Car hire - Toulouse

Those looking for a cultural holiday destination that still has plenty of modern touches are likely to choose Toulouse as their ideal destination. The city - known as La Ville Rose - is located in the south-west of France, offering a different vibe to much of the country.

It features tumbling classic architecture, beautiful views over the Garonne River, the hustle of busy food markets and a great night scene. Toulouse is also brilliant for driving in, especially as it allows you to explore the Languedoc region, which is truly beautiful.

You've got plenty of options when it comes to hiring a car in Toulouse. A number of companies operate in the city so you'll have no problems finding the right car for your trip, especially if you use our website. This will allow you to compare the prices and packages of all the companies available to you for the date of your holiday, ensuring you get the best possible deal. On top of this, Holiday Autos also provides free cancellation should your plans change, along with around the clock support.

Toulouse has a busy train station and airport, and you can collect a hire car from both. This means that no matter how you arrive in the city, you can get on with your holiday straight away. In Toulouse Airport, you'll find the car hire desks near the exit as you head toward the car park, making them nice and easy to locate.

At Toulouse Railway Station, the car hire offices are in the concourses - there is an eastern and western concourse - so you'll need to look out for the office belonging to the company you booked with. You can also ask at the information desk, which will be able to direct you.

Once you have your hire car, the whole of Toulouse and beyond is open to you. There are great places to visit within the city as well as in the surrounding area, meaning you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. You can make the most of the city and explore its great range of eateries and shopping locations.

If you fancy taking in a bit of history, you might consider visiting one of the beautiful churches in the city, such as the Basilique St-Sernin with its rose-coloured brickwork. Of course, you can just embrace the vibe of the city by grabbing a cup of coffee at the Place du Capitole and watch the world go by.

Toulouse is such a vibrant and rich city that it won't take you long to find somewhere you want to explore. As well as beautiful historical buildings, Toulouse is also home to scientists, which is evident at the Cité de L'Espace space museum. Located on the eastern outskirts of Toulouse, the museum is just under 6km from the city centre. You can reach it by following the D126 before turning onto the Boulevard des Crêtes.

Close to the centre of Toulouse, there is also the 200-year-old Jardin des Plantes, which is well worth a visit. The seven-hectare park is a calm haven away from the busy city, and is only 4km from the heart of the city. It is home to stunning plant life that is perfect to take in on a sunny day.

As well as being a great city to explore, Toulouse is also close to other areas of note. One of these is the Canal du Midi, which is accessible via the A61, although it is 126 kms away from the centre of Toulouse, so be prepared for a day trip. The Canal du Midi is a 241-km waterway that was constructed under Louis XIV to serve as a link between the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canal offers stunning views, which you can explore by foot or bike.

Another place to visit along the A61 is Carcassonne, which is 95 kmss from the centre of the city. Dominated by a medieval fortress - another UNESCO World Heritage Site - Carcassonne is known for its history and offers a sleepy atmosphere that is great for a relaxed explore.