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Learn How to Pronounce Toulouse | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Toulouse

Quick Answer: The city Toulouse is pronounced [tu.luz].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Toulouse, a major city in the Haute-Garonne department of southwestern France, is a preeminent European hub for aerospace and aviation technology, famously nicknamed "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) for its distinctive terracotta brick architecture. Strategically located on the banks of the River Garonne, its historical significance is rooted in the Languedoc region and the ancient County of Toulouse. The city's modern identity is powerfully shaped by the presence of Airbus, the European aerospace giant, and a dense ecosystem of leading engineering schools, such as ISAE-SUPAERO, and cutting-edge research institutions like the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). This synergy has firmly established Toulouse as a global capital for the aviation industry and space exploration, home to critical facilities for satellite manufacturing and the operations of the French space agency, CNES. Beyond its industrial and academic prowess, Toulouse is celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene, UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, and its warm, southern French ambiance, making it a top destination for both business tourism and cultural travel in the Occitanie region.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard spelling is Toulouse. Common errors and variations include misspelling it as "Touluse" (dropping the second 'o'), "Toulousse" (adding an extra 's'), or "Toulouze" (incorrectly using a 'z'). In non-French contexts, the final 's' is sometimes mistakenly pronounced, whereas in French it is silent. Historically, the city's name derives from the Latin Tolosa, and in the Occitan language, it is spelled Tolosa, which remains in use culturally and appears in the names of local institutions like the Toulouse FC stadium, Stadium de Toulouse, and the historical region. Typographical errors like "Toulose" are also frequent. When searching, it is important to use the correct French spelling to find authoritative information about the city's aerospace industry, universities, and tourism offerings.

Example Sentences

Many aspiring aeronautical engineers dream of studying at one of the prestigious grandes écoles in Toulouse.

A weekend stroll through the Capitole square reveals the characteristic pink brick architecture that gives Toulouse its affectionate nickname.

The city's economy is profoundly influenced by the Airbus assembly lines, where the wings for the A350 are manufactured.

Visitors often enjoy a boat tour along the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century engineering marvel that begins near Toulouse.

The city's vibrant student population, drawn from its many research institutions, ensures a lively nightlife in the Saint-Cyprien district.

Toulouse serves as the European headquarters for the Galileo satellite navigation system, underscoring its role in space technology.

Related Pronunciations


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