Toulouse, France is a beautiful city in a country rich with history. Toulouse is situated in Southern France, on the banks of the Garonne River and halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in all of Europe. In fact, it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in France.

If your travels originate from outside France, we recommend flying into Charles deGaulle airport in Paris. Toulouse is a seventy (70) minute plane ride, a (5) five-hour high-speed train ride or a (9) nine-hour car ride from Paris. Please note this when making your flight arrangements as it will provide a much smoother airport transfer process.

There is a six-hour (6) time difference between Toulouse and New York City, NY. Toulouse is nine hours ahead of California and one hour ahead of the UK. Toulouse’s climate is similar to the Eastern US. If you attended IFATS 2007, the weather should be similar. We recommend traveling with a light to medium jacket and multiple layers of clothing for your optimal comfort.

Toulouse’s currency is the Euro. Today, the Euro is trading approximately at 1 Euro to 1.57 USD. This is an important consideration when budgeting for your trip and we have included a currency calculator on the site for your convenience.

Reasons To Visit Toulouse France in October 2008

10. High-tech industry town: Hub of France's aerospace industry, biotechnology and high tech research and development.

9. Ideal climate: The climate in Toulouse is temperate: like the climate throughout Southern France, it is very pleasant. Winters are mild, summers are long and hot, the autumns are sunny.

8. Safe city: Toulouse is known to be a safe city. You can walk and go out any time, day or night, and will always feel safe.

7. Cosmopolitan atmosphere and friendliness of the people: Toulousans are very nice and open people. They will always enjoy helping you if you get lost or even inviting you to join them in the lively nightlife of the many restaurants and bars of Toulouse.

6. Authentic French spirit: In Toulouse you can still experience how the typical French live and share with them in their way of life. Don't miss attending a rugby match at the "Stade Toulousain" or going shopping in the "vieille ville" on Saturday morning.

5. Ideal geographic location: Near the medieval town Carcassonne, near Albi, with its colorful cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec museum, near picturesque mediaeval villages such as Cordes, the castle of Montsegur and the remains of Cathar strongholds. Near the Pyrenees, Catalonia, Mediterranean and the Basque country.

4. Key location to discover South West French cuisine: Enjoy a cassoulet with a bottle of Gaillac!

3. Rich cultural heritage: Toulouse has much to offer in the way of cultural experiences: Basilique St. Sernin, Cathedral of St. Etienne, the Capitole... Not to miss: attending the many cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year in Toulouse (Rio Loco, Le Printemps de septembre, …), as well as theatre, dance, opera and the several cinemas with their wide selection of International and French films.

2. Being the 4th largest city in France, Toulouse has the perfect balance: the city keeps its "small town" spirit but you will discover a rich history and culture, a very active nightlife and everything a big city has to offer.

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1. IFATS08