Toulouse caught me by surprise. When Jeff and I were planning our European escapade, Toulouse wasn’t initially near the top of our list. Little did we know that are so many things to do in Toulouse. It held a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Our journey to Toulouse turned out to be an unexpected delight, one that had us extending our stay not once but twice.
One look at the faded red-brick facades of the old city, and you will instantly understand the nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City).
France’s fourth largest city is an eclectic mix of medieval architecture and modern aerospace, leaving us wondering what to do in Toulouse first. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, its charming streets make it ideal for walking.
Before exploring all the things to do in Toulouse … start here:
- Once in town, head to the office of tourism to pick up free maps and purchase tickets for Cite de l’Espace and/or river cruises.
- Get the Toulouse Pass Tourisme to save money and often skip the queue. It includes entrance to most of the city’s museums, monuments, and heritage sites, as well as discounts at dozens of other partner sites, cruises, boat rentals, and even some shopping. Best of all, there is an option to have transportation included (city buses, trams, metro, and the airport shuttle). This pass is a great deal. Reserve your 72-hour Toulouse pass here.
- Get an introduction to the city with a one-hour open-top minibus city tour. Visiting both the old and new areas of the city, the audio-guided tour will take you past Ville Rose, Toulouse Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Hôtel d’Assézat, and finally, along the banks of the River Garonne and Canal du Midi. Reserve your open-top minibus city tour here.
- If you prefer a more active option, this bike tour might be just the thing. In three hours it will give you a fabulous introduction to the city, and a bit of exercise. Reserve your essential Toulouse by bike tour here.
Exploring Toulouse: A Journey of 33 Wonders
As we ventured through the cobbled streets of Toulouse, we discovered a vibrant city that seemed to intertwine the old and the new effortlessly. The sheer diversity of things to do in Toulouse took us by surprise, and we embarked on a quest to explore every corner of this captivating city.
Place du Capitole – The main square highlights the best of Toulouse
The main square in Toulouse, Place du Capitole, stands as the city’s vibrant heart and a testament to its historical and cultural significance. This iconic square is home to the magnificent Capitole de Toulouse, a grand neoclassical building that serves as the town hall and symbolizes the city’s administrative prowess.
The Capitole’s impressive façade features intricate sculptures and grand archways, creating a visually stunning backdrop against which the square’s activities unfold. Its distinctive terracotta hues contributed to our understanding of the nickname “La Ville Rose” (Pink City).
Originally founded in 1190, the Capitole is believed to be on the site where St Saturninus (Bishop of Toulouse) was martyred by being tied to the legs of a bull and dragged down the steps.
The square hosts various events, from bustling craft, art, or farmers markets to open-air concerts, offering a glimpse into the vibrant social life of Toulouse. Its open expanse, adorned with fountains and adorned with a central cross formed by pink and white marble tiles, provides an inviting space to relax and people-watch.
Be sure some of the religious buildings are on your list of things to do
By now, we knew that Toulouse’s architectural heritage is nothing short of remarkable. The over 20 churches, cathedrals and convents in the city highlight this. Some of the more notable include:
- Basilica of St. Sernin
The 11th-century Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in Europe, stands as a testament to centuries of history. Its Romanesque beauty and intricate details left us awestruck. It was built to aid the crowds of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. We enjoyed a free (with a donation) student lead tour of the Basillica. - Jacobin Convent
A Dominican monastery, Jacobin Convent, is built in southern French Gothic style and completed around 1250. The nave is most notable for its ridged arched vaulted ceiling known as the “palm tree”. - Toulouse Cathedral
Also called Saint Stephen’s Cathedral or Cathédrale Saint-Étienn, it is a national monument of France and the seat of the archbishop of Toulouse. It contains features of both Northern and Southern French Gothic styles.
Journey through aerospace
Toulouse is part of Aerospace Valley, home to hundreds of companies affiliated with the industry. Located in and around Toulouse are Airbus, Air France Industries, Dassault Aviation, and Cite de L’Espace (theme park). Taking a journey through some aspects of aerospace is a must-see among the things to do in Toulouse.
Airbus
**Reservations are required to visit Airbus. If you are not carrying an EU passport, you must purchase two full working days in advance. Also, Airbus tours were strictly no photography when we visited Toulouse.
Aeroscopia Museum
Located not too far from Airbus, Aeroscopia Museum is one of France’s leading aviation and aeronautical museums. It highlights Toulouse’s aviation history with interactive exhibitions and planes we can climb aboard, including the Airbus A300B, Concorde and others. In fact, their large collection of aircraft ranges from WWII fighters to commercial planes. Reserve your entry ticket in advance here.
Cite de L’Espace
Cite de l’Espace is a family-friendly, interactive space exploration museum. Although to us it felt more like a space theme park. Our girls were 12 and 14 when we visited here, and both enjoyed it. For Jeff, my rocket scientist husband, the highlight was walking through a life-size replica of the MIR, a Russian Space Station. Highlights for the girls included a moonwalk and a gyroscope.
Pro Tip: We don’t speak French. Back when we visited, they had translation headsets at the entrance if you asked. They are free but have never been advertised, so we don’t know if they still offer this. The headset will translate the I-max movie and the Planetarium show into English. Or you can download a free app in English that will give you guidance here.
Head to the Garonne River or Canal du Midi
The Garonne River cuts through Toulouse, as does Canal du Midi. The Pont Neuf (new bridge) was completed in 1632 and is the oldest bridge in the city. While we found it impressive during the day, illuminated at night along with the city buildings created a romantic atmosphere that was simply magical. Our evening walks along the Garonne River provided some of our most cherished memories.
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provided a tranquil escape from the bustling city. We first encountered Canal du Midi as it passed over the River Orb along the Orb Aqueduct in Béziers on our Pyrenees road trip.
Along the river, one can:
- Rent a bicycle
- Ride the Ferris wheel at the Quai de la Daurade
- Walk across the Pont Neuf bridge
- Take a river cruise
- Hire a paddle boat
Discover museums and historic sites
Museums and monuments in the city centre are free on the 1st Sunday of each month, during the Night of the Museums, and on cultural heritage days. At any other time, they are nearly all included on the Toulouse Pass.
A few of the more notable museums:
- Galerie du Chateau d’eau (One of the world’s first public photography museums)
- Musée des Augustins (housed within a former Augustinian monastery, it holds a captivating collection of sculptures and paintings that offered a glimpse into Toulouse’s artistic past, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.)
- Muséum d’historie Naturelle de Toulouse (Natural history museum)
- Musée Saint Raymond (Antiquities focused on Roman art, plus a large ancient cemetery in the basement that contains many inscriptions and crypts)
- Academie des Jeux Floraux (Oldest literary society in the Western world)
- Foundation Bemberg Houses Georges Bemberg’s collection of artworks
Step off the beaten path in Toulouse
We loved walking down the residential streets of this idyllic town. We discovered narrow streets and fascinating architecture everywhere. But for me, it’s the little things, like the ornate street lamp, that make Toulouse so charming.
Embark on a gastronomic adventure among the things to do in Toulouse
- Settle into an outdoor street cafe for breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, or people-watching. We enjoyed crêpes at one of the cafes along Rue du Taur. Yet, it was Notre-Dame du Taur, the tower facade at the front of the church across the street, that caught our attention. (see image)
- Dine on top-notch cuisine at one of Toulouse’s nine Michelin Star restaurants.
- The city’s markets, such as Victor Hugo Market (the largest market in Toulouse), introduced us to the richness of regional produce and flavours. If you want to learn more, check out this Victor Hugo small-group walking food tour.
Relaxing things to do Toulouse
- The Jardin des Plantes, Toulouse’s oldest public garden, was a serene oasis that beckoned us to unwind. We found solace among its lush greenery, fragrant blooms, and tranquil ponds. It’s a perfect spot for reflection.
- Stroll through peaceful Japanese gardens at Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis.
- Music aficionados can listen to jazz or dance the night away with techno or rock music.
- Enjoy a more sophisticated evening with ballet, symphony, or opera at Theatre du Capitole.
Where to stay in Toulouse
Like most big cities, Toulouse offers a wide range of accommodation options. As our primary motivation when we arrived was to relax, we stayed outside the heart of the city in a lovely apartment at Residence de Diane.
In fact, we had originally planned to spend a few days in Toulouse before moving on to other destinations. However, the city’s charm worked its magic on us, and we found ourselves extending our stay not once but twice. By the end, we were relaxed and ready for our several-hour drive back to our long-term home exchange house in Spain.
Had our primary motivation been to see the sites in a condensed period of time, we would have stayed more central. Here are our top picks.
- Residence de Diane
This is where we stayed in a lovely self-contained unit. In addition to seeing the sites above, we spent a fair amount of time enjoying the complex’s large pool. Our unit was clean, and comfortable and had everything we needed. It was nice to be able to make home-cooked meals. ⇒ Reserve your stay at Residence de Diane here - La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa Toulouse – MGallery by Sofitel
This top-rated five-star hotel caters to all your needs, even providing a robe and slippers. The modern rooms are a contrast to the more traditional French ambience of some of the common areas. Pet-friendly, it caters to the entire family. ⇒ Reserve your stay at La Cour des Consuls Hotel here - Pullman Toulouse Centre
Another five-star option, the Pullman is sleek and modern. Also pet-friendly with family rooms, it has a fitness centre, bar, and restaurant. Guests rave about the friendly staff.⇒ Reserve your stay at the Pullman here
Finally, remember to smile and enjoy all the best of Toulouse
Check out these places in Europe
Have we helped you to decide what to do in Toulouse?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Aimee
Toulouse looks like the perfect place to visit! Love the relaxing things to do tips.
Jill
I love Toulouse! I used to work for Airbus in the U.S. and had the opportunity to travel to Toulouse. This is a great list!
Josy A
Yay! I am so glad you extended your stay! Toulouse is just lovely isn’t it. I didn’t go for years so I was thinking I remembered it through rose tinted glasses, but your post shows it is just as lovely as I remember. 😀
Monica
Looks like and incredible city to explore in France! Great tips for things to do.
Gladis
So many great options! Toulouse looks like a beautiful destination! Love the off-the-beaten path options!
Sharyn
I never visited Toulouse but you have now inspired me.
Kelly
I’ve never of Toulouse before reading this post! It looks like such a picturesque place to explore. Garonne River or Canal du Midi is one place I’d definitely love to visit on a future trip. If I’m ever in the area I’ll be sure to check out your recommendations. Thanks for sharing this!
Jazmin Marie
Wow, the architecture is gorgeous! I love how many photos you took on your trip – especially of the “future married couple” lol.
Definitely bookmarking this because of all the great resources! I need to remember to stop by tourism offices when I travel more often.
Lisa | Waves and Cobblestones
I just adore France. Now I have another city to put on my France bucket list — thanks!
Jeanne Dee
Wonderful post, so glad I discovered it and this blog! As much time as we have spent exploring France deeply over the years, we have not spent time in Toulouse. What an interesting place and great photos and info! I see I must add it. I was also interested in your time in Spain as we have spent many long stays there and are house hunting there now.
David
Such a beautiful place. Love your photos….just awesome!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I’ve never really considered visiting Toulouse. After reading this, I’m much more inclined. I really like the architecture and think that an Airbus tour would be so interesting.
Kreete
Wow Aerospace seems like something I would really enjoy visiting! Too bad no photography is allowed. I can’t believe I havent made it to France yet! Your photography is stunning as always, making me want to plan a tip straight away!
Rob+Ann
We would love to make it to Toulouse on a future trip to France. We were reading about Avignon and the Carcassonne earlier…I’m sensing a voyage sur la route! 😉 We are definitely getting more and more smitten with southern France!
eileen g
We did a tour at Boeing when we were in Seattle because my husband wanted to and I was surprised at how neat I thought it was. Just the space they needed to build the planes was impressive. So I would certainly try for the Airbus tour. Tolouse looks like a city packed with quite a bit to do, and plenty of variety for families.
Archana Singh
Been to lot of French cities but missed Toulouse. I love European architecture and Place du Capitole looks so good. I would really love to visit all the churches, cafeterias, aerospace and other things you mentioned above.
Sandy N Vyjay
Toulouse is indeed a revelation. The place enshrines the spirit of Europe and France and has a distinctive charm of its own. Have not traveled beyond Paris and hope to see the other towns and cities of Paris. Will definitely have Toulouse on top of our list on our enxt sojourn to France.
knycx
A charming town and there’s a lot of possibilities, especially there’s a wheel by the river. thanks for the sharing your ideas and pictures.
Bryna
It seems like Toulouse has a little bit of everything! Beautiful history and architecture, and even an Airbus true – which looks really cool!
Sally
Beautiful architecture, but what I’d really like see is the Airbus factory. I think it would be so interesting.
Gabriela
Can you imagine that I lived in Paris, but I never got to visit Toulouse? I love your pictures, the lighting it’s just impressive.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – It seems people always neglect the places close by, as there is always tomorrow.
Gabriela
Indeed Rhonda. Well, I am thinking to plan a visit to South of France, so…your post will be handy then. 😉
Rhonda Albom
We travelled through the Pyrenees and Midi Pyrenees and loved every minute of it.
Anna
Never heard of Pink city! Thanks for adding to my intrigue.
Chloe
This pink city is so beautiful. I love the intricate architecture and the relaxing atmosphere!
Scarlett Begonias
I love the architecture, Toulouse is just stunning. We will be adding it to our endless bucket list, thank you for the recommendation and gorgeous pictures.
Siddhartha Joshi
Toulouse looks gorgeous, and I especially loved your walk through the residential neighbourhood – I do that often as well in new cities 🙂
By the way, we have a pink city in India as well – Jaipur 🙂
Carol Colborn
Toulouse could be a part of our northern Spain itinerary next year!
jo
There’s a big Airbus operation where we live so I often hear of people going over to Toulouse (Airbus have their own flight there) but I’ve never heard much else about it. I hadn’t imagined such a beautiful pink city with such magnificent buildings. I would definitely do the Airbus visit too. Toulouse would be a great place for a weekend away.
Jim
Toulouse is seriously gorgeous! We just met a ma from there a few weeks ago and he had convinced us to give it a visit. With your beautiful photos the deal is done!
Anne
I have only ever been to the train station in Toulouse but it looks beautiful. The cathedral is stunning
Barb
I m planning a trip to Andorra and it is very close to Toulouse. I was looking at flights yesterday. After seeing your post, I feel like I want to head to Toulouse and go from there to Andorra, rather than going from Barcelona. It looks like a beautiful city!
Karla
I spent a few days in Toulouse to visit a friend. Honestly, didn’t know what to expect, I was just going to see her. Turns out to be a lovely place. I’m glad I went.
Deborah
I’ve never been to France. It’s not somewhere I’ve dreamed about going – Italy is on my bucket list – but I’d be more than happy to stop-in enroute! 😉
sherianne
I haven’t heard much about this city but you had me at crepes! Pinning for future travel
Ketki Sharangpani
Great post and photos. bookmarking for the future! Looks like there is a lot to do and the town looks so pretty with all the red!
Paige W
I love that the nickname of the city is the pink city. I’m glad that even though the bricks are faded, they’ve kept the buildings in their true form. Musee St. Raymond sounds like a really interesting museum and would definitely be on my must-see list – I mean, a basement cemetery!?
Tami
I don’t see much being written about Toulouse — this is a great post, with lots of helpful information. Thanks for taking the time to write it up!
David
Toulouse looks really quite appealing and it makes me a little disappointed I decided against visiting earlier in the year. The faded red-brick buildings really give it a distinct sense of character. Seems like theres a lot to do there too. Next visit I suppose.
beatravelling
I didn’t know it was called the Pink City, but I get it now 🙂
Jill
Beautiful! France is one of my favorite countries and I’ve really enjoyed my visits outside of Paris – but there is still so much I haven’t seen there. Toulouse looks like a place I would really like.
Sam
Might have to drop by on my upcoming tour of Europe … so many attractions!
Faith Coates
I really liked your architectural style of photo. I never thought about visiting Toulouse although I have heard about it for many years, but I think this piece has some great reasons to do so. Hoping to spend a few months touring France soon, fingers crossed.
Pat
Toulouse looks like such a beautiful and “off the beaten track” place to visit in France. I’d love to see it one day. Everyone seems to concentrate on Paris yet there are so many other wonderful towns to enjoy and this one has such a nice mix of grandeur and simplicity.
Anda
Good ideas for places to visit in Toulouse. The city has to have some outstanding churches, like the church at Jacobin Convent. Those columns are so majestic! I can only imagine the acoustics of that place.
Katee Blizzard
Those Cathedrals are so stunning! I bet it was incredible walking around such lovely buildings.
Ruth
Rhonda, I do not remember seeing photos of the city before (shows how little I know about France). I really like that pink tint on the buildings. I feel like it gives the city a very chic feeling. Very interesting to learn about the aerospace companies in the area. Having worked in the industry for years, I am intrigued to learn how things work on Europe.
sallie rainville
lovely city about which i knew nothing at all. THanks for the interesting travelogue. The picture of the little boy and girl is so charming! (and yeah, typical…)
Nuria Travelera
I have gone pass Toulouse several times when we have drove to Paris and we stopped once for some lunch but it was not long, I had no idea that they have so many pink buildings and such a beautiful architecture. I loved your pictures and if we drive through France again, I will stop to see it better.
Dawn Rae
Such beautiful architecture!
Lyn
I love your ‘Off the beaten path’ photos, especially the apartment block with the ivy (or something) growing on the top floor balcony – and nowhere else. I know it has to be growing out of a pot but because the pot isn’t in the photo it looks quite surreal.
Sandy KS
What a beautiful place. I love to travel. Maybe one day I can do it again.
Lolo
I love that everything has a touch of pink in this city! Wouldn’t mind a visit!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Dig the architecture!
That one sign looks like a small scale Times Square without all the gaudy.
Sandee
I want to ride the Ferris Wheel. Great shots as always.☺
Jackie
Looks like my kind of place to visit.
Tanja
so many great options! love the photos!:)
Tony Payne
It looks wonderful there. I loved Brittany in north western France. The people there were so friendly, but Paris does have a bad reputation for rude people.