New flights to Toulouse in France launched by Jet2

The low-cost airline has announced the service which will link the north of England directly to south-west France

Travelling to Toulouse from the north-west of England is set to become even easier with the launch of new flights from Manchester Airport.

Jet2.com has announced it will begin operating twice-weekly services from Manchester to Toulouse from the summer of 2022, adding to the French destinations it already flies to including Bergerac, La Rochelle and Nice.

Known as the ‘Pink City’, Toulouse offers great weather, exciting cultural events and plenty of exhibitions and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether it’s indulging in the famed gastronomy scene, sipping wine at a wine bar or learning about the city’s 2,000 years of history, there is plenty to discover.

From 1 May until mid-October 2022, Jet2.com will operate twice-weekly services to Toulouse giving travellers from Manchester easy access to the Occitanie region of France. The launch of flights comes in response to demand from British holidaymakers looking to soak up the culture and gastronomy on offer in the region’s capital city.

Toulouse is also a gateway to the majestic Pyrenees, Catalan Perpignan, historic Montpellier and the pilgrimage site at Lourdes.

Where to eat

Two Michelin star chef Michel Sarran launched Croq’Michel in Toulouse to celebrate his ‘guilty pleasure’: the croque-monsieur. Six recipes inspired by flavours across the world are available for delivery and it will soon become a restaurant in the old town.

Les Jardins de l’Opéra, the restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Tournié next to the Capitole, has been awarded the Green Food label which certifies restaurants choosing to commit to sustainable development including a majority of local and/or organic products, waste reduction and reuse, use of ecological products for maintenance and reduction of energy costs.

Emily is a new haute couture pâtisserie shop offering six desserts each season, in sizes small to extra large. It is a unique concept by pastry chef Emilie Bertrand and Guillaume Momboisse, Michelin star chef of Sept Restaurant next to Saint-Sernin Basilica.

What to do

Taste of Toulouse offers guided tours of the impressive Victor Hugo covered market in the heart of the city and teaches English-speaking tourists about the local products on offer and French culture. Visitors can tuck into baked goods, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses and sweet treats on their way around while the American guide Jessica teaches them about the food and top tips on how to buy it.

Travellers can venture on a relaxing cycle through the city and along the Canal du Midi’s towpaths with Vélô Toulouse, a self-service bike scheme with more than 280 stations dotted around the coral streets. The service is open 24/7 and is free to use for the first half-hour then just £1.06 for the day.

A must-do activity is the Cité de l’espace (space museum), which offers hands-on exhibitions for aspiring space cadets to learn about the earth, universe and space travel. Families can go on a space exploration and budding astronauts will board a real space station, as well as experience what it’s like to feel out of this world with the museum’s space-hopping simulator. Kids can try on a spacesuit, ride inside a lunar rover and even watch a film in the on-site IMAX cinema.

Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore the surrounding landscapes of the pink city. Based at a comfortable mountain hotel in the pretty spa town of Ax-les-Thermes, a walking holiday by KE Adventure Travel highlights the best of Midi-Pyrenees, with a series of short and scenic day walks. The itinerary takes in the best circular loops and summits of the area. With views of Andorra there is a walk to the summit of Pic de Tarbesou (2,364m) before passing several peaceful, hidden, high lakes.

Shopping

Hélène Vié, the creator and owner of La Maison de la Violette, has reflected her passion for the Toulouse emblematic flower in the creation of the first cosmetic firm with the natural violet extract. Jardin Confidentiel is made in the Occitania region from natural violet extracts and 100% local products, infused in delicate soaps, oils, emulsions and body lotions.

Where to stay

Located in the heart of Toulouse close to the museums, shops and attractions, La Cour Des Consuls & Spa Toulouse-MGallery is a slice of luxury in the city centre. With a magnificent 18th-century courtyard and 32 bedrooms, this boutique property offers comfortable rooms and dining options. Relax in the courtyard with a cocktail and try a selection of tapas from the menu, which was created by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Vonderscher.

Flights to Toulouse start from £42 one way including taxes. Visit jet2.com or call 0800 408 5599.

toulouse-visit.com

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