How to plan your visit to Lourdes from Toulouse

If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, a visit to Lourdes is a must. This Catholic pilgrimage site is not far from Toulouse, but getting there can be tricky if you don’t have a car. However, there’s no need to worry. With a private tour, you can discover the sanctuaries of Lourdes without any of the hassle. Here’s how to plan your visit in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Choose your tour

There are many tours available that offer a visit to Lourdes from Toulouse, but we recommend the private 8-hour tour with round-trip transportation. This tour offers pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Toulouse and includes entrance fees to all monuments and attractions. Plus, you’ll have an English-speaking driver to guide you through the sanctuaries and explain the history and significance of this important site.

Step 2: Book your tour

Booking your tour is easy. Simply visit the Viator website and select the Lourdes visit from Toulouse tour. Choose your preferred date and time, and make sure to select the private 8-hour tour option. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour, including the pick-up time and location.

Step 3: Prepare for your tour

Before you embark on your tour, it’s important to prepare for your day trip. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved. You may also want to bring a water bottle and some snacks, as meals are not included in the tour. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful views of Lourdes.

Step 4: Enjoy your tour

On the day of your tour, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Toulouse and take you to Lourdes. The trip takes about an hour and a half, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Once you arrive in Lourdes, your guide will take you to all the important sites, including the grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is said to have had visions of the Virgin Mary. You’ll also have time to attend Mass and visit the souvenir shops.

Step 5: End your tour

After a long day of touring, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Toulouse. You’ll have plenty of time to rest and reflect on your visit to Lourdes. This private tour is the perfect way to explore the sanctuaries without the stress of car rental or public transportation.

Final thoughts

A trip to Lourdes is a moving and spiritual experience, and a private tour is the best way to get the most out of your visit. With an English-speaking driver to guide you through the sanctuaries, you’ll have a personalized and immersive tour experience. Book the tour now and have an unforgettable day trip to Lourdes. Book the tour here

FAQs About Toulouse

Toulouse, a vibrant city located in the southwest of France, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural scene. Whether you’re planning a trip to Toulouse or simply curious about the city, here are some frequently asked questions about Toulouse that will help you learn more about this enchanting destination.

1. What is Toulouse known for?

Toulouse is known for several things, including:

• Its stunning pink brick architecture
• The iconic Canal du Midi that passes through the city
• The famous Toulouse sausage, also known as saucisse de Toulouse
• The A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world, which is built by Airbus in Toulouse
• The city’s rich history in the aerospace industry, dating back to the early 20th century

2. What are the main attractions in Toulouse?

Toulouse is home to many interesting sights and attractions, here are some must-visit places:

• Basilique Saint-Sernin: This is the largest Romanesque building in Europe, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Capitolium of Toulouse: The main city hall, which is a beautiful historic building, set in a large plaza. The plaza is an excellent spot to relax, people watch and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
• The Cité de l’Espace: This space museum is the perfect place for all space enthusiasts. Visitors can learn about space exploration and even experience astronaut training.
• Musée des Augustins: This museum is one of the oldest in France and displays an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings.
• Pont Neuf: The oldest bridge in Toulouse, the Pont Neuf is a perfect spot for a stroll along the Garonne River.

3. What is the weather like in Toulouse?

Toulouse enjoys a mild, subtropical climate, which means the city typically enjoys great weather all year round. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching highs of 30°C or more. Winters are mild and usually see temperatures around 10°C or slightly above. Rainfall is moderate, with a little more rain in the winter months.

4. What is the best time to visit Toulouse?

The best time to visit Toulouse is between the months of May to October. This period offers ideal weather conditions for exploring and sightseeing. Summers tend to be busy, so visitors may want to avoid the peak tourist season if they prefer a quieter experience. Winters may also bring along great restaurant deals, especially during November and December.

5. What is the local cuisine in Toulouse?

Toulouse is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as:

• Saucisse de Toulouse: a delicious pork sausage that can be grilled, roasted or used in cassoulet, a local bean stew.
• Cassoulet: a hearty stew made with white beans, meat, and sausages, originating from the city of Toulouse.
• Croustade: a dessert tart filled with apples and Armagnac liquor.
• Roquefort cheese: a famous blue cheese from the region of Toulouse.
• Foie gras: a local specialty that can be found in many restaurants.

6. What is the public transportation like in Toulouse?

Toulouse has an excellent public transportation system comprised of buses, trams, and a subway. The city centre is quite compact and walkable, but visitors may want to use public transportation to visit some of the sights further afield.

7. How do I get to Toulouse?

Toulouse has an international airport, the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which is located a short distance from the city centre. Direct flights to Toulouse are available from many major European cities, and connecting flights can be found to destinations across the globe. Alternatively, train service is available from other towns in France and Spain.

8. What languages are spoken in Toulouse?

The official language in Toulouse is French, and it is widely spoken throughout the city. However, many locals also speak Occitan language. Visitors can often get by with just English as many tourist places have staff who speak English.

9. What are the best areas to stay in Toulouse?

The best areas to stay in Toulouse are:

• Capitole: This is the city center and is the heart of Toulouse. It has a mix of luxury and budget hotels, restaurants, shopping and many places to visit nearby.
• Carmes: This is another trendy district in Toulouse with a village-like setting, located in between the city center and the Garonne river. The place has many bars, shops, restaurants and cafes.
• St-Cyprien: Located on the other side of the Garonne river, St-Cyprien offers a good mix of local life and trendy urban atmosphere in Toulouse. It has many restaurants, green spaces, and places of interest too.

10. What should I wear in Toulouse?

Visitors to Toulouse should be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the season they are visiting. Summers tend to be hot, so travellers should pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. In winter, temperatures can drop, especially in the evening, so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Toulouse is a charming city that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and entertainment. It is easy to see why so many people return to this beautiful destination again and again. We hope that this FAQ has provided valuable information to help you plan your trip to Toulouse.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant city located in the Southwest of France. It’s famous for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. If you are planning to spend some time in this beautiful city, you won’t be disappointed. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Toulouse and how to make the most of your time here.

Getting around Toulouse

The best way to explore Toulouse is by foot. The city is compact and easy to navigate. You can also use public transport, such as the metro and buses, which are efficient and well-connected. You can buy a day pass called “Toulouse Pass,” which will give you unlimited access to public transport and discounts to various attractions.

Must-see Attractions

Toulouse is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of attractions to see here. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Toulouse:

1. Basilique Saint-Sernin

Basilique Saint-Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments in Toulouse. It’s a Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century and is famous for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carvings.

2. Place du Capitole

Place du Capitole is the heart of Toulouse and a must-visit attraction. It’s a public square that features a stunning 18th-century building, the Capitole, which houses the city hall and the theater. The square is also home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the city’s ambiance.

3. Musée des Augustins

Musée des Augustins is a fine arts museum that houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The museum is housed in a former Augustinian convent and is well worth a visit.

4. Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an engineering marvel. It was built in the 17th century and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a boat tour of the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Food and Drink

Toulouse is famous for its culinary delights, and you must try some of the local specialties when you visit. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks in Toulouse:

1. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a hearty stew made with white beans, duck, sausage, and pork. It’s a classic dish in Toulouse and a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

2. Paté de Foie Gras

Paté de Foie Gras is a popular dish in Toulouse made from goose or duck liver. It’s usually served as an appetizer and pairs well with a glass of red wine.

3. Armagnac

Armagnac is a type of brandy made in the South West of France, including the region around Toulouse. It’s a favorite drink among locals and is usually served as an after-dinner drink.

Shopping

Toulouse has many great shopping spots, ranging from high-end boutiques to small local shops. Here are some of the best places to go shopping in Toulouse:

1. Rue Saint-Rome

Rue Saint-Rome is a popular street in Toulouse for shopping. It’s close to Place du Capitole and has a variety of shops and boutiques.

2. Marché Victor Hugo

Marché Victor Hugo is a historic market that has been around since the 19th century. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce, cheese, and other local products.

3. Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a high-end department store that offers a variety of luxury brands. It’s located in the city center and has a beautiful glass dome that is worth seeing.

Book Your Tour Now

Toulouse is a beautiful and cultural city that offers a range of activities for tourists. From exploring the city’s fascinating history and architecture to enjoying the local food and drink and shopping, there’s something for everyone in Toulouse. Use this guide to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.