STEM School Trips To Toulouse, France

Return flights from the UK to Toulouse

4 nights in half-board accommodation

Return overseas airport transfers

Coach transfers for the featured itinerary

Travel insurance

24/7 on-trip emergency support

1 teacher place for every 10 students

Home » Trips » STEM School Trips To Toulouse, France

The entrance to the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse

Student sitting on the river banks of the Garonne in Toulouse

A rover at the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse

The Pont Neuf bridge crossing the Garonne River in Toulouse

Interactive activities at the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse, France

An Airbus plane in an aircraft hangar at Aeroscopia in Toulouse, France

Demonstration at the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse, France

Aerial view of the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse

From understanding resultant force to visiting the Airbus assembly line

Known as the “Pink City” for the distinctive hue of its buildings, Toulouse is a major centre of education, research and technology. It’s an ideal place to explore STEM careers and to show budding science, maths and technology students the opportunities available in engineering and aviation.

Toulouse is Europe’s aerospace and aviation epicentre, employing a quarter of the continent’s aeronautics workers. As the birthplace of iconic engineering feats like the Concorde and the Airbus A380, this dynamic city has innovation in its DNA.

Beyond its pioneering industries, STEM school trips to Toulouse offer a vibrant cultural scene, from lively cafés and riverside walks along the Garonne to bustling markets and historic squares at the heart of daily life.

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Trip Highlights

An aircraft at Airbus in Toulouse, France

Go behind the scenes of an Airbus assembly line

Explore space up close at the Cité de l’Espace

See giant moving mechanical creatures at Halle de la Machine

Take a day trip to UNESCO-listed Medieval Carcassonne

Itinerary suggestion

1 Flight to Toulouse (approx. 2 hours)

2 Coach transfer to your accommodation

3 Toulouse Treasure Hunt (flight time permitting)

4 Check-in and evening meal at your accommodation

1 Breakfast at your accommodation

2 Airbus assembly line and Aeroscopia Museum

3 Halle de la Machine

4 Evening meal at your accommodation

1 Breakfast at your accommodation

2 Cité de l’Espace (Space City)

3 Canal du Midi boat trip

4 Evening meal at your accommodation

1 Breakfast at your accommodation

2 Day trip to Medieval Carcassonne

3 Evening meal at your accommodation

1 Breakfast at your accommodation

2 Shopping at Victor Hugo Market

3 Coach transfer to the airport

4 Return flight to the UK

Recommended excursions

An A380 aircraft at Airbus in Toulouse, France

Airbus Tour

Go behind the scenes of one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers with an Airbus tour. Giving unparalleled access to the A350 and A321 assembly lines, specialist guides offer in-depth insights into the journey of each aircraft before delivery, covering stages such as production, final assembly and testing. They also help to explain the factors behind Airbus’s strong commercial performance, giving a clearer understanding of how it has become Europe’s leading aerospace and defence company.

1.5 hours

Aeroscopia Museum

Following your Airbus tour, head to the Aeroscopia museum, Toulouse’s flagship aviation museum located beside the Airbus production site. Home to an impressive collection of legendary aircraft including Concorde, the Airbus A300B and the Super Guppy, the museum charts the story of flight from early innovation to modern engineering. With interactive exhibits and the opportunity to view and even board selected aircraft, it offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of aviation.

1.5 hours View on map

Cité de l’Espace

Visit the Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse’s iconic space discovery centre, where the wonders of the universe are brought vividly to life. Spanning indoor exhibitions and extensive outdoor gardens, this immersive attraction features full-size models of spacecraft including the Ariane 5 rocket and Mir space station, alongside interactive exhibits that explore everything from satellite launches to life in orbit. With planetarium shows, fascinating displays and hands-on experiences throughout, it offers a captivating journey from the origins of the universe to the future of space exploration.

4 hours View on map

Flight of the Pioneers

Visit L’Envol des Pionniers, an immersive museum set on Toulouse’s historic Montaudran airfield, where the great adventure of early aviation began. Through original artefacts, reconstructed spaces and engaging displays, the experience brings to life the pioneering spirit of the Aéropostale and the remarkable journeys of its legendary pilots, offering a vivid insight into the origins of global air travel.

1.5 hours View on map

Halle de la Machine

Visit one of Toulouse’s most imaginative and unforgettable attractions. This interactive space brings together art, engineering and performance, showcasing extraordinary giant mechanical creatures created by the Compagnie La Machine. As the machines are brought to life by skilled machinists, the hall becomes a living workshop where creativity, movement and storytelling combine.

1.5 hours View on map

Toulouse Treasure Hunt

Take part in a Toulouse treasure hunt, a lively and interactive way to explore the historic heart of the Pink City. Working in teams, students follow clues and solve riddles as they move between key landmarks and lesser known corners, uncovering the stories and surprising facts that have shaped Toulouse. Blending a city tour with a detective game, this fun challenge offers a memorable and engaging way to discover the city.

2 hours

Aerial view of a boat trip on the Canal du Midi in France

Canal du Midi Boat Trip

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage waterway and one of southern France’s great engineering achievements. Gliding quietly past tree lined towpaths, historic bridges and elegant locks, this gentle cruise offers a new perspective on Toulouse and showcases the ambition and innovation behind this 17th century canal, which has shaped trade and travel for over 350 years.

1 hour

Aerial view of Carcassonne at sunset, France

Day Trip to Carcassonne

Step back in time on a day trip to Carcassonne, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortified cities. Encircled by imposing double walls and towers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a striking introduction to medieval life, with its dramatic ramparts, winding cobbled streets and commanding hilltop setting making it one of southern France’s most memorable historic landmarks.

Full day

Violet House on the Garonne River in Toulouse, France

The Violet House

Situated on a barge on the Canal du Midi, la Maison de la Violette (the Violet House) showcases the heritage of this local symbol. The violet is used in a variety of local products, and the Violet House offers a tour of the exhibition and product tasting, as well as being an excellent place for souvenir shopping.

1 hour View on map

Toulouse Walking Tour

Discover the heart of “La Ville Rose” on a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide who will take you on an orientation walk. The tour can be tailored to your group’s interests and includes sights such as the impressive Place du Capitole and the serene banks of the Garonne River.

2 hours

Basilica of Saint Sernin

One of Toulouse’s most striking landmarks and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, this vast, brick-built basilica has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and remains a powerful symbol of the city’s religious and cultural heritage, recognised today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the historic Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

30 mins View on map

Aerial view of Toulouse, the Garonne River and the Ernest-Wallon Stadium

Tour of the Stade Ernest-Wallon

Enjoy a visit to the Stade Ernest-Wallon, one of Toulouse’s most iconic sporting venues and a true temple of French rugby. Home to the legendary Stade Toulousain, this compact stadium is known for its electric atmosphere and close-to-the-pitch stands, offering a real insight into the city’s proud sporting identity.

1.5 hours View on map

Learning outcomes

Students sitting by the Garonne River in Toulouse

KS3 curriculum links (Science and Design and Technology)

Explore forces, motion, space and materials through real-world aerospace and aviation examples
Investigate engineering design, innovation, mechanisms and manufacturing processes
Investigate space exploration, satellite technology and human activity in orbit through the Cité de l’Espace

GCSE curriculum links (Physics, Combined Science and Design and Technology)

Connect classroom learning on forces, energy, motion, space and satellite technology to real-world examples.
Examine systems, mechanisms, materials, manufacturing and iterative design in aviation and engineering.
Explore how engineering, automation and mechanical systems are developed, tested and refined

Typical accommodation

Housekeeper making the bed in a hotel room

Le Domaine d’Ariane

Why groups like it:

Close to major attractions
Set within extensive grounds
Comfortable accommodation

Facilities:

Capacity for large groups
Sports facilities on-site
On-site restaurant

Campanile Toulouse Ouest Purpan

Why groups like it:

Convenient location close to key visits
Comfortable en-suite rooms
East coach access

Facilities:

On-site restaurant for group dinners
Multi-bedded en-suite rooms for students
24-hour reception

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The professionalism and responsiveness of the Travelbound team gave staff complete confidence throughout, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. We would highly recommend Travelbound to any school or group looking to organise an inspiring, well-managed, and unforgettable educational trip, we will certainly be booking with them again!

Baxter College

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Travelbound are an incredible tour operator. We have been using them for years and every trip has been a huge success. Super helpful staff in organising the trip and excellent communication during the trip.

Steyning Grammar School

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Would recommend Travelbound without hesitation to my colleagues and other schools, and I would definitely use them again. Thank you.

Surbiton High School

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We have worked with Travelbound twice now and have not been disappointed. Their customer service is second to none, and the level of detail they put into trip planning makes it a very enjoyable experience for trip leaders.

Woldingham School

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I have been using Travelbound for all my overseas trips since 2008. They always provide a very thorough and professional service.

New Rickstones Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Toulouse an important destination for Science and Technology students?

Toulouse is known as the aerospace capital of Europe. Home to the Airbus headquarters, specialist learning institutions and a thriving aerospace industry, the city plays a leading role in aircraft design, satellite technology and space exploration, making it an ideal destination for students interested in engineering, innovation and future careers in STEM.

What will students see during the Airbus tour?

Students will enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus facilities, where they can observe aircraft assembly lines, learn about manufacturing processes and gain an understanding of how modern commercial aircraft are designed, built and tested before entering service.

Do students need any prior knowledge?

No. This itinerary is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors and students do not need any previous knowledge of engineering or aviation to benefit from the experiences.

What is the Cité de l’Espace?

The Cité de l’Espace is one of Europe’s leading space-themed attractions. Students can explore interactive exhibits, see full-size spacecraft and rocket models, learn about satellite technology and discover how astronauts live and work in space.

Will there be opportunities for cultural exploration?

Absolutely! Alongside STEM-focused visits, students will experience French culture through guided city tours, local cuisine, historic landmarks and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Canal du Midi and Carcassonne, depending on the itinerary chosen.

Ready to start planning your school trip?

If you have any questions or would like to start planning your STEM school trips to Toulouse, contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.

Request a quote