Attractions & Map

The Grand Hotel de l'Opera has the most prestigious address in the city. At 1, Place du Capitole, it overlooks this vast and grandiose square and lies just a stone's throw from the famous landmark Capitole building. It is also close to the city's finest example of evolving architecture, the Romanesque Basilique St-Sernin on nearby rue du Taur. France's fourth largest metropolitan area is an interesting mix of universities, industry and tourism boasting a pleasant situation alongside the Garonne River and the world renowned Canal du Midi.

The pink buildings synonymous with Toulouse have given the city the affectionate name Ville Rose and visitors will agree that sunsets here are spectacularly pretty. The old capital of Languedoc, Toulouse is the gateway to the Pyrenees and is the major city of the southwest region of France known as the Midi-Pyrénées. The Grand Hotel de l'Opera is ideally placed to make the most of the region's natural wonders and is within walking distance of mediaeval Toulouse with its rich assortment of Gothic churches and other interesting architectural gems.

Airbus Assembly Halls
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A trip to the Airbus Assembly Halls is a unique experience to gain an insight into the construction and testing of the airbus A380 and the Concorde series N°1. Visitors will learn about the history of Concorde, one of the greatest and most challenging technological advances, and its external economic influences on many industrial and commercial sectors. Concorde N°1 flew from 1973 to 1985 and was also used as a presidential aircraft; ‘...a mythical aircraft, a unique tour!’ (www.taxiway.fr) tours begin in the ‘Boarding Room’ and include a drive around the Toulouse-Blagnac runways.

Space Experience
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Cite de l’Espace is a fantastic attraction for the whole family, offering numerous interactive and exciting activities for kids of all ages. There is a Small Astronauts’ Square, which offers a special play area for very small children and all sorts of attractions such as the IMAX cinema and Planetarium for all to enjoy. An exact replica of Mir and other life-size spacecrafts give everyone the opportunity to learn what is like to be aboard a spaceship. An educational and stellar experience, providing more than 250 exhibits to stimulate and feed the imagination.

Saint Sernin Basilica

Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque building is considered to be the largest in Europe. Unlike earlier churches, it is constructed entirely from brick in a cruciform. The bell tower and radiating chapels, and two large decorative doorways create add to its more individual architectural style. As a frequent stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostelo, this church holds many beautiful relics that can be viewed by visitors to the chapels.

Jacobins Monastery
Originally home to the Dominican order founded in 1275, the Jacobins Monastery was built in several stages, and completed in the early 14th century. It is an architectural gem of the Languedoc. Visitors can expect to marvel at the fantastic vaulted roof and a series of beautiful arches in the cloister. The colors used to decorate these astounding interiors provide a remarkable lightness, in contrast to the darker and more austere exterior architecture.

Théâtre du Capitole
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The Italian baroque-style Théâtre du Capitole was built in 1753 and has recently undergone extensive renovation and refurbishment. This premier concert hall is home to one of France's most prestigious operatic companies and the Toulouse Symphony Orchestra. Ballet, plays, music recitals and chamber music concerts are also part of the extensive program of events.