Surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in France, Toulouse is the perfect base for a motorhome rental and holiday. The city of Toulouse, nicknamed ‘La Ville Rose’ for its rosy roofs and red-brick mansions, sits at the foot of the mighty, snow-capped Pyrénées Mountains, right between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
A juxtaposition of history and modernity, the architecture of Toulouse dates back to medieval times with beautiful stonework, while the city has an eye for the future – the Toulouse Space Centre is a popular tourist attraction. Likewise the street art is a mix of classical sculptures and vibrant graffiti murals.
Toulouse campervan hire – well-established and local brands
Toulouse is a hub for motorhome rentals and offers various options to suit your needs. At Motorhome Republic we gather all of these choices in one list for you to compare Toulouse campervan rental companies. Everything you need to know is right there on the results page.
French campervan adventures are a romantic and stunning way to see this beautiful country. You can hire a large RV-styled vehicle for the whole family, or potter about in a smaller converted van, stopping in at French campsites along the way for showers and all the necessary facilities.
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Beyond the fortified walls – road trips from Toulouse
With a motorhome rental in Toulouse, you are free to explore the beautiful region nearby. Toulouse is a perfect distance away from many other cities and towns, so pack the camper and head off on a road trip.
The Cité de Carcassonne is one of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities in Europe. It’s only 95km from Toulouse and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stone turrets and spires have seen a plethora of empires, crusades, wars and revolutions. Stroll the cobbled streets and delve into a traditional cassoulet.
The city of Lourdes is another hour up the road in the campervan and is a photogenic and spectacular city. The Virgin Mary apparition of 1858 has been well-documented and thousands make the pilgrimage every year. Today, Lourdes is one of France’s leading tourist resorts. Take a visit to the Grotto of Massabielle, said to have healing powers in the water, or explore the lake just minutes from the city centre.
On the banks of The Agout River, 82km east of Toulouse, is the fortified hilltop town of Castres. The architecture along the riverside is suspended over water. Visit the Goya Museum, home to the largest collection of Spanish art in France. Much-loved Bordeaux is south-east of Toulouse. The city is best known for its red and white wine, but the extraordinary Gothic cathedrals and 18th century mansions are worth a visit too.
Around 155km from Toulouse is the gateway to the Pyrenees – Tarbes. The snow-capped mountains provide spectacular panoramas during the winter months. Visit the stunning city of Albi with its famous cathedral and collection of Toulouse-Lautrec paintings. Or visit the charming medieval town of Cordes.
From Toulouse, it is easy to get to Bordeaux or the Mediterranean coast of France with your motorhome hire. Check out Montpellier, Marseille and Nice. Barcelona, in Spain, is another popular road trip destination from Toulouse.
Motorhome camping – the places to stay around Toulouse
Toulouse le Rupé campground is just 7km from the city in the recreational park of Sesquières at the heart of the countryside between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea. It’s only a 400m walk to the water and a leisure centre nearby.
In the Midi-Pyrénées, the Gers-Gascony is a quiet place to pull in, where it's easy to forget the pressures of modern life.
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Indulge in French delicacies – restaurants in Toulouse
Toulouse denizens have a relaxed and friendly manner, and it even comes across in their food. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional French flavours, with a touch of Spanish thrown in. Duck is one of the regional specialties and makes an appearance on just about every French menu you see, along with the controversial fattened geese for their meat and livers. Visit Le Bon Vivre and join the locals as they tuck into large portions of foie gras and grilled duck breasts. The fare here is delicious, regional and moderately priced.
If you’re a serious foodie, Stéphane Tournie's elegant dishes at Les Jardins De L’opera are simple, tasty and served in a lovely Florentine courtyard. Bapz Bakery And Tea Room is a cosy spot for afternoon coffee or tea. Order a pretty, English china pot and try the homemade scones and jam.
For a more vibrant atmosphere, Le Classico attracts a young, professional crowd for dinner and drinks. Then as the week winds down, DJs turn the volume up after midnight from Wednesday to Saturday.
On a 1920s barge, under the trees lining the Canal du Midi, L’oenotilus is an excellent wine bar with a vast choice of vintages, mostly from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Xavier and Carole are the proud owners and happy to point you in the right taste direction.
A city of contrasts – what to do in Toulouse
Toulouse is a sprawling city, yet for tourists it is relatively easy to navigate the historic district. Walking is the best way to explore the old, narrow streets, built long before cars were invented. Head to the Place du Capitole, the centre and the hub of the city. The enormous Basilique St-Sernin is Toulouse's most popular attraction, thanks to its five-tier octagonal tower. The Gothic masterpiece of Église des Jacobins was built in the 1230s.
Toulouse motorhome guide
Here are a couple of handy things to know for your campervan holiday in Toulouse:
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August is hot and most people are on holiday so prices are inflated - it is also common for many shops to shut down so owners and families can holiday.
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Don't let you fuel run below a quarter of a tank. Many places close on a Sunday, and finding fuel can be hard.
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Under French law, vehicles must carry a reflective jacket for the driver in case there is a breakdown. Talk to your Motorhome Republic customer service team if you have any queries.
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The French appreciate you speaking the local language. Many can speak English but they do not like to do so. Use any French you have.
