will no longer be a secret for you! Also not to be missed the tropical wing with its clown fish and terrible piranhas!
13 rue Joseph Cugnot, Muret – Tel. (+33) 5 61 51 50 59
Every day during school holidays from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm, the rest of the year on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Compans Caffarelli Garden
With over a dozen hectares of greenery, this garden is truly a peaceful haven. Come lounge around and relax as a family. There are games for the children, wild animals (ducks, tortoises, squirrels, etc.), and wide paths for walking, but also a few curiosities like the huge metal dragon that overlooks the water. Another surprise, the Japanese garden, a replica of the Katsura palace in Kyoto, where one discovers a lodge and a Zen garden, a lake with water lilies and tortoises and, a little bridge… Great photo opportunity!
Boulevard Lascrosses, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 62 27 48 48
Every day from 7.45 am.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Labyrinth Park
The Merville park and castle, both historical monuments, are a magical place. At over 4 hectares, with a labyrinth of high box trees, it’s a joyful escape. It is an outing for the whole family that can last all day! The routes are suitable even for the very young, and are posted with signs. Come and get lost in a labyrinth of cornflowers, with actors to lead you on mad adventures. Every year a different theme is selected to renew the discovery and the mystery. Not to be missed!
2 place du Château, Merville – Tel.: (+33) 5 61 85 32 34
From 10.30 am to 7.30 pm in May, June and September, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays in July and everyday in August.
Gaulois de Saint-Julien Archeosite
Very close to the Garonne on nine hectares of greenery, this archaeological site displays the daily life of our Gaulois ancestors. Tour the ramparts, go through the fortified door and you are there! You will discover the habitats and way of life of the time. Take part in craft demonstrations of silversmiths, gold washing, ironmongery, weaving. Go on a family educational trip in time!
Saint Julien – Tel.: (+33) 5 61 87 16 38
Wednesday, Sunday, bank holidays and Easter and All Saints Day from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, in July and August from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Le Jardin des Plantes
A pleasant environment with lakes and little paths, this 7 hectare park offers various attractions: game area for children, bicycle rental, fairground attractions, small train, and even a mini-farm. Everything to satisfy the needs of little ones, while entertaining the adults! There are regularly scheduled concerts and organised activities for adults and children. A time to relax as a family.
Allées Jules-Guesde, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 62 27 48 48
Every day from 7.45 am.
Good places for a family meal
Le Triskell
The ideal location for a family crepe! The service is friendly and quick, and children are particularly welcome… enjoy yourself!
44 avenue Saint Exupéry, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 61 80 49 99
From Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
Le Village Gaulois
Located on the Sesquière Lake and with a 2000 m2 terrace, this place is ideal for eating in the sun! There is a menu offering salads, meat, fish, and pasta as well as a children’s menu.
Zone de Loisirs de Sesquières, allée des Foulques, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 61 70 37 70
From Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm.
O Quebec
A friendly, warm and relaxing environment, come and enjoy original sweet dishes with maple syrup. There is also a children’s menu. Welcome to the Canada cabin!
Avenue de la Méridienne, Toulouse – Tel.: (+33) 5 62 88 42 88
Everyday from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Toulouse wish you an excellent stay.