In contrast to the busy Old Quarter of Toulouse, this area is more modern but just as fascinating, with a university campus and a factory where famous aircraft are made.
Toulouse West, along the western bank of the Garonne, is the perfect place for lovers of modern French architecture. The architects and planners of the area have been able to experiment, resulting in an interesting mixture of building styles from the early 20th century to today. Go on a walking or driving tour to explore the parks and neighbourhoods that make this area one of the most distinctive in southern France.
With more open space than the eastern side of Toulouse, Toulouse West is the perfect place to take in some fresh air. Explore the hidden Parc de Reynerie and its attached castle, whose artificial lake and French-style gardens are the perfect place to spend a few hours. The Reynerie castle was created by Comte du Barry, whose name was given to the Jardin du Barry. With its children’s playground, this garden is a lovely spot for a family picnic. At Garden Golf Toulouse play some holes amid an oak forest on ancient farmland.
Admire the modern architecture of the Mirail quarter, home to the University of Toulouse II, the university’s humanities campus. Be inspired by the Le Corbusier-inspired buildings, then go all the way back in time to the Roman Amphitheatre at Purpan, which was once the recreation centre of ancient Tolosa. Duck under the narrow brick archways or jog along the 200-foot (63-metre) long walls.
The Roman ampitheater may have been abandoned long ago, but you can get a sense of the atmosphere that must have existed there at the thoroughly modern Hippodrome de la Cépière, where horse races happen all week long. Even more modern is the technology you will see on a tour of the Airbus headquarters.
Toulouse West is easily accessible from the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which is located in the area. Toulouse’s metro and bus systems crisscross the area, making it easy to get from one end to the other. Cars can be rented from the airport or from the Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau across the river, a 15-minute drive from the start of Toulouse West.
