The Botanical Garden or 'Botanique' is steeped in history. From the Middle Ages this green oasis was the garden of the former 'commanderij van Pitzemburg', order of knights. After its abolition, in the nineteenth century the garden was turned into an English landscape garden for members of the elitist Société Royale d'Horticulture. After the First World War it opened to the public as a municipal park. In the middle of the Botanical Garden is a statue of the celebrated scientist Rembert Dodoens. In the sixteenth century he wrote a highly acclaimed herbal called the 'Cruydenboek'. These days the Botanical Garden is a quiet and very pleasant park where you can enjoy the plant life while the children let off steam in the playground.

Close to Toulouse, there is a zoo that has an African safari theme. The animals are in semi-freedom and often cohabited, so it feels very natural. The excursion begins with a two-kilometre drive along the trail where you can observe creatures such as lions and ostriches from your car, then continues on foot where you'll encounter 600 animals, including farm animals.

Take a peaceful break from the city with a walk along the canal banks pathways or an energetic bike ride on the 40km bike path stretching from Toulouse to Port Lauragais on the south bank. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Take one of the 22 kilometres of self-guided walk trails around this gorgeous park with sand dunes and scenic sea views. A prolific quantity of wildlife, bush flowers, fruits and seeds are constantly changing here from season to season.