There are loads of things for kids to do in Toulouse, with a natty space exploration centre complete with hands-on exhibits, an African-style safari park and many active city parks. There’s also lots of opportunity for parents to get active, with miles of canals and cycling paths as well as some good golfing and skiing nearby.

African Safari Park
The African Safari Park in Toulouse is ideal for those with cars and kids. Here you can drive around the various exhibits along a mile-long route, past some of the world’s most exotic animals. In addition, there is a zoological park as well as a section of farmyard animals especially for young kids. Phone: +33 5 6186 4503

City Parks
Toulouse has several safe and interesting city parks to take the kids to, which are accessible on foot or by metro. Most of them have footpaths, playgrounds and refreshment stalls including the Jardin des Plantes, which is perfect for young kids with its train ride and farm animals. The Jardin Compans-Caffarelli, a Japanese garden with large lake, is a relaxing option.

Golfing
There are two 18-hole golf courses at the Golf Latitudes Toulouse Seilh, which is in the northwest of the city and is available to non-members. In addition, Golf de Toulouse-Palmola, Golf de la Ramee, and Golf de Teoula also offer a decent round as well as private lessons with English-speaking golfers.

La Cité de l'Espace (Space City)
Space City is perfect for kids interested in space, with its space exploration exhibits and 180-foot rocket. There are loads of interactive exhibits here, including two auditoriums and an IMAX cinema where kids can take simulated visits to the Mir space station. There is also the Small Astronauts' Square play area for young kids. You can get to Space City by bus or by car. Phone: +33 5 6271 4871; website: www.cite-espace.com/eng

Skiing
While Toulouse doesn’t have any ski resorts of its own, it is used by skiers and snowboarders as a base for visiting the nearby Pyrenees ski resorts, two hours to the south of the city. There are dozens of resorts in the Pyrenees on both the French and Spanish sides, as well as some fine cross-country skiing areas. Closer ski resorts to Toulouse include Pas de la Case-Soldeu and Ax-Bonascre.

Walking and Cycling
Apart from abundant city parks, there are many other fine areas for walking in Toulouse, such as along the Garonne River banks and along the various canals in the city. The cycling in these areas is also particularly good, especially along the famous Canal du Midi, with its shady banks and miles of paths. There are many cycling shops in Toulouse where bikes can be rented by the hour or by the day.

While not quite having the cultural and historical prowess of other noted French cities, Toulouse nonetheless has plenty to discern for the culture-vulture. There are fine churches and basilicas in town as well as important monuments, converted abattoirs and respected theatres.

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade
Located in Place de la Daurade, the small 18^th century Basilique Notre-Dame La Daurade features fine Baroque gilding on its exterior and is one of the most interesting churches in Toulouse. The most intriguing part of the church is the statue of the Black Virgin, which some say possesses mystical powers.

Canal du Midi
The UNESCO World Heritage protected Canal du Midi was originally built by Louis XIV to link the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, bypassing the long Strait of Gibraltar route. Cycling along the banks of the 25-mile long canal, which stretches from Toulouse to Port Lauragais in the city, is lots of fun. You can also go the easy route and take a three-hour cruise.

Le Bazacle
Located in the pretty old quarter (vieux quartier), Le Bazacle is an ancient hydropower plant and somewhat of a historical monument in Toulouse. The plant itself is over 100 years old and contains the remains of a 13th century mill. The whole sight is best viewed from St-Pierre Bridge. Phone: +33 5 6230 1600

Les Abattoirs
This former municipal abattoir hails from the 1830s and is now a popular public space with some intriguing sculptures. The main building on the site is now a contemporary art museum that puts on some worthwhile temporary exhibitions. The Café du Musée provides sustenance. Phone: +33 5 6248 5800; website: www.lesabattoirs.org/

Toulouse Theatre
The Theatre du Capitole is Toulouse’s most famous theatre that puts on some fine performances featuring top names in their field. The grand building itself is impressive, and its forte is classic French operas and operettas. The Theatre de la Digue features ballet and local productions, while classical music is best discerned at the Halle aux Graines where the Orchestre du Capitole play.

Toulouse’s restaurants offer lots of choice, and prices here aren’t too steep to boot. Duck is a speciality, and many eateries have it as their main dish. You will find it in main courses and in salads, while foie gras (liver of duck) and duck breast cooked with peaches are also popular. Another famous Toulouse dish is cassoulet, a delicious stew made with white beans, meat and pork skin.

Most restaurants in Toulouse are located in the city centre, and it’s not hard to find somewhere to dine. Rue Peyrolierses to the southwest of the city centre is a popular place to eat, as is the first floor of the Victor Hugo market, which is known for its good atmosphere and prices. Terraced cafés are all the rage from spring through autumn and are especially popular with university students.

For shopping, Rue d'Alsace-Lorraine is known for its clothing outlets, while Rue Croix-Baragnon and Rue des Arts have many upscale boutiques. Markets are popular in Toulouse, and the Sunday flea market near the Basilique Saint Sernin is the most visited. The St Aubin Basilic also has a good flea market on Sunday mornings.

The best second-hand shops (fripperie) in town are on Rue Gambetta and in the quarter behind the Ecole des Beaux Arts, while antiques can be found on Rue Fermat. Toulouse is also violet country, and there are a couple of excellent florists on the violet theme. Péniche Maison de la Violette is near the Canal du Midi and train station and has violet-scented perfume.