While Toulouse’s deep association with aviation (and Airbus in particular) is well known, this city’s interests go beyond the stratosphere. Since 1997, Cité de l'Espace has brought the wonders of the universe to Toulouse through spectacular full-size models and prototypes, alongside some fascinating exhibitions and interactive exhibits.
Though the 52m-high Ariane 5 space rocket is undoubtedly the grandiose centerpiece of this unique museum turned discovery center, there are countless highlights here ranging from ethereal planetarium experiences to an actual chunk of moon rock on display.
Located on the eastern fringes of Toulouse, Cité de l'Espace isn’t the easiest place to reach and tends to get busy (especially in the summer). Still, it’s certainly worth a visit as there’s nothing like it in the city center. You’ll need a full day to see the best of the museum, and the timetable for talks and events changes daily – plan ahead and arrive early.
Outside the main building in the gardens lie several exhibits, but the prototype of the first space station Mir is a fascinating early look at the concept of humans living in space. Even better, it’s open to explore, and walking inside the cross-section shows just how cramped the living conditions were (the control dials on the ceiling are cool, though – when you’re floating, it doesn’t really matter where they go!).
Families on a tight timescale should make their way to the 280-seat Stellarium planetarium. It’s in a separate building from the main exhibitions, but the spectacular shows voyage deep into space on a hemispherical screen 600 sq m in area, while an interactive element is brought in by a live presenter.
An additional hour will also give you time to experience the IMAX located inside the same building as the planetarium. With a changing cast of wonderfully rendered films, 3D glasses are provided and take space exploration to another level.
Walking upstairs, you’ll pass by an original Soviet Sputnik satellite prototype (it's surprisingly small) on the way to a special exhibition on weather – the pièce de résistance of which is a booth where visitors can actually present a TV-style weather forecast and then watch it back immediately.
Perhaps the most intense exhibit, the Vega Room hosts 40-minute sessions on how to become an astronaut. Using tests inspired by the real European Space Agency selection process, candidates gain an understanding of what it takes to be fit for a mission to space. Arrive in the morning for this one, as it tends to get busy throughout the day.
With work beginning in December 1995, the Cité de l'Espace formally opened a year and a half later in June 1997 by Mayor of Toulouse Dominique Baudis and astronaut Claudie Haigneré. The following year, the Mir exhibit opened, and by September 2000, the Cité de l'Espace had welcomed its millionth visitor.
The opening hours differ throughout the week, so check the website for the day you’d like to visit, but it’s generally open throughout the year from 10am to 7pm. With so much to see, we recommend arriving early to make full use of your ticket. Some of the outdoor food stalls/stands are not open during the winter months.
Cité de l'Espace is not in the city center, and those looking to visit via public transit should take the L1 or L8 buses (which then require short walks). Another option is taking the Line A metro to the Jolimont station, and at the bottom of the steps, hop on to the 37 bus, which takes you directly to the entrance. Allow roughly 40 minutes for the journey each way.
If you have a car or would prefer to take a taxi, the museum is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Toulouse.