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Haute-Garonne

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About Haute-Garonne

Stretching from the high peaks of the Pyrenees, along the Canal du Midi and the Garonne River’s valleys for almost 200 kilometres, gorgeous Haute-Garonne was one of the 83 departments created during the French Revolution. Made up of land which previously belonged to the Languedoc, this is a hugely scenic part of south-western France. Much of the action is centred around bustling Toulouse, but some of the best places to stay in Haute-Garonne are restored farmhouse B&Bs hidden in rural tranquil villages.

Dubbed ‘The Pink City’, Toulouse is a sensational destination for business or leisure. France’s fourth-largest city, this buzzy metropolis boasts a beautiful Old Town filled with Renaissance architecture, some top-notch museums and a lively evening scene, encouraged by the large student population. Toulouse is also a leader in aerospace engineering; La Cité de l'Espace museum is perfect for aviation enthusiasts.

History buffs will also love the Haute Garonne’s plethora of pretty market towns — Revel, Aurignac, Arbas and Salies-du-Salat included. Saint-Félix-Lauragais stands out with its 14th-century church and hilltop castle, whilst Saint-Bertrand-du-Comminges has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful villages in France. The town’s Sainte Marie Cathedral is spectacular, as is the Romanesque Saint-Just Basilica in nearby Valcabrère.

Beyond the region’s towns lie rugged mountains, the rolling hills of the Comminges and the sun-drenched plains which surround Toulouse. Keen hikers, horse riders and cyclists will find challenging trails aplenty. Float along the Canal du Midi, a striking feat of 17th-century engineering, or hone your kayaking and fishing skills on the Garonne River. Return to one of the best places to stay in the Haute Garonne for characterful rooms and suites, delectable eateries and quirky design.

The Best Places to Stay in Haute-Garonne

For a Design Hotel

  • L'Hôtel des Beaux Arts is housed in Toulouse's former fine arts school. Carefully restored rooms have been individually designed, offering a spectrum of contemporary and classic styles, with bold artwork. Brilliant for design aficionados, the hotel also has a very good restaurant and free bikes for hire. A chic boutique base.
  • Hôtel Du Grand Balcon has sleek guest rooms with modernist paintings, high-tech touches and a nod to the magic of air travel. A luxurious design hotel by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel in a 1930s brick building, this is a top spot for romantic couples and well-heeled travellers. On Toulouse's Place du Capitole.

For Classic Charm

  • Grand Hotel de L'Opera, opposite the Théâtre du Capitole and close to designer boutiques in Toulouse, was once a medieval college. It has been transformed into a heritage hotel with elegant rooms and suites, two glamorous restaurants and a soothing spa. For fans of classic style.

For Groups in the City

  • Atout Carmes in Toulouse has two contemporary suites, each with self-catering facilities. Ideal for small groups of friends or family travelling together, the suites each have two bedrooms. Breakfasts are served in the dining room each morning. A lovely choice for those planning a longer stay in Toulouse.
  • Mama Shelter Toulouse, tucked in a former Toulouse cinema, is a fabulous choice for fun-loving travellers. Sociable individuals or groups will love the inviting shared spaces, including a buzzy rooftop bar, convivial eatery and cinema room. Small, well-designed rooms feature illuminated headboards and monochrome geometric carpets. Great fun.

For a Farmhouse Escape

  • Domaine de Gailhaguet is a beautiful restored farmhouse offering five charming bedrooms with pretty wooden headboards and bright pops of colour. This rustic chic spot also boasts a house and gîte for families and groups, plus fabulous events spaces for weddings. Expect bountiful breakfasts and verdant gardens. A wonderful retreat.

For Great Value

  • Hotel Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole is right alongside Toulouse's Place du Capitole. A rose-brick 17th-century townhouse transformed into a smart city hotel, this is a top spot for business or leisure travellers looking for modern amenities and affordable prices in a central location.
  • Hotel Albert 1er is a family-run 3-star hotel with a friendly team. Set just 100 metres from the Place du Capitole in Toulouse, it's well-located for on-foot explorations, but there are also bikes for hire and restaurant recommendations aplenty. Enjoy big breakfasts and relax in comfortable, well-appointed rooms. A classic, well-priced choice.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Toulouse Blagnac Airport, and journey on from there. Alternatively, travel by train from other French hubs; the TGV from Paris to Toulouse takes just under five hours. Arrange a pickup from Toulouse's airport or railway station, or travel by bus or taxi to your destination.
  • Haute-Garonne is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. If you're exploring solely within the city, public transport, pedestrianised zones and cycle lanes make having a car unnecessary.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 28°C from June to August. May or September-October are ideal for quieter trips. Avoid the school holidays and peak summer if you can; this is easily the busiest time of year in the region.

STILL NOT SURE?

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Best Hotels in Haute-Garonne

  • Hotel Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole Toulouse 38 rooms from €69

    Local exploring  -  Overlooking the Place du Capitole, this hotel is ideally located to explore the historic centre by foot
    Local markets  -  Wander through Capitole de Toulouse and browse the art exhibitions and markets held there
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll down and visit the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the quays of the Garonne
    Air conditioningDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A chic modern hotel set within a grand 19th-century building with an unbeatable central location besides Capitole de Toulouse. Spacious rooms are uniformly styled with pale wooden floors, whitewashed walls, and large black and white photos. A smart city crashpad offered at very reasonable rates. See More

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  • Mama Shelter Toulouse Toulouse 120 rooms from €79

    Families  -  Parents can opt for a family room at this hotel; the useful amenities like in-room films means that kids will love staying here
    Local exploring  -  Explore the picturesque streets of Toulouse from this well-located hotel, perfect for discovering the city
    City Style  -  With well-appointed rooms and a central location, this hotel has lots of chic city style
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse, a famous historic abbey and national monument
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This vibrant hotel is tucked away behind the facade of a former cinema on Boulevard Lazare Carnot in Toulouse. Contemporary guestrooms have innovative design, with an illuminated frame headboard, monochrome carpets and splashes of bold colour - a stylish and cosy base for exploring an exciting city. See More

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  • Hotel Albert 1er Toulouse 47 rooms from €80

    Local exploring  -  This hotel is the perfect starting point for local exploring in Toulouse, with the city's top attractions located close by
    City Style  -  Set in the heart of Toulouse in a pretty, period property, this hotel has lots of local city charm
    Families  -  Family rooms are great value for parents travelling with children
    Sights nearby  -  Walk to the impressive Place du Capitole and its Théâtre du Capitole opera house, one of the most famous landmarks in the city
    Air conditioningDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    'Slow tourism' is at the heart of this boutique hotel in Toulouse. The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for local sightseeing, and bikes are available to help guests explore the city in an eco-friendly way. Start the day with a fresh, locally sourced breakfast before setting out. See More

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  • Domaine de Gailhaguet Haute-Garonne 5 rooms from €90

    Weddings  -  With plenty of space, a beautiful backdrop and experienced staff on-hand this is an ideal spot for a rural wedding
    Groups  -  With self-catering options available, the space is ideal for group rentals
    Active Holiday  -  Tennis, fishing and hiking are all possible nearby
    Fishing  -  River fishing can be arranged from the property
    TennisGardenParkingNo pets

    A renovated farmhouse set in beautiful mature gardens dotted with tall cypress trees. The eight homely rooms have rustic decor featuring exposed beams and stone-tiled flooring. With an outdoor pool, tennis court and indulgent continental breakfasts served this makes for a charming rural escape. See More

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  • Atout Carmes Toulouse 2 rooms from €115

    City Style
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.

    A contemporary chic B&B. Big bright airy suites with kitchenettes - light parquet floors, huge comfy beds, high ceilings, and views into a inner courtyard. An excellent choice for families, couples or groups, looking for a bit more privacy and independence. See More

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  • Hotel des Beaux Arts Toulouse 19 rooms from €130

    City Style  -  Located in the former fine arts school of Toulouse, and now exhibiting the work of local artists, this hotel is chic and stylish
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the unique atmosphere of this contemporary hotel and the romantic views over the Garonne River
    Local exploring  -  Located just above the old town in Toulouse, this hotel is in a great location for local exploring
    Great walks  -  Wander round the Jardin Royal, a beautiful public park remodelled in the 1860s; it now features a lake and exotic plants
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This four-star, boutique hotel is located in Toulouse in the former fine arts school. Having undergone a loving restoration, the individually styled rooms boast a blend of classic and contemporary interiors with unique artworks; book the Cosmos Room for a cosy private terrace. A unique design hotel. See More

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  • Grand Hotel de L'Opera Toulouse 54 rooms from €195

    Sights nearby  -  Perfect location bang in the centre of town.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurant
    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller

    A rather historic Grand Hotel formerly a convent. Excellently located opposite the Théâtre du Capitole and near to designer shops. Regal suites overlook the square, some have private balconies. Excellent meeting rooms and a spa for unwinding. See More

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  • Hotel Le Grand Balcon Toulouse 31 rooms from €210

    City Style
    Sights nearby  -  Great location in the centre of town
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Disabled access
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A super cool design hotel with all the modern gadgetry necessary for a business trip or holiday break. Sleek sky-themed bedrooms with modernist paintings and funky lighting. A stylish getaway. See More

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