Toulouse Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Toulouse.
Healthcare System
Toulouse benefits from France's excellent public healthcare system (Assurance Maladie), consistently ranked among the world's best. The city hosts major teaching hospitals and numerous private clinics, with high standards of medical care and modern facilities. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced costs, while non-EU visitors will need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement through travel insurance.
Hospitals
CHU de Toulouse (Purpan and Rangueil hospitals) are the main public teaching hospitals offering 24/7 emergency services. Clinique Pasteur (45 Avenue de Lombez) is a well-regarded private hospital popular with international patients. For emergencies, go directly to 'Urgences' (Emergency Department) at any hospital. Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet at Purpan handles major trauma cases.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (marked with green crosses) are widely available throughout Toulouse. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide medical advice and over-the-counter medications for minor ailments. At least one pharmacy remains open 24/7 (pharmacie de garde) - check at any pharmacy or call 3237 for the current on-call location. Many common medications require prescriptions in France that might be over-the-counter elsewhere.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors and advisable for EU citizens to cover items not included in EHIC coverage. Ensure your policy includes emergency medical evacuation, as costs can be substantial. Private healthcare facilities may require payment guarantees before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance documents easily accessible at all times
- Prescriptions from non-EU countries are not valid in France; you'll need a French doctor's prescription
- Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications in original packaging with documentation
- For minor ailments, visit a pharmacy first - pharmacists can recommend treatments and direct you to doctors if needed
- Save receipts for all medical expenses for insurance reimbursement
- The pharmacy at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (Hall D) is convenient for last-minute health needs
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Toulouse, particularly in crowded areas. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims while stealing wallets, phones, and bags. Bag snatching from outdoor café tables and restaurant terraces is also frequent.
Theft from parked cars is relatively common, especially vehicles with foreign license plates or rental car stickers. Thieves target cars with visible valuables or luggage, often in parking areas near tourist attractions.
Toulouse is a cycling-friendly city, but bicycle theft is common. Rental bikes and scooters are frequent targets, as are privately owned bicycles that are inadequately secured.
Toulouse, like many French cities, regularly experiences demonstrations (manifestations) and strikes, particularly related to labor rights, education, and political issues. While generally peaceful, some protests can lead to traffic disruption, public transport delays, and occasional clashes with police.
Toulouse traffic can be chaotic, with aggressive driving, numerous scooters, cyclists, and complex roundabouts. Pedestrians face risks from vehicles not yielding at crosswalks, and cyclists from car doors opening unexpectedly.
While Toulouse is generally safe at night, certain areas experience increased petty crime, harassment, and occasional alcohol-related incidents, particularly on weekends around bar districts.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals, often claiming to be deaf or representing charities, approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions or donate. While the victim is distracted signing or reading, accomplices pickpocket them or demand aggressive donations after signing.
A scammer 'finds' a gold ring on the ground near you and asks if it's yours. When you say no, they offer to sell it to you cheaply or ask for money to 'share the find.' The ring is worthless brass.
Some tourist-area restaurants display attractive prices outside but bring different, more expensive menus to the table, or add unexpected service charges, cover charges, or inflated prices for items not clearly listed.
Criminals install card skimmers on ATMs to capture card data, or distract users during transactions to steal cash or cards. Some work in teams where one distracts while another observes PIN entry or steals cash.
Some unlicensed or dishonest taxi drivers claim their meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, take unnecessarily long routes, or manipulate meters to overcharge tourists, especially from the airport or train station.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers, claim to be investigating counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to inspect your wallet or bag. They may steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'
Someone approaches and quickly ties a bracelet around your wrist, then demands payment for it. They may become aggressive if you refuse or claim you've damaged their 'art.'
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals and store digital copies in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy's traveler program for safety alerts and assistance
- Learn basic French phrases for emergencies: 'Au secours!' (Help!), 'Appelez la police!' (Call the police!), 'J'ai besoin d'un médecin' (I need a doctor)
- Save emergency numbers in your phone and write them down in case your phone is lost or stolen
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it
Public Transportation
- Validate your metro/tram ticket before boarding to avoid fines; inspectors regularly check tickets
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you on crowded public transport
- Be extra vigilant during rush hours (7:30-9:30am, 5:30-7:30pm) when pickpockets are most active
- Avoid empty metro cars late at night; choose cars with other passengers
- Stand away from platform edges and mind the gap when boarding
- Download the Tisséo app for real-time public transport information and route planning
- Keep your ticket until you exit the station as you may need it
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passports, and extra cash
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers in your accommodation
- For Airbnb or vacation rentals, verify the legitimacy of the listing and host reviews
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Ensure windows and doors lock properly; report any security concerns to management immediately
Money and Valuables
- Use credit cards instead of carrying large amounts of cash; notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Divide money and cards between different pockets and bags in case of theft
- Use ATMs during daylight hours inside banks when possible
- Keep small denominations for purchases to avoid displaying large bills
- Photograph your credit cards (front and back) and store securely for reference if stolen
- Be discreet when handling money at markets and shops
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water in Toulouse is safe to drink and of excellent quality
- Watch your drink being prepared in bars and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Be cautious of food allergies; inform restaurant staff clearly ('Je suis allergique à...')
- Check restaurant hygiene ratings and reviews before dining
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs
- Pace alcohol consumption, especially in hot weather, and alternate with water
Technology and Communication
- Use VPN when connecting to public WiFi to protect personal information
- Enable 'Find My Phone' features before traveling
- Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a portable charger
- Be discreet when using expensive phones or cameras in crowded areas
- Back up photos and important data regularly during your trip
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international plan for reliable communication
Cycling Safety
- Use Toulouse's VélôToulouse bike-share system with proper locks provided
- Wear helmets (though not mandatory, highly recommended)
- Use dedicated bike lanes (pistes cyclables) whenever available
- Follow traffic rules; cyclists must obey the same signals as cars
- Use lights at night (legally required) and wear reflective clothing
- Be extremely cautious at roundabouts and when passing parked cars (door zone)
Cultural Awareness
- Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites
- Be patient with language barriers; many appreciate attempts to speak French
- Avoid loud conversations in public transport and restaurants
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated
- Respect local customs during lunch hours (12-2pm) when many shops close
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Toulouse is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. France has strong gender equality laws and women are well-represented in public life. However, like in many European cities, women may experience occasional catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly in nightlife areas. The city's well-developed infrastructure, good public lighting in tourist areas, and visible police presence contribute to overall safety. Most women travelers report positive experiences with standard urban precautions.
- Solo dining is completely normal and accepted in Toulouse; don't hesitate to eat alone at restaurants
- Use official taxis or rideshare apps late at night rather than walking alone; sit in the back seat
- Dress as you wish - Toulouse is a cosmopolitan city with diverse fashion, though modest dress in religious sites is respectful
- If experiencing harassment, firmly say 'Laissez-moi tranquille!' (Leave me alone!) and move to populated areas
- Consider staying in well-reviewed accommodations in central areas like Capitole, Carmes, or Saint-Étienne neighborhoods
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Trust your instincts about situations and people; don't feel obligated to be polite if uncomfortable
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible for emergencies or navigation
- Be aware that some bars and clubs in student areas can get rowdy late at night on weekends
- Women-only train compartments don't exist, but choosing seats near other passengers or families is advisable on late trains
- French law prohibits street harassment; serious incidents can be reported to police
LGBTQ+ Travelers
France has strong LGBTQ+ rights protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013, discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy comprehensive legal protections. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights and access to assisted reproduction.
- The main LGBTQ+ nightlife area is around Rue de la Colombette and Rue des Lois in the Carmes neighborhood
- Toulouse Pride (Marche des Fiertés) typically occurs in June with various events throughout Pride month
- Arc-en-Ciel Toulouse is the main LGBTQ+ association offering resources and community events
- LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and restaurants are widespread; most establishments are welcoming without needing specific 'gay-friendly' designation
- Same-sex couples can request double beds at hotels without issues
- The Centre LGBTI+ Toulouse (16 Rue Castelbou) offers resources, events, and community support
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Bar Le Connexion, Le Purple, and Le Cactus Club
- While generally safe, exercise normal caution in peripheral neighborhoods late at night
- French LGBTQ+ emergency helpline: 01 41 83 42 81 (Ligne Azur)
- Trans individuals should carry ID matching their presentation if possible, though France allows gender marker changes on documents
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Toulouse. While the city has excellent healthcare facilities, medical costs can be substantial for non-EU visitors who must pay upfront. Even minor injuries or illnesses requiring hospitalization can result in bills of thousands of euros. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft (common in tourist areas), and emergency evacuation. France's efficient healthcare system means you'll receive excellent care, but you'll need to pay for it without insurance coverage.
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