Local Living France: Toulouse

Arrive at any time. Meet your fellow travellers at an evening welcome meeting, then set off with your CEO to explore Toulouse on a short orientation walk.
Welcome to Toulouse, nicknamed "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) in response to the prevalent pink bricks. As fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until a group meeting this evening. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city before connecting with your fellow travel mates and enjoying an orientation walk with your CEO.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a pleasant CEO-led walk by the Garonne river and explore the heart of Toulouse; the Basilica of Saint Sernin, a stunning, romantic church and an important stop on the Santiago de Compostela.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Set off on foot to discover the neighbourhoods and food scene of Toulouse like a local. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Victor Hugo Market and sample some of the most mouth-watering treats and fresh ingredients around. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore some of the city's many highlights, museums and parks.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Experience the best of Toulouse’s food scene with a relaxed guided walking tour through the city followed by visit to the bustling Marché Victor Hugo. Enjoy generous tastings from top vendors while discovering the market's history and culture before it gets too crowded. The tour wraps up in time for you to stay and enjoy lunch at the market or nearbyFree_time - There's plenty to see and do: now is your time to explore.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Climb aboard a local train this morning and set off through vineyards and olive groves for Carcassonne, a beautifully preserved medieval city known as "La Cité." Head out on foot on a walking tour of the area to learn about what makes it so special before some free time to explore on your own. Return by train to Toulouse in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Set off on foot from the Pont Vieux, the the “parcours du coeur”, and experience why walkers and joggers love this stretch so much. Witness the Ile de la Cité and the banks of the River Aude and take in beautiful views of the Citadel of Carcassonne. This walk takes place on a flat, easy path.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Set off again by local train for the short trip to Albi, an historic town located on the Tarb River. Discover Albi's charm and history as you walk along its medieval streets lined with beautiful buildings and intricate architecture. Enjoy some free time to choose from some of the many wonderful restaurants and cafes or to walk along the river before returning to Toulouse for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Join your CEO on a walk through Albi. See the imposing Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world and also the largest fully painted cathedrals in Europe. Continue through the medieval Old Town to view the Palais de la Berbie, a fortified palace that once serviced as the residence of the bishops of Albi, and now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec MuseumTransport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Set off today for Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France. This quaint town is nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees mountains, at the base of the Pic du Jer. Head off on a walking tour and discover the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, visiting the sanctuary and the grotto. Enjoy free time to explore the town before returning to Toulouse in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Explore Lourdes on a guided walk and learn a little more about the city known as one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.Activity - The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic complex and famous pilgrimage site. The complex of churches was built on the site where it's said that Bernadette Soubirous experienced apparitions in 1858. The Grotto of Massabielle specifically is said to be the location where apparitions occurred.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Take advantage of a full free day in Toulouse to explore on your own or relax in one of the city's many charming cafes to watch the world go by. Perhaps visit the Cité de l'Espace, Halle de la Machine, or the Aeroscopia experience, or join your CEO on a trip to Foix, a medieval gem said to be the gateway to the Pyrenees and home to the largest navigable subterranean river in Europe. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a full free day in Toulouse to explore on your own.Accommodation - Hotel Heliot Toulouse

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.