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Where to go out in Toulouse? The best festive, cultural and tourist ideas for INSEEC students

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region and the 4th largest student city in France, with a warm atmosphere, dynamic culture and lively nightlife. Located in the heart of the Jolimont district, the INSEEC Toulouse campus benefits from a strategic location close to the bars, nightclubs, museums, parks and emblematic sites of the pink city.

Here’s a guide to the best places to go out in Toulouse, so you can make the most of your student life!

Contents

City

Going out in Toulouse: the best bars and nightclubs near the INSEEC campus

With its lively squares, festive alleyways and establishments accessible on foot or by metro, Toulouse offers a nightlife on a human scale, ideal for students.

The must-visit student bars in Toulouse

  • Le donna : trendy bar in Toulouse city centre, ideal for a drink and dancing the night away.
  • La couleur de la culotte: a quirky, festive bar in the centre of town.
  • Halles de la cité: a festive venue with a variety of food stalls.
  • Le Wallace: pub atmosphere with a lovely terrace overlooking the Garonne.
  • The Black Lion: British pub with DJ sets at weekends, pool tables and student pints.
  • Bar Basque: warm atmosphere and tapas to share in a typical setting.
  • Chez Tonton: the legendary bar in Place Saint-Pierre, a must for students.
  • Le Bikini: cult concert venue transformed into an electro and pop club. National and international programming.
  • DOWNTOWN: a popular bar-club with a relaxed atmosphere and festive evenings all week long.
  • Le purple: a popular nightclub in Toulouse, known for its student nights and festive atmosphere that lasts all night long.
  • IBAR: located in the city centre, with a lively dance floor. Perfect for nights out.
  • Ice Club: nightclub with an electro/house vibe, perfect for an evening of clubbing.
  • Le pampa : a nightclub with an electro/house vibe, perfect for an all-night party.
    According to L’Étudiant, Toulouse is ranked 2nd in France for student nightlife, with an exceptional density of accessible bars and clubs.

Culture

Ideas for cultural outings in Toulouse

Toulouse is also a city of culture, history and science. Many establishments offer reduced rates for students.

Museums and exhibition venues

  • Les Abattoirs / Musée d’art moderne : a key venue on Toulouse’s art scene.
  • Toulouse Museum: perfect for those interested in nature, science and biodiversity.
  • La Cité de l’espace: a museum park dedicated to astronomy and space exploration.
  • Fondation Bemberg: exceptional art collection in the Hôtel d’Assézat.

Theatre, opera and concerts

  • Théâtre du Capitole: opera, classical ballets and concerts in a historic venue.
  • Halle aux Grains: home to the Orchestre National du Capitole, Europe’s leading symphony orchestra.
  • Zénith in Toulouse: concerts by international artists.
  • Théâtre de la Cité: contemporary theatre and student productions.

Major events and festivals in Toulouse

All year round, Toulouse hosts festive and cultural events open to students.

  • Rio Loco: world music festival on the banks of the Garonne.
  • Electro Alternativ festival : electro, techno, house in unusual venues.
  • Printemps du Rire: over 100 comedy shows across the city.
  • Festival Terres d’ailleurs: exploration, travel and sustainable development.
  • Weekend des Curiosités (at Bikini): pop-electro festival and emerging artists.
  • Le Rose Festival: Festival created by Bigflo & Oli, with rap, pop and electro concerts. Open-air party atmosphere at MEETT at the end of August.

Tourism

Things to do in and around Toulouse

Discover Toulouse on foot or by bike

  • Place du Capitole: the historic heart of the city, not to be missed.
  • The banks of the Garonne: perfect for walks, aperitifs or jogging.
  • Jardin Japonais (Compans-Caffarelli) : a haven of peace 5 minutes from the campus.
  • Canal du Midi: UNESCO listed, ideal for cycling.

Getaways less than 1 hour from Toulouse

  • Albi: a red medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Carcassonne: the emblematic fortified city and its summer festivals.
  • The Pyrenees: accessible by train for skiing, hiking and breathtaking scenery.
  • Ariège : nature, prehistoric caves and canoeing.

Environment

Toulouse, a dynamic and accessible student city

  • + More than 130,000 students (source: Toulouse Métropole)
  • 2nd most pleasant city in which to study (L’Étudiant 2024)
  • High-performance Tisséo network: metro, tramway, bus, shuttles.
  • Moderate cost of living: rents 30% to 40% cheaper than Paris (source: INSEE).
  • A green and sporty city: 160 parks and gardens, 2,600 hours of sunshine a year.

Studying at INSEEC Toulouse means choosing an environment that is friendly, festive, cultural and connected to local businesses. Our professional courses, from BTS to MSc, including the Bachelor’s programme, are supported by a network of economic players rooted in the Toulouse metropolitan area, particularly in aeronautics, technology and services.

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