Toulouse is set to come alive on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with three major events: the Urbain Trail, the traditional Carnival, and a demonstration advocating for the liberation of political prisoners and the Sahrawi people. These activities will bring significant traffic and parking disruptions across various areas of the city, along with changes to the Tisséo public transport network.
The demonstration is scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM from Jean-Jaurès, while the first wave of runners in the Urbain Trail will take off at 2:00 PM. This means that a progressive closure of several streets in the city center will begin in the late morning. The counter-alley Lazare Carnot will be the first to feel the impact, followed by closures starting at 1:00 PM on Rue Alsace Lorraine, Place Saint-Pierre, Counter-alley Paul Sabatier (near Rue des Potiers), Counter-alley Avenue du Cimetière (near Rue Drouet), Rue Henri-de-Bornier, Counter-alley Boulevard Lascrosses, and Rue Emile Brouardel.
As for the Grand Rond roundabout, it will experience multiple closures to accommodate the successive starts of different races throughout the day. The schedule for closures is as follows: from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM for the 24 km race, from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM for the 14 km race, and from 4:20 PM to 4:55 PM for the 9 km race.
Parking will also be heavily affected on April 19, with strict prohibitions in place. Specifically, parking will be banned on the allées Jules-Guesde between the Grand Rond and rue Ozenne. Additionally, the Carnival will introduce further disruptions, with a grand parade set to cause a parking ban from 8:00 PM on Friday, April 18, until midnight on Saturday, April 19, in all streets along the parade route. Traffic will be prohibited in these areas on Saturday from 12:00 PM to midnight.
For those relying on underground parking, the Indigo Victor, Jean Jaurès, and Matabiau Ramblas car parks will be closed on April 19, although exits will remain permitted until 2:00 AM for the Jean Jaurès and Matabiau Ramblas parking facilities.
The Tisséo public transport network will also face significant changes starting at 11:00 AM on the same day. The Airport shuttle and bus lines L1, L8, L9, L14, 15, 23, 29, 45, and 70 will be diverted, while the Centre-Ville and Bonnefoy shuttles, along with bus line 39, will be suspended. Furthermore, the metro stations at Compans-Caffarelli (line B), Jeanne d’Arc (line B), and Jean Jaurès (lines A and B) will close at 5:00 PM. Normal Tisséo operations are expected to resume at midnight.
With such extensive disruptions anticipated, authorities strongly recommend avoiding driving in the city center and encourage walking or cycling instead. Attendees of these events are advised to plan their journeys in advance, particularly if they intend to participate in or observe the festivities.
In addition to the Urbain Trail and the demonstration, the weekend will also feature the Foire Internationale de Toulouse, which opened on Friday, April 18, at the MEETT. This event boasts 550 exhibitors showcasing a variety of products and services, from artisanal goods to travel options, catering to the interests of visitors eager to explore.
The Grand Défilé du Carnaval de Toulouse, a highlight of the weekend, is expected to attract around 30,000 participants. The procession will begin at 7:30 PM, starting from the Arnaud-Bernard roundabout. The mayor, Jean-Luc Moudenc, will ceremoniously hand over the keys of the city to the carnival-goers, marking the beginning of the festivities.
This year's carnival theme celebrates the 200-year relationship between France and Brazil, featuring a vibrant array of floats, samba dancers, and traditional Brazilian percussion. The parade will wind its way through the boulevards, stopping at key locations such as boulevard d'Arcole and boulevard de Strasbourg, before culminating at the ramblas of allées Jean-Jaurès.
As the night progresses, the celebration will continue with DJ sets and street performances, creating a magical atmosphere under the stars. Participants are encouraged to wear pink attire to match the theme, adding to the festive spirit.
Despite the excitement, attendees should be aware that the metro stations at Compans-Caffarelli, Jeanne d’Arc, and Jean Jaurès will be closed from 5:00 PM to midnight, prompting the public to consider alternative transportation methods.
In summary, the weekend of April 19-20, 2025, promises to be a vibrant and bustling time in Toulouse, filled with cultural celebrations and community spirit. With the combination of the Urbain Trail, the Carnival, and the Foire Internationale, residents and visitors alike will have ample opportunities to engage with the city's rich traditions while navigating the challenges posed by the events.
