 Aviation and technology in Toulouse
Throughout the history of Toulouse, industry and commerce have always played a key role in generating the city's wealth. The grandeur of central Toulouse owes much to the wealthy merchants who specialised in the manufacture and sale of woad, a dye produced from locally-grown plants and the Canal du Midi also reflects the past importance of the city as a centre for trade.
Today Toulouse is France's aerospace capital and it is this industry that allows the city to prosper and grow. The visitor can experience Toulouse's past links with aviation as well as seeing how it is helping to lead the way in modern aviation technology. The pioneering Latécoère Aéropostale airmail service was based here and it helped to open up new mail routes across the globe. One of the most famous pilots of the Aéropostale was Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of Le Petit Prince.
However, it is Airbus Industrie, the European aircraft manufacturer, that has given Toulouse its reputation as a centre for high tech industries. At Blagnac, home of the Airbus aircraft, tours of the plant show how the company remains at the forefront of aviation design. The new Cité de L'Espace space park also charts the city's links with various space programmes.
Links
Airbus Industrie, Airbus Industries
More information on the history of Airbus and details of the range of aircraft made at the plant in Toulouse. In English.
Cité de L'Espace, space park attraction
Additional information in French and English on the park itself.
Antoine de Saint Exupéry
A brief summary of the life of this intrepid pilot and author. In English.
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