Known as the ‘Pink City’ thanks to its weather-beaten redbrick buildings, Toulouse is one of France’s largest cities. Pick up your Avis car rental at Toulouse Matabiau Train Station and head straight to Toulouse.

We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

From Toulouse Matabiau Train Station, drive 5 minutes via Allée Jean Jaurès and you’ll arrive in central Toulouse. This is the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees region, and just 100km from Spain’s border. In many ways - especially with its architecture - Toulouse looks more Spanish than French.

Spend some time wandering the streets, taking in the beautiful pink buildings and roads. Much of the brickwork here has faded over the years, giving Tolouse its nickname. The focal point is the Place du Capitole, a stunning square overlooked by the town hall. Visit the frescoed ceiling of the Carmelite Chapel, a 17th century building. Then onwards to the Romanesque St Sernin Basilica, a waypoint on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Go shopping along Rue Peyrolieres. Stop for dinner somewhere around the Place St Pierre to take in the lights along the Garonne river. Visit Allées Franҫois Verdier park, next to the flea market where you can shop for great vintage wares. For a cultural experience, spend time at the Musée des Augustins, home to some of the region’s best gothic and Renaissance artworks. There’s also a well-manicured garden to spend time in.

Frequent renters get upgraded – and additional days for free – by signing up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.
 

If you have a love of history, Toulouse and its surroundings will delight you.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne can be reached via the A61 from Toulouse, and it takes just over an hour to get there. This historic city is known for its Unesco World Heritage-listed medieval fortress and the striking Châteaux de Lastours, sitting atop a cliff. There are plenty of opportunities to pause for gourmet French food along the way.

Albi

Take the A68 from Toulouse and in less than an hour you’ll arrive in Albi, a small town with a Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town. The Albi Cathedral is an important historical landmark here, as well as the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Here you’ll learn about the town’s legendary artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Lourdes

Lourdes is under two hours’ drive from Toulouse on the A64. This large town in the French Pyrenees is a place of spirituality, and the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. Set aside time to explore the religious sights of the town, which include a Grotto and numerous churches (known as the Sanctuaries). The Rosary Basilica is a must-see. And if you’re not here for piety, head for the city’s marketplace, which Lourdes is known for, and the Hotel de Ville.

Experience the historical delights of Toulouse and the region beyond with your Avis hire car.