THE DO AND DON’T OF LIVING IN TOULOUSE
Toulouse, also known as the Pink City, is one of the best cities in France that’s worth living. Its charming blend of pink and orange buildings, coupled with an array of captivating art galleries and stylish home design shops, offers an abundance of attractions. Furthermore, this city also offers an ideal living environment and provide a broad selection of opportunities to thrive and prosper that attracts many expats around the world. If you are considering relocating to Toulouse, there are several factors to consider before taking the leap. This helpful checklist of the do and don’t includes everything you need to have the best experiences in Toulouse.
Do enjoy walking down the street without worrying too much about pickpockets.
One of the greatest concerns to big city residents – which can sometimes give this city a bad reputation – are the pickpockets. We’re not going to lie – pickpockets are widely present in France, particularly in touristy areas, local markets and public transport. They are undoubtedly skillful and anyone can become their target. Don’t you worry too much, Toulouse is still a very safe city to live, compared to some other french cities like Paris, Marseille, Nantes,… In Toulouse, residential neighborhoods and major tourist attractions are generally well monitored and secured.
Walking down the streets of Toulouse is a delightful experience. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture make every stroll a nice adventure. Don’t you worry too much, by taking the right precautions, you’re guaranteed to be safe wherever you go. If there’s just one thing that you need to remember while wandering around the city, it should be that if something feels instinctively unusual for you, you should immediately walk away or try to remove yourself from the situation.
It is not difficult to find a good neighborhood that’s worth living in Toulouse, as it also depends on your interests and budget. If you are looking for a lively neighborhood with easy access to the city centre, what a good idea to locate in the Saint-Étienne district, although rents there are understandably high. Living in the Saint-Étienne district means enjoying a major shopping hub, at any time of the day with several grocery stores, local shops, bars and restaurants. On the other hand, if you prefer a more peaceful area that is well served by public transport, the Marengo – Jolimont district will not disappoint you. According to this neighborhood’s residents, they also appreciate being able to get around on foot or even by bike. Accommodation there is often more affordable than that of Saint – Étienne, which is ideal for people who’re looking for budget-friendly rental options.
With Lodgis, you can find several offers for furnished rentals in Toulouse, best price guranteed.
Do try the famous Cassoulet – an iconic specialty of Toulouse
It is impossible to live in Toulouse without tasting one of France’s most legendary must-tries : cassoulet. This traditional dish, based on white beans, duck confit, Toulouse sausage and sometimes mutton, is a perfect representation of the cuisine of the Languedoc region. Preparing Cassoulet requires a great deal of patience, as it needs to be simmered for several hours before it becomes fully absorbed. Ideally, to make a good cassoulet, you should cook it a day in advance and serve it the next day. But don’t worry, if you don’t want to spend time in the kitchen, you can enjoy it in many famous local restaurants, where chefs take pride in preparing this dish with care and tradition.
Our favorite places to eat Cassoulet in Toulouse :
• L’Os à Moëlle : just a 3 minute walk from the Place Jeanne d’Arc, this restaurant is a real gem that offers a friendly ambiance for all. Don’t forget to book in advance, as this place is usually very busy.
• Chez Émile : often considered the best place to eat cassoulet in Toulouse, this restaurant will surprise you with its authenticity and rich flavors !
• Les Copains d’Abord : the perfect place if you’re looking for a cosy and nice atmosphere in which to spend quality time with your family. What could be more pleasing than a homemade cassoulet that just won’t let you stop ?
Do make new friends and expand your network
Moving to a new city is always exciting. However, with the excitement comes difficulties. And even if you’re fully capable of dealing with your own hardship, you’ll end up feeling alone sometimes. Therefore, having a quality circle of friends will make your life a lot easier. Being known as one of the best cities for expats in France, one place ahead of Paris, there is no doubt that living in Toulouse offers you unlimited opportunities to meet new people and build your network. Toulouse also has such a vibrant cultural scene ; with plenty of concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions that can help you get involved in new communities. We would never know if a small and nice talk in those events can end up in something deeper and long lasting, wouldn’t we ?
Another good way to make new friends in Toulouse is by participating in language exchange groups. These gatherings provide an opportunity to improve your French while meeting both locals and fellow expats. Or, you can also take advantage of social media platforms and expat forums can also help you find communities of like-minded people.
Don’t stay out too late at night
The night can be dangerous, that’s the reality. Hence, it is important not to go home too late at night in Toulouse, especially if you are not familiar with the city. Although Toulouse is generally a safe city in France, certain areas can present dangers at night. For example, La Mirail district, a district which is often considered a high-risk area, particularly at night. If you plan to stay out late, make sure you stay in well-lit and busy areas, and if possible, stay accompanied. Another useful tip can be to turn on location tracking on your phone so your loved ones know where you are at all times if you go home alone.
Don’t go out without an umbrella
In Toulouse, rain is part of local life, with an average of over 120 rainy days per year. It should also be noted that May is the rainiest month of the year. Imagine strolling along the Canal du Midi when suddenly, the sky darkens and the first drops begin to fall. Without an umbrella at hand, you could be caught off guard. Be prepared for sudden rain by carrying an umbrella or raincoat with you when you go out, even if no rain is forecast. This will help you stay dry and avoid getting drenched in the rain.
Don’t under-estimate the power of budget tracking
In Toulouse, as in many big french cities, the cost of living can be relatively high. Between housing, transportation, food and leisure, expenses add up quickly. This is why it is essential not to under-estimate the power of budget tracking. By carefully tracking your finances, you can better manage your money, protect yourself against unexpected events, and reduce unnecessary spending.
One of the most effective ways to reduce your expenses is to consider renting rather than owning. For a long time, the French property market has always presented appealing opportunities for both locals and expats. However, if you want to purchase a property as soon as you arrive in France as an expat, you might need to think twice. Renting could make much better financial sense, save you a lot of hassle and also provide you with time to establish yourself in the new town. Renting accommodation, especially a furnished one, has several advantages, including flexibility which makes your life more peaceful. For example, if you need to move for professional or personal reasons, it is much easier to terminate a rental lease than to sell a property.
Have you been considered moving to Toulouse ? If that’s the case, what a good decision! Because we can’t imagine a better life than one where you’re surrounded by iconic cuisine, rich history, and beautiful scenery. We hope our list of do and don’t has given you clear insights about the city of Toulouse and has helped you better prepare for your stay here.
As a real estate expert for 25 years in France, Lodgis supports you on every step of renting the ideal accommodation that meets all your expectations. If you are looking for furnished accommodation in Toulouse, check out our offers of furnished apartments and studios here.
