A kids’ guide to Toulouse – Explore the world

This article, A kids’ guide to Toulouse, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and discover fun facts about this colourful city in the south-west of France. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced English Teacher and writer.

An introduction to Toulouse

Toulouse is a city in the south-west of France. It stands beside the River Garonne and is known for its warm sunshine, pink-coloured buildings, and friendly people. It has an exciting mix of culture, history, and modern science and technology. While it is a large city, many areas still have a relaxing atmosphere, with people sitting outside and enjoying the fresh, warm air.

Around half a million people live there, and it is France’s fourth largest city after Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

Facts about Amsterdam

• Currency: Euro (€)
  
• Language: French
  
• Flag: A golden Occitan cross on a red background
  
• National animal: The Gallic rooster, a proud symbol of France

What’s Toulouse famous for?

Toulouse is known as La Ville Rose, or The Pink City, because so many of its buildings are made from terracotta bricks. It is also famous for airplanes and space. The headquarters of Airbus, one of the world’s biggest aircraft companies, is based there. 

The city is home to the Cité de l’Espace, a space museum where visitors can see rockets and satellites. Toulouse is also proud of its rugby team, Stade Toulousain, and its long history of art and music.

Cool places to visit in Toulouse

• Cité de l’Espace: A huge science park where you can explore space exhibits and step inside a space station model.
• Place du Capitole: The city’s main square with grand buildings, cafés, and concerts.
• Jardin des Plantes: A large garden with ducks, trees, and flowers – perfect for a picnic.
• Canal du Midi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk, cycle, or take a boat trip.
• Musée des Augustins: An art museum inside a beautiful old monastery.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, also has a fantastic science museum. Learn more about the city in our article – A kids’ guide to Amsterdam.

What’s on the menu?

The city of Toulouse celebrates its flower, the violet, with violet-flavoured sweets and perfumes. Visitors can enjoy crêpes filled with chocolate or fruit, and delicious fresh baguettes and pastries from local bakeries.

What do people wear in Toulouse?

People in Toulouse wear modern European clothing for everyday life. During festivals, some wear traditional Occitan costumes with bright colours and patterns. Rugby supporters proudly wear red and black to cheer for their team.

Fun facts about Toulouse

• Toulouse is called La Ville Rose because of its pink terracotta bricks.
  
• The Concorde jet and the Airbus A380 were partly built in Toulouse.
  
• The city’s university is one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1229.
  
• Toulouse has one of the sunniest climates in France.
  
• The Occitan language is still taught in some schools today.
  
• The Garonne River runs through the middle of the city.

You can learn even more about the beautiful city of Toulouse here: Visit Toulouse Tourism

If you’d like to learn about the capital city of France, you can read our A kids’ guide to Paris.

Article vocabulary list

• Terracotta – A reddish clay used to make bricks or pottery.
• Aircraft – A machine that can fly, such as a plane or helicopter.
• Headquarters – The main offices of a company or organisation.
• Satellite – A machine sent into space that moves around Earth.
• Monastery – A religious building where monks live and work.
• UNESCO – An organisation that protects special cultural or natural sites.
• Occitan – A traditional language from southern France.
• Violet – A small purple flower that is a symbol of Toulouse.
• Rugby – A popular team sport played with an oval ball.

Comprehension questions

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