Toulouse, capital of the Occitanie region, is a dynamic city with an exceptional cultural and historical heritage. A European metropolis and flagship of the space and aeronautics industries, Toulouse is a warm and engaging place, associated with rugby, the emblematic sport of the southwest. This makes it an ideal city for hosting conferences that are both ambitious and friendly.
Toulouse, the unique experience of the great Occitan metropolis
Toulouse, a destination with character
In 2023, having added several remarkable sites to its World Heritage List, UNESCO once again honoured Toulouse with the “Creative City” label.
The award testifies to Toulouse’s cultural vitality.
From the Place du Capitole to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, from the Hôtel-Dieu to the Canal du Midi, not forgetting the 23 parks and gardens that freshen up the city, Toulouse offers an exceptional quality of life, which appeals to the many visitors who undergo the “Toulouse experience” every year.
Toulouse, a powerful economic, space and scientific centre
With its many head offices and research institutes, Toulouse is a major economic centre. The aerospace and aeronautics industry alone is worth €40 billion and employs 130,000 people in the Toulouse area.
Another emblem of innovation in Toulouse is Oncopole, a world-renowned research centre known for its work on cancer research.
Scientific expertise, a skilled workforce and technological innovation are just some of the assets that make Toulouse such an attractive location for business leaders and decision-makers.
Toulouse, a vibrant city of sport and culture
Bright and bubbly, the pink city is teeming with cultural and sports activities. You can’t mention the city without mentioning Stade Toulousain and Antoine Dupont, captain of the rugby team and the best player in the world. When you go to see a match at the Stade Ernest Wallon, you really feel the soul of the city. It’s a must.
But while rugby is king in Toulouse, the city is also alive with football, basketball, horse racing, golf, climbing, rowing, etc.
With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, outdoor activities are a natural fit here. It’s anideal setting for organising a programme of activities to complement a seminar or conference programme.
When it comes to culture, the brand new Halle de la Machine and its spectacular creatures, and the Cité de l’Espace and its edutainment discoveries are not to be missed.
There’s also the Musée des Augustins, dedicated to medieval and Renaissance art, and Les Abattoirs, a former abattoir that has been converted into a museum of modern and contemporary art. All these unusual venues make up an eclectic and dazzling artistic palette, perfect for adding a cultural touch to a conference or convention.
Toulouse, a land of gastronomy and conviviality
Give honour where honour is due! Cassoulet is the city’s iconic dish. With its own image, it is tasty, friendly and generous. It can be enjoyed in many of the city’s restaurants.
Also worth discovering are Toulouse violets, with their delicious petals crystallised in sugar, liquorice cachous in their famous yellow box, and Briques du Capitole, delicious puff pastry sweets, in a gourmet nod to the bricks that inspired the nickname of the Pink City.
The city is bursting with top chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as some great distinctive locations, riverside cafés, wine bars and tapas bars.
The pleasures of the table and conviviality are all part of the conference experience. These are also values supported by Toulouse.
Facilities designed to host conferences, seminars and corporate events
As a European capital, Toulouse is easily accessible from many French and international destinations. More than 100 destinations are served fromToulouse Blagnac airport.
High-quality multimodal accessibility
The capital of the Occitan region boasts an ultra-modern public transport network, with a strong emphasis on soft mobility. Tram, metro, bus, bike, carpooling – the solutions work seamlessly to offer visitors an eco-responsible way to explore the city.
For those who want to travel along the Garonne and admire its famous Napoleonic bridge, free bike rides are organised by the city’s Tourist Office.
Variety and comfort: tailored accommodation solutions
For conferences lasting several days, Toulouse offers a wide range of accommodation suited to business tourism.
Hotels of every category, tourist residences, bed and breakfasts… Depending on the budget per delegate, it is possible to put together top-of-the-range, unusual or classic accommodation solutions to ensure maximum comfort for all delegates.
With its beautiful setting, temperate climate, dynamic economy and capacity to accommodate a wide range of visitors, Toulouse is a destination of choice for all those involved in the MICE sector.