Be Safe In Toulouse

Like many large cities, Toulouse has more than its share of urban violence, thievery and drug abuse. Although generally safe during most hours, tourists are always a target for crafty pickpockets and scam artists, so keep your guard up and use basic precautionary tactics to avoid being a victim of crime.

Safety

The biggest problem facing visitors to Toulouse are the many pickpockets who hang out in the main tourist areas. All of the city’s public transportation hubs are danger zones, so be especially careful with your belongings at metro stations, Matabiau Station and at bus stops around the city centre. The activity of the thieves really picks up during the summer months, as hoards of tourists descend on the city.

Prime tourist attractions such as the Place du Capitole and along the Garonne River are also popular haunts for pickpockets. Use your common sense and don’t advertise things of value. Keep your shoulder bags and camera straps slung across your shoulders to make them harder to grab and a money belt is a great way to keep your cash safe and secure. The police are highly visible in Toulouse and do their best to keep this problem under control, but petty crime still regularly occurs.

The hotels around the Matabiau Station area have a reputation for being a bit seedy, especially at night, when prostitutes hit the streets. Keep to the more populated areas of town after dark, as a serious problem with gangs and disaffected youths makes it dangerous to venture about in the banlieus, or suburbs, and rougher neighbourhoods.

Police: 17

Health

Aside from a potential injury due to an accident, Toulouse presents few health problems and the risk of disease is no higher than in any developed European city. The water is safe to drink and food hygiene standards in restaurants are closely monitored by the local authorities. Should you need any medical attention while visiting Toulouse, you should either have appropriate travel insurance to cover medical costs or the necessary documentation from your home country if you are an EU citizen wishing to take advantage of reciprocal agreements. The hospitals and pharmacies here are top notch, so you don’t need to worry about the quality of health care, just the cost.

University Hospital Complex: +33 05 6177 8233