Major events and highlights in 2019 (non-exhaustive list): so many great reasons for visiting Toulouse! - mailswitch.nl
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Major events and highlights in 2019 (non-exhaustive list):
so many great reasons for visiting Toulouse!
The Ville Rose (Pink City) invites you to discover its rich heritage of 2000 years of Art and History
and to follow its pioneering spirit: astronaut, pilot, navigator, gourmet, epicurean, up to you to
visit Toulouse according to your desires of adventures!
1/ NEW: EXPERIENCE A LEGENDARY DAY OUT AT THE RUNWAY OF GIANTS.
In late 2018, Toulouse inaugurated the « Runway of Giants » on the actual site of the historic
runway that was the cradle of civil aviation and Aéropostale Airlines.
Adults and children, dreamers, explorers and adventurers at heart are all invited to take advantage
of the new cultural and touristic sites of Toulouse: the Hall of La Machine and the Flight of the
Pioneers.
• The Hall of La Machine in Toulouse (opened on
11th November 2018). This 6,000m2 space includes the
stable of fantastical street theatre machines, designed
and created by François Delaroziere and the La
Machine Company, providing a permanent living
exhibition. Visitors can learn the many stories and
legends that come to life thanks to the imaginary
creatures that inhabit the Hall. They can also take an
unexpected journey on the back of a new and very
special monumental creature created for Toulouse (47
tons, 14m tall): The Minotaur, whose first appearance
drew crowds in excess of 900,000 to the historic centre of Toulouse from 1st to 4th November 2018
for the original and impressive spectacle entitled « The Guardian of the
Temple ». A cultural programme, a bar-restaurant, a boutique and meeting
spaces allow spectators to enjoy an unforgettable moment at the Hall of La
Machine. A number of highlights will bring 2019 to life (information to
follow).
• The Flight of the Pioneers (opened on 22nd December 2018) brings
the extraordinary adventure of the pioneers of Aéropostale to life, a
veritable human endeavour of international significance for which Toulouse
was the setting around 100 years ago! Housed in repurposed historic
buildings, this project retraces the beginnings of civil aviation and the
fabulous adventure of the Latécoère and Aéropostale airlines that introduced
us to some legendary figures: Pierre-Georges Latécoère, Marcel Bouilloux-
Lafont, Didier Daurat, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Jean Mermoz, Henri
Guillaumet…before being bought in 1933 by the fledgling Air France.
Exhibitions (including a 1st event entitled « The Airline in Focus » that runs
from the opening of the site until 31st August 2019), interactive features, a
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postal wagon, flight simulators (Bréguet XIV) and a restaurant are all on the programme for 2019.
Visitors will be welcomed by mediators that play the roles of pilot, mechanic or even one of the
female factory workers!
It is worth remembering the godmother and godfather of this pioneering spirit:
- Dorine Bourneton: aviator, writer and French tour guide, she became the very first disabled
female stunt pilot in the world,
- Bertrand Piccard: Swiss explorer and doctor, he completed the 1st successful
circumnavigation of the globe in a hot-air balloon and was the originator and co-pilot of Solar
Impulse, the solar-powered airplane in which he carried out the 1st round-the-world trip
without the use of fuel in 2016.
Visitors can also stroll around the Jardins de la Ligne gardens that present the 3 continents crossed
by these aviators. Games for children and interactive features (launched in 2019) promise a lovely
experience for the whole family to share.
More information:
https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/la-piste-des-geants
http://www.halledelamachine.fr/
http://www.lenvol-des-pionniers.com
Themed discoveries to complete your visit:
a) One night in the « Le Grand Balcon », the mythical hotel of the Aéropostale pioneers,
(https://grandbalconhotel.com/fr/rooms.html/ where you can sleep in the famous Room
N°32 that belonged to Antoine de St Exupéry)
b) A visit to the Aeroscopia Museum where you can step aboard legendary aircraft and
experience some exceptional moments! Aircraft enthusiasts can make the most of their
escapade by visiting the Airbus (A380, A350…) assembly lines nearby.
Ø Remember – Special Jubilee Event: very soon you will be able to see a programme of
entertainments especially designed to mark 50 years since the first flight of Concorde
on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd March 2019
Ø + Second half of 2019: Opening of « Tarmac Nord » on the Aeroscopia site. Work to
extend the site began in late November 2018 to the north of the exhibition hall, creating
« Tarmac Nord ». This new aircraft exhibition zone of 20,000m2 will host the very first
prototype of the Airbus A320, an Airbus A340-600, an ATR 42, an ATR 72 as well as an
Airbus A380 MSN002 that will be entirely refitted to allow members of the public to visit.
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This extension doubles the surface area available for exhibitions at the Aeroscopia
Museum.
For more information: exhibition, entertainments, simulators…An entire programme to explore
at http://www.musee-aeroscopia.fr/
2/ JUBILEE: 50 YEARS OF AIRBUS! (Whose headquarters are in Toulouse, the world capital of
aeronautics)
Information on the general public event, planned for 29th May 2019, to be confirmed.
3/ DIVE INTO THE HEART OF THE SPACE ADVENTURE AND CELEBRATE 50 YEARS SINCE MAN FIRST
SET FOOT ON THE MOON AT THE CITE DE L’ESPACE IN TOULOUSE!
Based in Toulouse, the European capital of the Space industry, the Cité de l’Espace is currently the
leading site in Europe with regards to the presentation of Space and astronomical culture to the
general public. To inspire curiosity and a desire to know more,
to promote scientific vocations, to bring Outer Space,
astronomy and scientific culture within reach of all; these are
the objectives that motivate the activities of the Cité de
l’Espace and its partners. Stretching across 5 hectares, it
invites visitors to experience the genuine thrill of the very first
Space adventures and to step into the shoes of those who
have explored the stars.
Special highlights for 2019 include:
1/ A new and unexpected temporary immersive exhibition will be launched at the Cité de l’Espace
from 20th April 2019 on the theme: « MOON: EPISODE II ». 50 years after the very first footsteps
appeared on the Moon, on 20th July 1969, plans for a forthcoming return to the Moon have never
been more relevant. The Cité de l’Espace invites you to start preparing for this new challenge.
How? First of all, by reliving the exploits of Apollo 11 and the first steps taken by Neil Armstrong and
Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’s surface through a retrospective that is brimming with emotion and
memories. This offers a unique way to explore the « dark side » of this global event and the
incredible challenges overcome by the team at NASA 50 years ago. The core of this exhibition will
bring the general public face to face with the lunar environment, a place that is so beautiful and yet
so hostile, and reveal the current challenges that must be solved if there is to be a sustainable human
settlement there. Sensory experiences and surprising challenges are all on the programme! Step
aboard for a lunar voyage that is « Made in the Cité de l’Espace »!
2/ 20th JULY 2019: THE MOON PARTY EVENT MARKS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MANKIND’S FIRST
STEPS ON THE MOON.
From 10am until midnight on Saturday 20th July 2019, the Cité de l’Espace lets you relive this
extraordinary adventure that turned humanity on its head and celebrate 50 years since Mankind’s
very first steps on the Moon.
On the programme: the Cité de l’Espace lets you relive the timeline of the different stages that
allowed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to enjoy a stroll on the Moon at 9:56pm on Saturday 20th
July, U.S time. Entertainments will take place throughout the day to help you understand the key
moments of the lunar voyage, and you can view objects from the period and meet witnesses to this
great human and technological adventure.
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3/ Exceptional: a real size LM (Lunar Module) presented in the gardens of the Cité de l'espace
From July 20 until the end of the MOON EPISODE II exhibition, the Cité de l'Espace will present a real
size LM (Lunar Module), the module that allowed Men to land on the Moon on the 20th of July 1969!
4/ A RICH AND VARIED PROGRAMME OF ENCOUNTERS, FILMS, CONFERENCES, RENDEZVOUS AND
ENTERTAINMENTS BASED ON THE THEME OF THE MOON
Throughout the year, the Cité de l’Espace will present an eclectic and original programme that will
allow everyone to discover the Moon in a new light.
For more information: http://www.cite-espace.com/
4/ TOULOUSE BECOMES THE KINGDOM OF THE BICYCLE IN 2019 WITH 2 KEY EVENTS:
a) A new and original event in Toulouse: 7th April 2019: Toulouse VéloTour 2019
Toulouse hosts this event for the very first time. An unexpected bike tour through various public and
private sites across Toulouse. A 15km to 25km trail with staggered starts between 8am and midday.
Between 4000 and 8000 people are expected. Festive entertainments and decorations. Accessible to
all and also ideal for families. Fancy dress welcome. Web site for organisers coming soon – until then
find details at: https://www.velotour.fr/
b) 17th-18th July 2019: Toulouse hosts a stage of the Tour de France (arrival and departure)
Toulouse will host a stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France, which takes place from 6th to
28th July 2019. Toulouse will host both the arrival of the stage starting in Albi on Wednesday 17th
July at Compans Caffarelli, and the departure of the Thursday 18th July stage at île du Ramier that
passes through Bagatelle and heads to the Pyrenees on its way to Bagnères-de-Bigorre (Hautes-
Pyrénées). The economic revenue from the Tour for the city and the wider urban area is estimated
to be at least half a million Euros. As there is a rest day planned in Albi on Tuesday 16th July, local
tourist revenue could even be double that amount.
https://www.toulouse.fr/web/sports/-/toulouse-ville-etape-du-tour-de-france-2019
c/ The Label Vélo and special offers tailored for lovers of slow tourism from the 3* Hotel Albert 1er
The Hotel Albert 1ER is an independent establishment right in the city centre of Toulouse a stone’s
throw from the Capitole. A well-connected hotel that is attentive to the changing expectations
alternative tourism brings, focusing on providing a change of scenery and getting away from it all, it
combines surprises, authenticity and affordability. The Hotel Albert 1er stands for a different idea of
tourism: slow tourism in an urban area. It invites all of its clients to enjoy an exclusive experience as
they take the time to explore, share and escape thanks to some truly unique moments. This very
central location make it the ideal place to stay in order to fully enjoy, on foot or by bike, the cultural
treasures of Toulouse, its history and heritage, its traditional markets and the local products that
have earned the South-West its gastronomic reputation.
As well as its European Eco-label, the hotel has set up specific offers and services that help guests
slow down and enjoy fresh produce sourced from nearby. Here clients can also find a bike hire
service, a hanging bike rack and the Accueil Vélo label; but also a selection of itinerary maps curated
by the Hotel Albert 1er that take you off the beaten track and meal services at any hour, serving
flavoursome and seasonal dishes in a convivial setting. This friendly hotel has been run by the same
family for 3 generations and is the ideal departure point for a break in Toulouse with family, friends
or that special someone.
https://www.hotel-albert1.com/a-bicyclette/
31/01/195/ A RANGE OF EXHIBITIONS IN THE MUSEUMS, MOST NOTABLY:
2 major exhibitions at the Les Abattoirs museum of modern and contemporary art:
- 15th March – 25th August 2019: Picasso and exile (an exhibition devoted for the very first
time to the relationship between Picasso and the Spanish exiles) as part of the major
international cultural event « Picasso-Mediterranean 2017-2019». Presented across two
floors of Les Abattoirs, it explores how the historic and personal upheaval of exile affected
Picasso and countless other artists who were his contemporaries -
https://www.lesabattoirs.org/expositions/picasso-et-lexil
- 20th September 2019 to 26th January 2020 : Peter Saul – Pop, Funk, Bad and more (more
information to come)
At the Musée Saint-Raymond (museum of archaeology of Toulouse):
22nd February 2019 – 22nd September 2019 (press pack available by request): The Age of Classics!
Antiquity in Pop Culture
May 18, 2019: the "Night of the Superheroes" as part of the night of museums (Batcave in the
basement of the museum, entertainment and surprises will be at the rendezvous!)
https://saintraymond.toulouse.fr
https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/age-classics-l-antiquite-dans-la-culture-
pop/toulouse/fmamid031v50etpx
At The Jacobins Convent:
- Spring / Summer 2019: immersive expo on the cinema experience in partnership with the
Cinémathèque de Toulouse
- + in 2019, an exhibition on the bricks of Toulouse and Hanoi
- The launch of brand new extraordinary visits from the first quarter of 2019, featuring 3
themes and in partnership with the tourist office: Musical, Nocturnal torchlight tour,
Theatrical.
- A range of fun family offers: two new offers including « My Little Discovery Pack » – A
« sensory » family trail for children aged 3 to 7 years + « My Discover Booklet » adapted for
8-12 year olds, as well as the return of the Medieval Rigol’héros game (a cultural game on
your tablet aimed at families / FR, ES and UK).
https://www.jacobins.toulouse.fr
https://www.jacobins.toulouse.fr/visites-extra-ordinaires
At Le Museum de Toulouse
Download the complete programme for the first half of the year, which promises to provide a real
treat for the general public:
https://www.museum.toulouse.fr/documents/10180/175391574/Prog+1er-
semestre2019MuséumVersiondef-BD.pdf/1722b379-f81c-4675-a53f-3d7443f427a7
Up until 30th June 2019: major exhibition « Easter Island, the navel of the world? »
October 2019 to June 2020, the « Extinction » expo on loan from the National History Museum in
London.
https://www.museum.toulouse.fr
At the Quai des Savoirs
Up until 1st September 2019 : Luminopolis ; the escape game exhibition!
Teaser video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U-0YsEQTUM
Luminopolis is a city of knowledge that has crystallised all of its understanding on the theme of light
in one place. Organised as a genuine escape game, you can step into the town itself but only leave
31/01/19once you have solved a number of puzzles. What is light? How does it impact on our daily lives? How
do we share it? As a team, ready-made or put together upon arrival, you must use your brains, team
spirit and curiosity to understand the mechanisms of light and unlock the door that leads to freedom.
Tick-tock... time is of the essence and the stopwatch is running! Can you get out in time?
https://www.quaidessavoirs.fr/-/exposition-luminopolis
April 2019: opening of the Cabanes Numériques, with digital artist Pierre Giner
June: opening of the new Espace Maker
Nov: opening of the Alimentation food expo (co-produced by the Quai des Savoirs).
www.quaidessavoirs.fr
At the Bemberg Foundation (in the Hôtel d’Assézat):
From 22nd February to 2nd June 2019: the Motais de Narbonne Collection: French and Italian paintings
from the XVII and XVIII Centuries.
http://www.fondation-bemberg.fr/fr/exposition_a_venir/prochainement_au_musee-0.html
At the Espace EDF Bazacle :
Until 10th March 2019, the « Electrosound » exhibition explores the universe of sound and light that
is a concert venue.
Remember there are free themed guided visits to explore this site:
- Every weekend at 4pm / Free and independent, no reservation required.
- The former trades of the Garonne :
o 12th & 13th + 26th & 27th January 2019
o 9th & 10th February 2019
o 16th & 17th ; 30th & 31st March 2019
- Quirky Bazacle:
o 19th & 20th January 2019
o 2nd & 3rd ; 16th & 17th February 2019 + 23rd & 24th March 2019
https://www.edf.fr/groupe-edf/producteur-industriel/energies-renouvelables/hydraulique/espace-
edf-bazacle/expositions-et-evenements
At LE MATOU:
Until 10th March 2019: The « Class! » exhibition: a nostalgic look at school desks.
From 12th April until 15th September 2019: « Cappiello; Master of the Poster » exhibition
From 18th Oct 2019 to 8th March 2020: « Perfectly Safe » exhibition at Le MATOU: posters that bring
humour to messages about preventing accidents in the workplace and explicit illustrations.
www.matou.fr
NB: because of renovation works, please note that the Paul Dupuy Museum (precious arts) will be
closed from April to December 2019, the Augustins Museum will be closed from 31st May for at least
6 months and that the Resistance Museum will open again in 2020.
5/ CINÉMA
3rd April 2019: the release of Terra Willy (TAT Productions = based in Toulouse, well known for the
film The Jungle Bunch – you can now enjoy a family trail through Toulouse on this theme) + one
month expo planned for the Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse (with the Natural History Museum of
Toulouse) - http://tatprod.com
6/ A RICH CULTURAL, ARTISTIC AND SPORTING PROGRAMME & COUNTLESS FESTIVALS RIGHT
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
31/01/19For example: The Violet Festival in late January / early February, Carnival (30th March), the Norma
Season at the Théâtre du Capitole (spring), the MAP photography festival in May, the Passe ton Bach
festival (7th 9th June), the Rio Loco festival from 13th to 16th June 2019 – focus on female musicians
from all over the world, The Festoval (15th-16th June), the Marathon des Mots in June-July, Quoi de
Neuf beneath the palm tree (June), an exceptional free concert by the Orchestre National du Capitole
on 12th July + the festivities for the 14th July 2019, Tangopostale in July, the Siestes Électroniques in
June, Toulouse d’été, Toulouse Plages, Piano aux Jacobins (Sept), street art with Open Summer
Festival (June) and Mister Freeze (Sept), pop-up events at the forthcoming La Cartoucherie venue,
Toulouse les Orgues (Sept-Oct), Résidence 1+2 (photograph, opening event on 11th-13th October),
Des Etoiles et des Ailes (Nov), Lumières sur le Quai (28th Nov – 1st Dec), Noel en Scènes, etc.…
Focus on the Rose Béton biennale festival, from April 2019
This biennale dedicated to urban culture and practices in Toulouse returns from April 2019 until
September 2019.
This edition, which is under the artistic direction of Toulouse graffiti artist TILT, will be mentored by
the artist Tania Mouraud. A mural will be unveiled every month across Toulouse, allowing
international artists the chance to give their imagination free rein. To mark this occasion and within
the framework of the twinning of the city with Atlanta, Toulouse will host the artist Hense, among
others, for a creative project in a public space.
Alongside these murals, installations will be visible all over the city, and Les Abattoirs (museum of
modern and contemporary art) will put on an exhibition devoted to the godmother of this year’s
edition and her guests from September 2019 to January 2020. The year to come promises to be full
of art and colour in Toulouse!
https://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/cultures-emergentes/street-art/biennale-rose-beton
Did you know? Graffiti and street art in general has found a happy home here among our walls and in
the current art world. Every year, thanks to its Graff Tour, the Tourist Office lets the people of
Toulouse and its visitors explore the origins and the rules of this urban art form, as well as the artists
that defined Toulouse from the 1990s to the present day. This visit features both a commentary from
a Tourist Office guide as well as anecdotes and details of the techniques involved from a professional
graffiti artist.
(Reservations on line at https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/visites-guidees).
• A « simplified » history : https://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/-/la-naissance-du-graff-a-
toulouse?redirect=%2Fweb%2Fcultures%2Fcultures-emergentes
o + « news for Autumn 2018 » info: https://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/-/le-street-
art-fait-sa-rentree-?redirect=%2F
• Suggestions for artworks and « self-guided » trails (with maps, videos, etc.):
o https://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/-/street-art-galerie-a-ciel-ouvert
o https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/graffs
Focus on the « 14th July » festivities – an artistic event that should not be missed:
The concert by the Orchestre du Capitole under the direction of Tugan Sokhiev on 12th July 2019 on
an open-air stage in the heart of the Prairie des Filtres Park, on the banks of the Garonne. A major
and very popular free event in the heart of the city (info about the programme expected soon).
7/ 1001 FACETS OF THE DESTINATION TOULOUSE
Wine appreciation experiences at N°5 Wine Bar, voted the best wine bar in the world for the 2nd
consecutive year (www.n5winebar.com), the Chapristea cat bar (www.chapristea.com), restaurant
and siesta bar Sixta (http://sixta-toulouse.fr), new accommodation, etc.: there is always a good
reason to come back to Toulouse!
31/01/19Recently opened (2nd half of 2018) or soon to open « foodie » spots:
• La Topina (opening planned for 3rd January 2019 / restaurant and Occitan cultural spot
located under the arches!) : https://latopina.com - https://actu.fr/loisirs-culture/toulouse-
vont-ouvrir-restaurant-arche-pont-saint-pierre_19563120.html
• Les Halles de la Cité (opened 12th December 2018) at the heart of the Théâtre de la
Cité :https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/des-halles-gourmandes-vont-ouvrir-dans-
quartier-tres-branche-toulouse_19855384.html
• Silex & Fourchettes (paleo diet concept / café restaurant serving home-made cuisine that is
gluten and lactose free / opened in November 2018) :
http://www.silexetfourchette.com(https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/restaurant-
dedie-paleo-food-ouvre-plein-centre-toulouse-premiere_19386624.html)
• Sol y Sombra (tapas restaurant-bar / Spanish culture and concerts / open since late October
2018) :https://sol-y-
sombra.eatbu.com and https://www.facebook.com/solysombratoulouse/ -
https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/tapas-plats-espagnols-sangria-diners-concerts-
une-nouvelle-adresse-gourmande-ouvre-toulouse_19323505.html
• Hédone (original concept, one sole large table / opened in August 2018) :
https://www.facebook.com/pg/DIY-
352686678553857/about/?ref=page_internal / https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/ta
ble-geante-unique-plats-serie-ce-nouveau-restaurant-toulouse-veut-vous-
etonner_18206841.html
• Le restaurant sans nom! (opened in September 2018 / very fine cuisine / focused on word of
mouth) :
https://www.instagram.com/lerestaurantsansnom/?utm_source=ig_embed (info :https://act
u.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/cuisine-inventive-bistronomie-restaurant-sans-nom-ouvert-
centre-ville-toulouse_18737138.html)
• Racine Café (bistro gastronomy restaurant and coffee house / opened in October
2018) : http://www.racinecafe.fr / https://actu.fr/occitanie/colomiers_31149/fois-epicerie-
cantine-nouvel-etablissement-mise-produits-locaux-pres-toulouse_18665578.html
• Le Lounge Bello & Angeli, tea room area, boutique by leading chocolatiers and ice cream
producers Bello & Angeli (opened late November 2018) : https://www.belloangeli.fr (in
addition to their other boutiques and their workshop)
• Maison Bellocq tasting space (opened in October 2018) :
http://www.bernieshoot.fr/2018/10/nouvel-espace-degustation-poissonnerie-bellocq-
toulouse.html
• ErneST, the first food concept store of the Stade Toulousain rugby club (delicatessen,
boutique, café, fast food, event spaces and co-working areas):
https://www.stadetoulousain.fr/actu/8436/ca-ouvre-aujourdhui-ernest-le-food-concept-du-
stade-toulousain?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Lancement%20ErneST
• Delicatessen-canteen Minjat (opened September 2018 / locally sourced produce):
https://www.facebook.com/minjatcolomiers/?ref=br_rs / https://actu.fr/occitanie/colomier
s_31149/fois-epicerie-cantine-nouvel-etablissement-mise-produits-locaux-pres-
toulouse_18665578.html
• Level Up (opened in October 2018 / bar-restaurant: the novels of Jules Verne, video games,
workshops, pop culture) : https://fr-fr.facebook.com/LevelUpToulouse/ -
https://actu.fr/loisirs-culture/jeux-video-pop-culture-cocktails-burgers-nouveau-bar-
restaurant-ouvre-toulouse_18889148.html
• Do It Yourself (Make-your-own pizzeria and salad bar / opened in August 2018) :
https://www.facebook.com/pg/DIY-
31/01/19352686678553857/about/?ref=page_internal / https://actu.fr/occitanie/toulouse_31555/d
o-it-yourself-nouvelle-pizzeria-toulouse-client-met-main-pate_18636004.html /
Not to mention the restaurant Le Cénacle (in the hotel La Cour des Consuls 5 *) which was awarded
a 1st Michelin star in January 2019:
http://www.cite-hotels.com/hotels/la-cour-des-consuls-hotel/le-cenacle/
Examples of other spots offering unusual activities:
- Concept store and art gallery Artopic Gallery (opened in October 2018):
https://www.artopic-gallery.com/a-propos
- Karnage Club (opened in November 2018), the very first smash room in Toulouse where you
can release your rage and throw some axes! www.karnage-club.fr
- Eurêkafé (opened in April 2018), a « café of curiosities », fun and family-friendly/convivial,
quirky and devoted to making science easy to access, also featuring a co-working area:
www.eurekafe.fr
Notable new hotel openings:
Opened since the end of 2018:
- 3* Mama Shelter Toulouse (whose rooftop area will open mid-2019) :
https://www.mamashelter.com/fr/toulouse
- 4* NH Hôtel Toulouse Airport : https://www.nh-hotels.fr/hotel/nh-toulouse-airport
Renovation work ongoing – continuing into 2019:
- 2* Hôtel Saint-Claire: soon to reopen after having been entirely renovated with new decor
with an Occitan motif - http://www.stclairehotel.fr
- 3* Hôtel Albert 1er : the renovation of its rooms continues / www.hotel-albert1.com
- 4* Hôtel Mercure Compans Caffarelli: renovation of the reception hall and the restaurant /
https://www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-1585-hotel-mercure-toulouse-centre-
compans/index.shtml
+ Projected opening in October 2019: in the heart of the Château de la Mounède, situated near the
Lardenne quarter and the Lac de la Ramée, a new international centre for breaks with a dual
vocation: accommodation site and restaurant (for school groups, families, children, students,
pilgrims, cyclists…) and cultural venue.
8/ TWO OPENINGS OF COOKERTY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING ONE BY FAMOUS MICHELIN STAR CHEF
THIERRY MARX!
a) The establishment and opening in June 2019 of the « Cuisine Mode d’emploi(s) » school by
Thierry Marx, a project that will occupy 1,200m2 within the Grand Marché (= a market of national
interest) of Toulouse (his 1st school within the Occitanie region). A teaching restaurant and bakery, it
will allow curious gusts and gourmets from everywhere to discover the results of the lessons taught
by this chef who is extremely socially committed. https://www.cuisinemodemplois.com
b) Opening during the 1st half of 2019 of a barge that is especially dedicated to cookery courses
(more information to come / under the same ownership and management as the Samsara barge -
http://www.samsara.fr) at the Port de l’Embouchure / Canal du Midi.
31/01/199/ NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR VISITS – DISCOVERIES
Guided visits from the Tourist Office of Toulouse; download the programme and explore events
and visits for all the family that are often unexpected and quirky:
https://cdt31.media.tourinsoft.eu/upload/Toulouse-visites-guidees-1.pdf
Artistic and cultural « encounter »:
Rendezvous at Sébastien Langloÿs’ workshop (in the heart of the Les Carmes quarter) to explore
Toulouse through the eyes of an exceptional artist with a sparkling personality that is committed to
bringing the very best out of everyone! Sébastien Langloÿs is an award-winning French artist,
sculptor and designer who has been based in Toulouse for 15 years. He has created a number of
busts and sculptures for the city as well as private commissions...Among his main creations you will
find statues of the emblematic figures of Toulouse, such as Carlos Gardel (Compans Caffarelli
quarter), Claude Nougaro (at the foot of the Donjon du Capitole), Frédéric Mistral, Paul Sabatier, and
many other like René Goscinny, Le Pêcheur and La Ramendeuse, the monumental work entitled
Regards d'Enfants, as well as the identification cards used by the Senate...and a series of portraits
relating to encounters and journeys…
What are his forthcoming projects in 2019? A tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry of course!
Watching him work, taking part in the stages of modelling regardless of your ability, or specific
activities for the press by request, his work as an ambassador / guide for his quarter of Les Carmes or
in the centre of Toulouse: encounters, apprenticeships as well as joyful artistic and cultural
experiences are on the agenda.
www.langloys-sculpteur.com
River tourism:
Bateaux Toulousains will acquire a traditional Gabare boat in 2019 (capacity: 75 passengers) and can
therefore offer new cruises from July to September on the Canal du Midi (duration 1h / embarking at
the Port Saint-Sauveur). They can also offer different types of cruises on the River Garonne and Canal
de Brienne from July to October thanks to their other vessels (Le Capitole and Baladine / capacity:
150 passengers each).
www.bateaux-toulousains.com
Sports tourism:
Already renowned for tourism products that focus on savoir-faire (Airbus, Veolia, Dépêche du Midi,
the Grand Marché in Toulouse, the forthcoming MEETT exhibitions park and convention centre,
Aeroscopia Museum…), the Manatour group can now offer an unusual visit dedicated to discovering
the Stadium de Toulouse (situated on Île du Ramier / associated with the TFC football club / an
iconic venue for the rugby and football World Cups and even some major concerts, such as
forthcoming events by Bigflo and Oli in May 2019). It will also soon be able to offer tours at the
Ernest Wallon Stadium, so emblematic for the famous Stade Toulousain rugby team.
www.manatour.fr
« Gourmet / Terroir » tourism:
With Taste of Toulouse, Jessica Hammer now provides gastronomic trails that combine exploring of
the market (currently Victor Hugo), tastings of multiple products/wines of the terroir and encounters
with artisans. « Chocolate and patisseries » versions will soon be available in 2019. Languages
available for visits: English. Private visits by request - www.tasteoftoulouse.com
Heritage tourism – focus on the renovation of Saint-Sernin Basilica:
31/01/19A jewel of Toulouse’s heritage, the basilica of Saint-Sernin is undergoing ambitious renovation works
led by the Mayor of Toulouse that aim to fully restore this remarkable monument’s original beauty.
The work currently being done in the building’s north transept will allow medieval paintings dating
from 1180 to be restored. These mural paintings were whitewashed over during the XVII Century and
then again in the XIX Century. The most spectacular of these paintings was discovered in 1972, and is
known as the Cycle of the Resurrection.
Despite regular and significant alterations being carried out, this decor that covers the complete
upper section of the wall in five panels will soon be visible in its entirety. In autumn 2018 the Mayor
of Toulouse commissioned meticulous restoration works with the aim of restoring it to its former
glory. This Romanesque painting of exceptional quality will therefore be presented to visitors to the
basilica in early 2019.
The Mayor of Toulouse will then launch a major project to restore the northern façade of the basilica
and the crypt, as well as cleaning the headstones of the crypt. This initial series of works will begin in
January 2019 alongside the renovation works that are currently being undertaken to recover the
cloister that is not currently visible. From May to October 2019 the crypt, which houses the tomb of
the Counts of Toulouse in the southern part of the transept, will be restored. The headstones in the
crypts, to the north and south of the nave, will also be cleaned.
These works form part of the management plan for the basilica of Saint-Sernin, which has been listed
as World Heritage for the last 20 years as part of the « Ways of St James », and within the framework
of the improvements being carried out on the Place Saint-Sernin.
http://www.basilique-saint-sernin.fr/site/basilique-romane/esprit-du-lieu/visites-spirituelles.htm
https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/la-basilique-saint-sernin
Contacts: Tourist Office / Toulouse Métropole Development Agency
Square du Général Charles de Gaulle - BP 38001
31080 Toulouse Cedex 6 – France
Tel. from France: 0892 180 180 (0.45€ TTC/min)
Tel. From abroad: +33 540 131 531 / Fax: +33 561 23 74 97
Email: infos@toulouse-tourisme.com / Web: www.toulouse-tourisme.com
Keep up to date on all the tourism news for Toulouse on social media
With the hashtag #visiteztoulouse
on Twitter and Instagram with @visiteztoulouse (FR) or @visittoulouse (UK)
on Facebook : www.facebook.com/Toulouse.tourisme (FR)
on www.facebook.com/TurismoToulouse (ES)
on Pinterest with « visitez toulouse ! » : www.pinterest.com/visiteztoulouse/
Press contacts:
Mélissa BUTTELLI (key markets: France, Spain, Italy, BENELUX, Canada, China, South Korea)
Direct Tel: +33 561 11 02 36 / Email: m.buttelli@toulouseatout.com
Marine ESCH (key markets: UK, Germany, USA, Japan, Switzerland, Austria / Central Europe, Israel)
Direct Tel: +33 534 25 58 21 / Email: m.esch@toulouseatout.com
Toulouse Métropole Development Agency press page:
https://www.toulouseatout.com/pour-la-presse
31/01/19+ Tourist Office of Toulouse press page: https://www.toulouse-visit.com/press
For the most comprehensive information and detailed listings of events, festivals and exhibitions,
head to:
www.toulouse-tourisme.com/agenda
http://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/festivals
For details on the « Toulouse savoirs et imaginaires, - perspectives culturelles 2017-2020 » project,
information and brochures are available at: http://www.toulouse.fr/web/cultures/projet-culturel
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