Local Living France: Toulouse
7 days, Toulouse to Toulouse
Itinerary
Day 1Toulouse
Arrive at any time. Meet your fellow travellers at an evening welcome meeting, then set off with your CEO to explore Toulouse on a short orientation walk.
Welcome to Toulouse, nicknamed "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) in response to the prevalent pink bricks. As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting this evening. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city before connecting with your fellow travel mates and enjoying an orientation walk with your CEO.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk Toulouse
Enjoy a pleasant CEO-led walk by the Garonne river and explore the heart of Toulouse; the Basilica of Saint Sernin, a stunning, romantic church and an important stop on the Santiago de Compostela.
Day 2Toulouse
Set off on foot to discover the neighbourhoods and food scene of Toulouse like a local. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Victor Hugo Market and sample some of the most mouth-watering treats and fresh ingredients around. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore some of the city's many highlights, museums and parks.
Your Foodie Moment: Toulouse Food Tour
Experience the best of Toulouse’s food scene with a relaxed guided walking tour through the city followed by visit to the bustling Marché Victor Hugo. Enjoy generous tastings from top vendors while discovering the market's history and culture before it gets too crowded. The tour wraps up in time for you to stay and enjoy lunch at the market or nearby
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do: now is your time to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Carcassonne / Toulouse
Climb aboard a local train this morning and set off through vineyards and olive groves for Carcassonne, a beautifully preserved medieval city known as "La Cité." Head out on foot on a walking tour of the area to learn about what makes it so special before some free time to explore on your own. Return by train to Toulouse in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Walking Tour Carcassonne
Set off on foot from the Pont Vieux, the the “parcours du coeur”, and experience why walkers and joggers love this stretch so much. Witness the Ile de la Cité and the banks of the River Aude and take in beautiful views of the Citadel of Carcassonne. This walk takes place on a flat, easy path.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Albi / Toulouse
Set off again by local train for the short trip to Albi, an historic town located on the Tarb River. Discover Albi's charm and history on a guided walking tour along its medieval streets lined with beautiful buildings and intricate architecture. Enjoy some free time to choose from some of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes or to walk along the river before returning to Toulouse for the evening.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Walking Tour Albi
Join a local guide on a walk through Albi. See the imposing Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world and also the largest fully painted cathedrals in Europe. Continue through the medieval Old Town to view the Palais de la Berbie, a fortified palace that once serviced as the residence of the bishops of Albi, and now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Lourdes / Toulouse
Set off today for Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees mountains, at the base of the Pic du Jer. Head off on a walking tour and discover the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, visiting the sanctuary and the grotto. Enjoy free time to explore the town before returning to Toulouse in the late afternoon.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Walking Tour Lourdes
Explore Lourdes on a guided walk and learn a little more about the city known as one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Grotto
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic complex and famous pilgrimage site. The complex of churches was built on the site where it's said that Bernadette Soubirous experienced apparitions in 1858. The Grotto of Massabielle specifically is said to be the location where apparitions occurred.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Toulouse
Take advantage of a full free day in Toulouse to explore on your own or relax in one of the city's many charming cafes to watch the world go by. Perhaps visit the Cité de l'Espace, Halle de la Machine, or the Aeroscopia experience, or join your CEO on a trip to Foix, a medieval gem said to be the gateway to the Pyrenees and home to the largest navigable subterranean river in Europe. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town.
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day in Toulouse to explore on your own.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Musée des Augustins
Visit this former monastery and enjoy the fine art located inside, dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
Cité de l'Espace
Check out the scientific culture centre dedicated to space and astronomy.
Halle de La Machine
The Halle de La Machine is home to various animatronic and interactive exhibits constructed by La Machine, located in the suburbs of Toulouse.
Aeroscopia experience
Explore interactive exhibits and a collection of civil and military aircraft including the Concorde and Airbus A300B.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Toulouse
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.