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Many Toulouse markets and fairs are closed on Mondays. The schedules differ, but, perhaps, the best day to explore such places is Saturday. Note that the working hours of local merchants end early, so you’d better go there in the first half of the day. At the same time, you may find shopping centres closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping accordingly!

Streets in the historic districts of Toulouse still have old signs along with modern ones. Streets parallel to the River Garonne were marked by yellow and numbered from downstream to upstream. Those perpendicular to the waterway had grey signs, and the numbers of the houses increased if you went downstream. Using online maps is certainly an easier way to get around — but why not take up a little quest?

The Minotaur is an astounding 14-tonne street theatre machine, which can take you for a ride along the Runway of Giants. The moving eyelids and smoking nostrils make it look like a living beast! But he is not the only inhabitant of the Halle de la Machine. Another giant is a walking 37-ton spider, Ariane. Musical machines make up the really strange orchestra. There’s also a huge set of wings controlled by a machinist. Take a trip to the land of wonders!