Hire a car in Toulouse, after all, you've nothing to lose! All puns aside, Toulouse is a beautiful city that offers splendid choice in terms of attractions as well as convenient access to many more that are situated just a short away. By hiring a car in Toulouse, you're granted the freedom to discover everything that the Midi-Pyrenees region has to offer at a pace that suits you. The following is a guide to things to see when you reach the region's capital.

Toulouse Airport Mini Guide:

Toulouse Airport is located approximately 8km outside of the city of Toulouse. The airport can be reached by following signs for Bordeaux from the city centre and then joining the A620-E9. Exit the A620 and follow the A621 to join D901. The airport is situated at junction 4 of D901.

Toulouse Airport offers a range of facilities including a Duty Free, caf's, bars and restaurants.

Toulouse is the capital of France's largest region, the Midi Pyr'n'es and is famous for its friendliness and ?old world? charm. Walking through the city you'll discover that the city's ?Ville Rose? (Pink City) title is attributed to its distinctive red brickwork and magnificent architecture, dating back to the influence of the Romans on the city.

What To See/Do:

Places of interest in the city include the Saint-Sernin Basilica which is the largest Romanesque style Church in Western Europe.

For an out of this world experience, we suggest taking a journey in a hire car to the eastern outskirts of Toulouse to the City of Space (Cit? de l'espace) theme park where a full scale model of the rocket Ariane 5 can be explored. The full-size replica of Mir Space Station and Soyuz module make it possible to imagine what it's like to journey through space on an inter-galactic enterprise.

Toulouse offers some unique shopping experiences including a flea market which is held each Sunday morning near the Basilique Saint Sermin. Here clothing, second-hand unusual items and antiques are for sale.

There are also plenty of fruit and vegetable markets including one at St Aubin Basilic. Budget shoppers will be glad to know that low cost supermarkets like Lidl are located on the outskirts of the city.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accomodation:

Toulouse has a wealth of restaurants catering to the appetites of most diners. Duck is one of Toulouse's regional specialties and is therefore on the menu of most restaurants. Eating out can be expensive though. Those on a budget are well advised to pay a visit to the Victor Hugo market, where there is an ample choice of eateries. Thrifty spenders should tuck into Cassoulet, Toulouse's most famous regional dish, a hearty stew consisting of white beans, various kinds of meat and pork skin-guaranteed to silence rumbling tummies for a couple of hours at least.

The student town has a lively nightlife, check locally for details of free local bands in bars, plays and theatre events. St Pierre Place is known as one of the trendier night-spots.

There's a great deal of cheap accomodation available last minute in Toulouse. Some savvy shopping around will unearth many low cost lodgings.