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TOULOUSE
VISITORS’ GUIDE
2014-2015
Welcome to Toulouse Business School
…..Welcome to Toulouse!
TBS International Student Office
[email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ... 3
Toulouse – The City ... 3
Going Out ... 5
Suggested Bars ... 5
Night Clubs ... 7
A Few Restaurants ... 8
Cinema and Theatre ... 10
Leisure ... 11
Cultural Sites ... 12
Museums ... 13
Discount City Cards ... 15
Metro and Tram Map... 16
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INTRODUCTION
Toulouse is a vibrant student city full of life, history and culture. The 2nd most popular student city in France after Paris, Toulouse and its surrounding area offers a plethora of cultural, social and leisure activities which will keep you busy when not studying…..
TOULOUSE – THE CITY
Toulouse is a vibrant, beautiful and welcoming city, and you will enjoy your time here very much.
Situated at the heart of the Midi-Pyrénées region, Toulouse has always occupied an important place in the South-West area of France. Toulouse’s 2000-year-old history is apparent in its architecture of red-tinged bricks and tiles that is typical of the cities, villages and farms of the region - hence Toulouse’s nick-name of ‘la Ville Rose’ which mirrors the warm and friendly atmosphere here.
Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city, bubbles over with life. A stroll around the historic center, a walk alongside the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, or a stop in one of the many cafés with terraces spreading onto the streets: each one an experience in itself.
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Toulouse is also a major shopping destination. All major internationally-renowned brands in fashion, design, leather goods and jewelry are represented in the city. Each city neighborhood also carries on the long-held tradition of weekly open-air and covered markets, selling local produce from the Midi-Pyrenees, which is one of the South-West’s most important gastronomic regions –wine, foie gras, cheese, charcuterie, and of course cassoulet, the Toulousain dish par excellence.
2,000 years of Toulousain history have left the city scattered with first-rate heritage that is representative of the Southern French style at various moments in history. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin, for example, a jewel of 11th and 12th century Roman art, is an important stop on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage path. It is home to the grave of Saint Saturnin, first bishop of Toulouse in the 3rd century.
The Jacobins convent buildings are known for their Southern-French gothic architecture including the amazing “palm-tree”, a pillar from which twenty-two branches stem. At the heart of the antique dealer’s quarter, Saint Etienne Cathedral bears witness to the evolution of several styles of sacred architecture. The city is also rich in Renaissance townhouses: Hôtel de Bernuy, Hôtel d’Assézat, Hôtel de Pierre…and many more.
Not to forget the Capitole, Toulouse’s City Hall, with its magnificently decorated historic halls and the huge Capitole square with its Occitan cross. Just strolling around Toulouse and sneaking a peek under a porch can sometimes reveal stunning gardens and façades. 19th century industrial buildings renovated as cultural venues prolong the tradition of brick – such as the Galerie du Château d’Eau, the Musée des Abattoirs or the Bazacle – a permanent exhibition gallery on the banks of the river Garonne.
You have been selected to study at Toulouse Business School. The following pages will give you some useful advice and information about daily life in Toulouse in order to make your stay as pleasant and smooth as possible.
Some text extracted from the Toulouse Tourist Office website: www.toulouse-tourisme.com
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GOING OUT
SUGGESTED BARS
LA PLACE SAINT-PIERRE
Most of the well-known bars in Toulouse are located in this area, where many of Toulouse’s student population like to meet up and have a few of drinks. It is only 10 minutes’ walk from TBS’s Lascrosse campus.
THE GEORGE AND DRAGON
1 Place du Peyrou, 31 000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 23 16 22 Metro: Compans Caffarelli
Open Mondays to Fridays from 2.00pm until 1.45am, Saturdays from 3.00pm until 2.45am and, Sundays from 5.00pm until midnight.
A British-style ‘pub’ offering a large choice of beers and music.
LE WALLACE
15, place Saint-George, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 21 07 18 Metro: Jean-Jaurès
Open Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 2am, and Sundays from 1pm to 2am.
Here you can enjoy some « tapas » or cocktails in one of the most beautiful places of Toulouse. Also a good place to enjoy a coffee in the afternoon.
Chez Tonton La Couleur de la Culotte
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LA MAISON
9, rue Gabriel Péri, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 62 87 22 Metro: Jean Jaurès
Open Sundays to Fridays from 5pm until 2am and on Saturdays from 5pm until 5am.
« La maison » means home in French, and you actually feel at home in this bar, as it is decorated as a living-room with a nice brick fire place. You will enjoy their lovely tapas and cocktails.
LE CARIBE
12, place Victor-Hugo, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 48 99 Metro: Jean Jaurès
Open Sundays to Fridays from 6pm until 2am and Saturdays from 6pm until 5am.
Bright colors, music which makes you want to put your bikini on, Mojitos and Ti-Punchs…no doubt about it you are in Brasil!
LE CAFE POPULAIRE
9, rue de la Colombette, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 63 07 00 Metro: Jean-Jaurès
Open on Mondays to Saturdays from 9am until 2pm.
Rock music, socializing…a bar where ERASMUS students tend to meet up.
LE TRADER
37, rue de l’Industrie, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 34 42 96 48 Metro: Jean-Jaurès
Open on Tuesdays to Fridays until 2am and on Saturdays until 4am.
As with the Stock Exchange, drink prices vary during the evening…
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NIGHT CLUBS
BLACKOUT
1 bis, rue du Puits Vert, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 09 50 04 44 86 Metro: Esquirol
Open Thursdays to Saturdays from midnight to 7am. Entry: free for girls, 8€ for boys including a drink.
THE FACTORY
23, place Bachelier, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 06 17 16 02 98 Metro: Jean-Jaurès
Open Mondays to Saturdays from midnight to 7am.
Inspired by Andy Warhol’s “Factory” in New-York, modern decoration, sofas, two rooms with two different DJ’s.
L’OPUS CAFE
24, rue Bachelier, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 62 37 46 Metro : Jean-Jaurès
Open on Mondays to Wednesdays from midnight to 5am and on Thursdays to Saturdays from 11pm until dawn.
Pop, rock, French music…Original decoration.
UBU CLUB
16 rue St-Rome, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 23 26 75 Metro: Esquirol
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11pm until dawn.
One of the oldest night clubs in Toulouse. Nice modern style decoration and brick vaults. Good cocktails.
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A FEW RESTAURANTS
LA FAIM DES HARICOTS
Speciality: Vegetarian – Bio
3 rue du Puits Vert, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 22 49 25 Metro: Esquirol
www.lafaimdesharicots.fr
No politics served on our dishes, just the pleasure of a good meal without meat. Right next to the Place du Capitole, La Faim des Haricots offers all-you-can-eat menus at prices that won't give you indigestion! Try our dish of the day, soups, quiches, salad and dessert buffet (with ice cream)... a great deal that's hard to beat! The ambiance is Mediterranean cool, mixing toulousain brick with warm colors and a warm welcome. Making your tastebuds happy is our goal.
Price: Fixed menu from 11€ to 15.50€
LE COMPANS CAFÉ
Speciality: French – Regional
19 bd Lascrosses, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 13 94 05 Metro: Compans Caffarelli
Price: Fixed menu from 17.50€ to 29€
RESTAURANT LA PETITE ITALIE
Speciality : Italian
16 rue d'Austerlitz, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 21 50 30 Metro : Jean-Jaurès
Email: [email protected]
Price: Fixed menu from 10€ to 25€
RESTAURANT LE BORRIQUITO LOCO
Speciality: Spanish
25 rue des Paradoux, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 25 34 54 Metro: Esquirol Email: [email protected] Website: www.restaurant-borriquito.com
Price: Fixed menu from 12€ to 28€
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RESTAURANT CHEZ JULES
Speciality: Meat dishes
25 rue Gabriel Péri, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 62 73 12 02 Metro: Jean-Jaurès
Email : [email protected] Website: www.chezjules.fr
A more formal restaurant with fine wines and mostly meat-based cuisine, and top service.
Price: Fixed menu from 14 to 23 euros
RESTAURANT A DONG
Speciality: Asian
1 rue Lafaille, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 62 70 24 Metro: Jeanne d’Arc Email: [email protected]
Price: Fixed menu from 13€ to 23€
RESTAURANT LE SHAKUNTALA
Speciality : Indian
26 rue de la Chaîne, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 21 76 74 Metro: Compans Cafferelli
Email: [email protected] Website: www.shakuntala.fr
Price: Fixed menu from 13€ to 21€
RESTAURANT LE MAY
4 rue du May, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 23 98 76 Metro: Esquirol Email: [email protected]
The 'May' has been established for 20 years and our entire staff is ready to welcome you to our restaurant in the heart of old Toulouse's medieval district. Hearty cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.
Price: Fixed menu from 10€ to 16€
There is a large selection of restaurants around Place de Wilson and Place des Carmes – both served by metro stations so very easy to get to, and both with restaurants with all types of food imaginable, and at very affordable prices.
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CINEMA AND THEATRE
CINEMA Gaumont Wilson: 3 place Wilson – 05.34.44.50.51 Metro: Jean-Jaures Student price: 4.20€ UGC:
9 allee Franklin Roosevelt – 05.62.30.28.30 Metro: Jean-Jaures
La Cinematheque de Toulouse:
69 rue du Taur – 05.62.30.30.10 Metro : Jeanne d’Arc
Student price : 5€
Cinema ABC:
13 rue Saint Bernard – 05.61.21.20.46 Metro : Jeanne d’Arc
Student : 5.50€
SHOWS AND CONCERTS
HALLEAUXGRAINS: Place Dupuy – 05.61.62.02.70
CAVEPOESIE: 71 rue du Taur – 05.61.23.62.00
BIKINI: Rue Hermès, 31520 Ramonville – 05.61.55.00.29
SALLENOUGARO: 20 chemin Garric – 05.61.57.02.24
ZENITH: 11 avenue Raymond Badiou – 05.62.74.49.49
L’OPERA BOUFFE TNT: 5 rue Labeda – 05.62.30.89.49
THEATRE
LE FIL A PLOMB: 30 rue de la Chaîne – 05.62.30.99.77
THEATRE DU CAPITOLE: Place du Capitole – 05.61.63.13.13
THEATRE DE LA DIGUE: 3 rue de la Digue – 05.61.42.97.79
ESPACE CROIX BARAGNON: 24 rue Croix Baragnon – 05.61.52.57.72
THEATRE NATIONAL LA CITE: 1 rue Pierre Baudis – 05.34.45.05.05
Cinema Utopia:
24 rue Montardy – 05.61.23.66.20 Metro: Capitole
Student fare: 6€
National cinema website:
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LEISURE
SNOOKER
ACADEMIE LE BILLARD LE CONTI:
48 rue Matabiau – 05.61.62.20.57
Open Monday to Saturday from 2pm until 2am.
SEVENTIES:
42 port Saint Etienne – 05.61.80.72.17 Open every day from noon until 2am – Saturdays until 4am – Sundays from 4pm until 1am – 6.8 € per hour
BOWLING
BOWLING DES MINIMES :
108 bis avenue des Minimes – 05.61.47.95.60 Open every day from 2pm to 2am
BOWLING GRAMONT:
Centre Commercial Gramont – 05.61.26.18.67
Open every day from 9am to 2am – 4 to 7 € per game per person and1 € for the shoes
SKATING RINKS LA FRATERNITE :
Avenue de l’Hers – 05.61.48.60.40
Open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9am to 11.30am and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. Open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 pm to 11pm – Student price : 4.20 €
AVENUE CHARLES DE GAULLE BLAGNAC :
– 05.62.74.71.40 Open on Wednesdays from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm, and on Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30pm to 11.30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. – Price 5.20 €
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CULTURAL SITES
ENSEMBLE CONVENTUEL DES JACOBINS
Rue Lakanal, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 21 92 Metro: Capitole
Email: [email protected] Website: www.jacobins.mairie-toulouse.fr
Opening hours: Every day from 9.00am to 7.00pm
Entrance: Church: free entrance, cloisters: 3 €. Free entry the first Sunday of the month
Founded in the XIIIth and XIVth centuries, this is a magnificent example of monastic architecture. Built entirely of brick, it is a true gem of Languedoc Gothic art, and features an incomparable palm-tree vault with 22 ribs supporting the roof of the polygonal choral area.
The cloister, with its succession of gracious arches, and the refectory, in which exhibitions are mounted, round off your visit to this beautiful complex of buildings.
THE CAPITOLE
Place du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 61 22 34 12 Metro: Capitole
Website: www.toulouse.fr
Opening hours:
Gallery Easter to All-Saints Day: every weekday from 9.00am to 7.00pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10.00am to 7.00pm The rest of the year: every weekday 9am to 5pm, the first Sunday of every month from 10am to 5pm, and public holidays from 10am to 7pm. Closed Sundays except the 1st Sunday of the month.
Entrance: Free
Now the home of the Town Hall and the Théâtre National du Capitole, this building is remarkable for its façade with its eight pink marble columns, its Cour Henri IV (which saw the assassination of the Duc de Montmorency) and the "Salle des Illustres" (inspired by the Galleria Farnese in Rome), where the gilt mouldings vie with the painted cartouches. Also on your tour are the Jean-Paul Laurens, Henri Martin and Paul Gervais Rooms.
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THE BASILICA OF SAINT-SERNIN
Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 21 70 18 / 05 61 21 80 4 Metro: Capitole
Email: [email protected] Website: www.basilique-st-sernin-toulouse.fr
Opening hours:
October to May, weekdays: from 8.30 to 11.45 and 14.00 to 17.45, Sundays: from 8.30 to 12h30 and 14.00 to 19.00.
June, weekdays: from 8.30 to 12.15 and 14.00 to 18.15, Sundays: from 8.30 to 12.15 and 14.00 to 19.00.
July to September, weekdays: de 8.30 to 18.15, Sundays: de 8.30 to 19.30.
Entrance: Basilica - free entrance; ambulatory and crypts - 2 €.
This Romanesque building, considered to be the biggest in the western world, never fails to surprise by the size and beauty of its nave. Inside this 11th century brick masterpiece, one may discover and admire the capitals and tympanum of the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as visit the crypt which holds a treasure trove of reliquaries including that of Saint Saturnin, the martyred bishop of the city, to whom the building is devoted.
This monument is an essential stage on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage.
MUSEUMS
On the first Sunday of each month, entrance to nearly all museums in Toulouse is free.
THE AUGUSTINS
Fine arts museum
21 rue de Metz, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 21 82 Metro: Esquirol
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.augustins.org
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 to 18.00, late opening on Wednesdays till 21.00. Closed: 25th December, 1st January and 1st May.
Entrance: 3 €.
THE ABATTOIRS
Modern and contemporary art
76 allées Charles de Fitte, 31300 Toulouse, Tel : 05 62 48 58 00 Metro : Saint-Cyprien République Email: [email protected] Website: www.lesabattoirs.org
Opening hours: From 11.00 to 19.00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
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THE SAINT-RAYMOND MUSEUM
Toulouse Antiques museum
Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 31 44 Metro: Capitole
Email: [email protected] Website: www.SaintRaymond.toulouse.fr
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 to 18.00 (1st October to 31st May), and from 10.00 to 19.00 (1st June to 30 September). Closed 1st January, 1st May, 25th December.
Entrance : 3 €.
TOULOUSE MUSEUM
Natural history museum
35 allées Jules-Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 67 73 84 84 Metro : Palais de Justice ou Carmes Email: [email protected] Website: www.museum.toulouse.fr
Opening hours: From 10.00 to 18.00. Closed Mondays, 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
Entrance : Standard fee: 7€; reduced fee: 5 €; children under 6: free. Standard admission includes access to:
Permanent exhibits at the downtown Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses. Permanent exhibits at the Museum Gardens The Espace Champs Libre (First floor - performance and cultural exchange area) Museum libraries Plus unlimited access to all activities.
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DISCOUNT CITY CARDS
These ‘city cards’ will enable you, as a student, to gain discounted access to many cultural, commercial and social events and areas and we recommend you invest in them.
‘TOULOUSE EN LIBERTÉ ’ - 10€
· Over 180 discount offers and services available with this card (museums, restaurants, shows, shops etc.)
· Card is valid for one year from the date of purchase, available from the tourist office · Card is personal and can only be used by one person
For further information:
www.toulouse-tourisme.com/sites-et-visites-city-card--toulouse-en-liberte---offrez-vous-toulouse-!,e1123
‘TOULOUSE CULTURE’ - 7€ (ADULT)/5€ (UNDER 25)
Valid from September 1st until August 31st, this card provides discounts for cinemas, theaters, museums, etc.
These cards can be purchased at:
Espace Croix-Baragnon, 24 rue Croix-Baragnon, Tel : 05 62 27 60 60 To buy it, you will need your passport or ID.
For further information: www.toulouse.fr/cultures/offres/la-carte-toulouse-cultures ‘CHEQUES TOULOUSE JE UNES’
If you are aged between 18 and 26 these cheques are for you! Two different cheque books exist: · Toulouse Jeunes – culture: 12 € for 7 « culture » cheques.
· Toulouse Jeunes — culture & sport: 18 € for 7 « culture » cheques and 4 « sports » cheques.
They can be purchased at:
L’Accueil du Capitole, place du Capitole (ground floor)
Open Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tel: 05.61.22.21.43 You will need your passport or ID and a proof of address.
These cheques are valid one year starting from the date you bought them. They include: · 2 museum cheques: in one of Toulouse’s museums.
· 1 show cheque: a discount of 8 € on a concert, theatre or dancing show.
· 1 Cité de l’Espace cheque: a free entry to the Cité de l’Espace (Toulouse’s space museum/park).
· 1 library and multi-media library cheque: a free season ticket to the multi-media library José Cabanis, and to a district library.
· 1 cinema/bookshop cheque: a cinema ticket offered, or a 6 € discount on a book, comics, DVD, CD-rom.
· 1 “Clé Capitole Jeunes” cheque: 8 € discount on one out of 3 shows (Opera, Orchestre National du Capitole or Ballet) · 4 sports cheques: 4 free tickets for some Stade Toulousain (Toulouse rugby Team) or TFC (Toulouse Football Club) games.
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PLACES TO VISIT FROM TOULOUSE
Toulouse is perfectly situated, allowing easy access to surrounding areas of interest and travel to other cities and regions.
There are many beautiful and interesting towns, villages and areas to discover including Albi, Carcassonne, Foix, Bordeaux, Montségur Castle, Niaux’s pre-historic caves and more…
Also within easy reach by car, train or bus are the Pyrenees mountains offering top-level skiing from December until April, and wonderful hiking and walking opportunities in the spring and summer months.
And if you feel like visiting Spain for a weekend or holiday Barcelona is only 4 hours’ drive away (and trains are available) and the Spanish border villages are only 2 hours’ away.
For more information about the cultural and social life in and around Toulouse we highly
recommend the following guide – put together by students from TBS and the University of
Toulouse!
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