TOULOUSE VISITORS GUIDE 2014-2015 Welcome to Toulouse Business School..Welcome to Toulouse! TBS International Student Office international.tbs@tbs-education.fr 1
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 Places to Visit from Toulouse... 18 2
INTRODUCTION Toulouse is a vibrant student city full of life, history and culture. The 2 nd 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 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. 3
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 palmtree, 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 4
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. La Couleur de la Culotte Chez Tonton Le St. des Seins 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. 5
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 6
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. 7
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: lapetiteitalie@neuf.fr 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: borriquito-loco@orange.fr Website: www.restaurant-borriquito.com Price: Fixed menu from 12 to 28 8
RESTAURANT CHEZ JULES Speciality: Meat dishes 25 rue Gabriel Péri, 31000 Toulouse, Tel : 05 62 73 12 02 Metro: Jean-Jaurès Email : chez.jules@wanadoo.fr 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: restoadong@yahoo.fr 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: roni_toto@hotmail.com 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: c.carles@club-internet.fr 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. 9
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 Cinema Utopia: 24 rue Montardy 05.61.23.66.20 Metro: Capitole Student fare: 6 National cinema website: http://www.allocine.fr/ SHOWS AND CONCERTS HALLE AUX GRAINS: Place Dupuy 05.61.62.02.70 CAVE POESIE: 71 rue du Taur 05.61.23.62.00 BIKINI: Rue Hermès, 31520 Ramonville 05.61.55.00.29 SALLE NOUGARO: 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 10
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 11
CULTURAL SITES ENSEMBLE CONVENTUEL DES JACOBINS Rue Lakanal, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 21 92 Metro: Capitole Email: jacobins@mairie-toulouse.fr 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. 12
THE BASILICA OF SAINT-SERNIN Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 21 70 18 / 05 61 21 80 4 Metro: Capitole Email: basilique-saint-sernin@wanadoo.fr 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: augustins@mairie-toulouse.fr; 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: lesabattoirs@lesabattoirs.org Website: www.lesabattoirs.org Opening hours: From 11.00 to 19.00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 1 January, 1 May and 25 December Entrance: 6. 13
THE SAINT-RAYMOND MUSEUM Toulouse Antiques museum Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, Tel: 05 61 22 31 44 Metro: Capitole Email: saint-raymond@mairie-toulouse.fr 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: accueil@mairie-toulouse.fr 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. 14
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-voustoulouse-!,e1123 TOULOUSE CULTURE - 7 (ADULT)/5 (UNDER 25) Valid from September 1st until August 31 st, 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 JEUNES 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. For further information: www.toulouse.fr/cultures/offres/le-chequier-toulouse-jeunes 15
METRO AND TRAM MAP 16
METRO LINES A AND B 17
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! 18
TBS International Student Office Jourdain building, TBS downtown campus Tel. +33 (0)561 294 705 international.tbs@tbs-education.fr 19