France Guide
Languedoc
Arrival
The gare SNCF (better known to locals as gare Matabiau) and gare routière ( 
05.61.61.67.67) stand side by side in boulevard Pierre-Sémard on the bank of the tree-lined Canal du Midi. This is where you might find yourself if you arrive by air as well – the airport shuttle (every 20min; €4) puts you down at the bus station (with stops in allées Jean-Jaurès and at place Jeanne-d'Arc). It's also the best spot to aim for if you're in a car: leave the boulevard périphérique at exit 15.
To reach the city centre from the train station takes just five minutes by métro to Capitole (€1.30, covering one hour's transport by métro and Tisseo-Connex city buses within the city centre), or twenty minutes on foot. Turn left out of the station, cross the canal and head straight down allées Jean-Jaurès, through place Wilson and on into place du Capitole, the city's main square. To save on admissions, buy a pass valid for three or six of the city's museums (€6 and €9); in addition, the "Toulouse en liberté" card (€10) offers discounts at a range of hotels, museums, cultural events and shops.