From the airmail pioneers to the "Cité de l'Espace"

 Aeronautics and space research are the two great technological adventures of southwestern France. With Clément Ader, Mermoz and Saint-Exupéry on the one hand and Caravelles, the Concorde and Airbus aeroplanes on the other, legendary men and aeroplanes have punctuated the history of Toulouse.

 From this heroic legacy, the town has retained a pioneer spirit now carried along by the genius of the Airbus and Aerospace industries. From the conquest of the skies to the conquest of space, visitors have but one step to make to pass from the Airbus assembly lines to the Ariane rocket at the 'Cité de l'Espace', not forgetting to make a detour via the 'Pic du Midi' Observatory to enjoy its enchanting sights.        

 When the Aerospace industry, the largest site in Europe and the most technologically advanced in the world opens its doors to visitors, the visit is meticulously organized and precisely commentated. Visitors can make the most of the spectacular sight of the monumental Airbus assembly hangar or enjoy a bus ride on the runways (Concorde, Beluga, etc.). Close by, Blagnac airport will take you on a comprehensive visit of its air travel organization facilities.

 You mustn't leave Toulouse without having made a trip to the 'Cité de l'Espace', which enables visitors to relive the space saga through recreational and educational methods. More of an actor than a spectator, the visitor is invited to participate in the launching of a rocket, to operate a meteorological station, experiment weightlessness and discover the park and its exhibits.

 For a higher, wider-reaching view be sure to visit the Pyrenees and the 'Pic du Midi' Observatory that crowns its summit at an altitude of 9,420 feet. On top of the exceptional point of view over the mountain range, visitors can make the most of the 'Musée des étoiles' (the Museum of the Stars), initiation lessons in astronomy, the 6 ft-wide telescope and an exceptionally clear sky.

The same vision awaits visitors at the 'Ferme des Etoiles' in Mauroux in the Gers; a unique address of its kind which offers courses for astronomy buffs.