Dear Member /Associate,
The city of Toulouse can trace its origins as far back as the 8th century BC. There was a major Roman town with aquaducts, a sewage system, theatres, a forum, and baths. The christian community began to expand under Saint Saturnin (locally known as Saint Sernin), who was the first bishop of Toulouse, martyred in about 250 AD. The present basilica was built on the site of the 4th century abbey which contained his relics.
Over the centuries, the history of Toulouse has followed most of the complexities of French history. Its monuments, culture, language, and its old town layout still reflect much of that. The greatly expanded modern city now encompasses much of the present age, exemplified by the Airbus sites around the airport.
We invite you to join us for all or any part of a two day visit which will include both old and new. We propose to meet on Wednesday 17th June for lunch at Au Pois Gourmand, a restaurant with a riverside terrace on the bank the Garonne tucked away in Purpan, close to Blagnac and the airport. Au Pois Gourmand offers a lunchtime menu “Marché” at € 35.
In the afternoon, (or even in the morning if preferred), there is opportunity to visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum, or to take a tour to one of the Airbus manufacture sites in the airport within the Airbus secure zone.
Aeroscopia contains a section on the early history of flight in which the French were much involved (think of Louis Blériot and the cross-channel competition) and a large selection of planes both commercial and military, new and old. Concorde features prominently.
In the evening of 17th June, we propose to gather at one of the cafés of the Place du Capitole, but you will be welcome to do as you please.
In the morning of Thursday 18th June, there will be a guided tour of Saint Sernin and its immediate locality which includes a number of significant religious and civic historical monuments and hôtels particuliers.
Lunch will be at the restaurant Aux Pieds sous la Table, a short walk from Saint Sernin. Aux Pieds sous la Table offers a lunchtime menu at € 25.
The afternoon and evening can be spent as you please. Of particular interest are the enormous Henri Martin canvasses at the Capitole; the Fondation Bemberg, which contains an exceptional private art collection spanning 5 centuries and including more than 30 works of the post-impressionist and Nabi master, Pierre Bonnard; or you may simply wish to wander the maze of small streets of the old centre of Toulouse down the the Quai de la Daurade on the bank of the Garonne, which considerable public protest succeeded to preserve from development and roaring traffic.
Travel and transport
Traffic in central Toulouse and around the périphérique can be a challenge, particularly at rush-hour times. The most obvious parking in the centre is the Indigo parking at Place du Capitole which can be booked in advance via the Indigo app. Access to this requires braving the pedestrianised area around the Capitole. Not far away is the Indigo parking at Jean Jaurès which normally has spaces.
Au Pois Gourmand has plenty of parking available, as does Aeroscopia. Reaching the restaurant from the A620 is manageable from junction 29, just south-west of the Garonne bridge, but a GPS is strongly recommended. Tramways and one-way systems make the short car trip from Purpan to Aeroscopia somewhat complicated.
Aeroscopia is easily accessed from la Voie Lactée (M902) at the junction of the N224.
Hotels in central Toulouse are abundant for those wishing to stay overnight. Summer can be busy with tourists, so do not wait too long to book.
For anyone travelling by public transport, Au Pois Gourmand is not far from the Purpan stop on the T1 tramline. The penultimate station on the T1 line, Beauzelle-Aeroscopia, is just 10-15 minutes walk along a dedicated path. The end of the line station, AeroConstellation, is marginally closer, but requires perilous navigation across the Milky Way (la Voie Lactée), the M902.
From/to Toulouse, change on the T1 line at Arènes for Capitole or Marengo (Matabiau) on line A. Both lines have a frequency of about 10 minutes. Google indicates a total journey time of about an hour.
Bookings and notes:
The website for Au Pois Gourmand is: https://www.pois-gourmand.fr
The site for Aux Pieds sous la Table is: https://auxpiedssouslatable.fr/
The standard ticket price for Aeroscopia is € 16. Seniors should be able to obtain a reduced rate of € 13. We will ask you to make your own booking through the official site:
https://manatour-toulouse.recreatex.be/Exhibitions/register?id=a20434fc-95ea-ee11-9597-f404a74d0f39
Airbus manufacture tours can be booked through the same website:
Note that the Airbus visit requires ID and a sign-in at the Aeroscopia museum reception in good time before the visit is due to start.
The cost of the guided tour of Saint Sernin etc. will depend partly on numbers, but you can allow about € 10-15 for a two hour visit. Further details will follow when we have confirmed numbers.
Please can you complete the tick-box questionnaire below as soon as is practical (certainly if you plan to join us) so that we can finalise details in good time. Don’t forget to press or click the Submit button at the end. Alternatively, you can email mark.galloway@orange.fr or info@ousswfrance.com with the answers.
We hope you will be able to join us. As usual, partners and friends will be welcome.
The Committee, 21st May 2026