Family

Best for kids:

Space City Theme Park

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast off!! Toulouse is the world’s second-largest space research centre, and kids will love getting stellar at the Cité de l'Espace (Space City Theme Park) where little astronauts can train for their next expedition on rocket slides and moon buggies, and mini astronomers can gasp at the wonders of the Stellarium. Interactive exhibitions keep the kids involved and busy, while adults will also find plenty to enjoy: try your hand at Astro jumping, defy gravity in the Gyro Extreme or take off in the Ariane 5 Rocket, which reaches a height of 53 metres.

Where: Cité de l'Espace, avenue Jean Gonord, Tel: +33 (0)8 20 37 72 23.

Website: www.cite-espace.com

Walking

Best walk:

Plan Lumière

Giving Paris a run for its money in the City of Light stakes, Plan Lumière (the Lighting Plan) was inaugurated in 2004 and uses up-to-the-minute lighting technology to transform Toulouse by night into a visual spectacle. Taking in sights ranging from historic monuments to modern architecture – Basilique Saint-Sernin, Pont des Catalans and Musée des Abattoirs to name a few – the walk lasts around two hours and places must be booked in advance.

Where: Toulouse city centre, Contact the Toulouse Tourist Office.

Tel: +33 (0)5 61 11 02 22

Email: infos@ot-toulouse.fr

Website: www.toulouse-tourisme.com

Tin Tin

Best for Tin Tin fans:

Espace Tin Tin
More than just a cartoon character, Tin Tin is almost as integral to the French literary tradition as Victor Hugo. He is, in fact, the creation of a French-Belgian cartoonist – but true fans won’t need to be told that. They probably won’t “need” the Tin Tin pyjamas, stationery, homewares and other paraphernalia that Espace Tintin stocks either, but since when has that ever stopped a fan?

Where: Espace Tintin, Place des Puits Clos, 12, Toulouse, Tel: +33 (0)5 61 21 60 34.

Patisserie

Best patisserie:

Maison Pillon

Face it: you’re in France, so resistance in the face of confection is useless – and why settle for inferior pastries when you can indulge at Maison Pillon, a temple of chocolates, biscuits and regional goodies housed in a gorgeous 19th century building? Don’t forget to try Le Pavé du Capitole, an orange praline and chocolate creation created in honour of La Place du Capitole [the city’s bustling central square] – it’s the award-winning house specialty.

Where: Maison Pillon, 23 rue du Languedoc, Toulouse 31000, Tel: +33 (0)5 61 55 03 08.

Website: www.maison-pillon.fr