Rencontres des Métiers d'Art (Art Crafts Meetings)
Each October, on over 2000 m², craftspeople present jewellery, clothing and artworks, with demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Plizio Visual Lab
Plaisance-du-Touch
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Plaisance-du-Touch
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Plan a full day for the African Safari park, especially to catch the animal feeding times.
- The center is easy to explore on foot, and you can find parking near the town hall.
- Along the Touch river, there are well-maintained cycling paths leading towards Toulouse.
- A walk around Lake François Soula is first-rate for a relaxed afternoon.
🍽 Food
🍽
Toulouse Sausage
Try this local sausage in the traditional brasseries in the town center.
🍽
Duck dishes
Confit de Canard is a regional classic, often served in French restaurants near the main street.
🍽
Regional bakeries
Pick up a fresh baguette and chocolatine at the bakeries around the church.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly market
Visit the local market on Thursday morning for fresh regional produce.
🛍
Delicatessens
Look for small shops in the center offering wines and cheeses from southwestern France.
🧘
Banks of the Touch
Stroll along the green riverside paths of the Touch river, convenient for picnics.
🧘
Lac François Soula
A quiet lake on the edge of town, popular with anglers and walkers.
Water temperature…
Plaisance-du-Touch is a flourishing town in the Occitanie region, situated on the western edge of the Toulouse metropolitan area. Its name is derived from the Touch river, which flows through the commune and provides scenic green banks for leisure activities. Historically a quiet farming village, the town has seen rapid growth due to the expansion of the aerospace and high-tech industries in nearby Toulouse and Blagnac. The town's most famous attraction is the African Safari Zoo, one of the premier wildlife parks in southwestern France, featuring over 600 animals. The urban landscape reflects a blend of traditional Garonne brick architecture and modern residential expansions designed to accommodate the growing population. Plaisance provides high-quality amenities, including the Espace Monestié cultural center and extensive sports facilities. The local economy is diverse, supported by a strong retail sector and proximity to the region's industrial hubs. With its balance of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and community-focused infrastructure, it remains a prime example of successful suburban development in southern France.
- Location: Occitanie, France
- Top sights: African Safari Zoo · Saint-Barthélemy Church · Lac François Soula
- Nearby: Cugnaux (5 km)
- Population: ~21.079
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 57 | 65 | 74 | 86 | 60 | 50 | 52 | 51 | 64 | 79 | 68 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: approx. 21,079 people.
- Total area: 26.49 square km.
- African Safari Zoo opened: 1970.
- Postal code: 31830.
- Elevation range: 157 to 191 meters.
- Distance to central Toulouse: approx. 15 km.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Plaisance-du-Touch (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Plaisance-du-Touch?
The African Safari is a well-known zoo and safari park where you can observe animals directly from your car.
How far is the city from Toulouse?
Plaisance-du-Touch is located about 15 kilometers west of Toulouse and can be reached in about 20-30 minutes by car.
Are there good hiking trails nearby?
The paths along the Touch River offer relaxing walks and cycling tracks in green surroundings.
Which local specialty should one try?
Try duck specialties like Confit de Canard, which are typical of the Occitanie region.
Is the city family-friendly?
Yes, especially because of the zoo and the many parks, it is a well-suited destination for a day trip with children.
Plaisance-du-Touch: where is it located?
Plaisance-du-Touch is located in Occitanie, France.
Plaisance-du-Touch: what is there to see?
Highlights include African Safari Zoo, Saint-Barthélemy Church, Lac François Soula.
Plaisance-du-Touch: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Plaisance-du-Touch: why is it worth visiting?
Plaisance-du-Touch is a flourishing town in the Occitanie region, situated on the western edge of the Toulouse metropolitan area.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Toulouse-Sud
The southern area of Toulouse includes residential zones and modern scientific parks.
Toulouse
Toulouse, often referred to as 'The Pink City' (La Ville Rose), owes this name to its characteristic brick buildings.
Toulouse-Centre
Toulouse-Centre forms the historic quarter of the city with red brick buildings.
Perpignan-Nord
Perpignan-Nord is an extension of the city with industrial and residential areas.
Perpignan
Perpignan sits near Spain and blends Catalan flair with a Mediterranean climate and a lively old town.
Perpignan-Sud
Perpignan-Sud is an area for housing and local infrastructure in the south.
Béziers
Béziers sits near the Mediterranean and is known for the Canal du Midi, vineyards, and its distinctive old town.
Montauban
Montauban is a southwestern French city with pink brick, wide squares, and a long trading history.
Albi
Albi is a red-brick city and UNESCO site with a powerful cathedral and a charming old town.
Bordères-sur-l'Échez
A suburb of Tarbes in the Pyrenean foothills, crossed by the Échez river.
Narbonne
Narbonne is an ancient Roman city near the coast with a cathedral, canals, and a southern Mediterranean feel.
Castres
A picturesque Occitan city famous for its colorful houses lining the Agout river and its major pharmaceutical industry.
Colomiers
A dynamic city in the Toulouse metropolitan area, the European heart of the aerospace industry.
Rodez
Rodez sits on a hill in Aveyron and combines a medieval old town with modern culture.
Onet-le-Château
A dynamic suburb of Rodez with an impressive medieval castle and a modern cultural life.
