The 13 free activities and visits to Toulouse

You come to visit Toulouse and you don’t have a big budget? We have the solution! In this article you will find 13 free activities to do in Toulouse!

Toulouse, the beautiful pink city of the Haute Garonne region, has a lot to offer. This city is very rich in culture and heritage. Ideally located in the southwest of France, its climate is pleasant all year round.

Although quite a tourist, this city is not expensive, and you will discover many are the free visits to Toulouse. So here's a list of 13 activities to do or redo!

1. L’observatoire de Jolimont

Toulouse is a very trendy city on the subject of aerospace. There are several seats in the company Airbus or Thalès. And also the beautiful park of the Cité de l’Espace ! But, if you like star observation, then here’s a free activity for you to do in Toulouse. Located in the city centre and not far from the Jolimont Metro Station , the observatory welcomes you every Friday from 9pm.

Managed by the SAP association, the observatory opens its doors to the public and offers you guided and guided tours. D October to May , conferences are organized by professional astronomers all last Fridays of the month . The Jolimont Observatory was founded in 1733 by the Academy of Sciences. It is also part of the city's heritage.

2. La Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

Located in the heart of the city, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral stands majesticly in the middle of the historic centre of Toulouse. She gave her name to the whole neighborhood. This Roman Catholic cathedral was built on the foundations of a chapel in the third century and was rebuilt over the years.

Its 16th century bell tower contains 17 sacred bells and 3 clock bells . It is also the monument of Toulouse which contains the most bells of time, dating before the Revolution. A free visit to Toulouse and not to be missed!

3. The Departmental Museum of Resistance and Deportation

Here is a new free activity to do in Toulouse: visit Departmental Museum of Resistance and Deportation . Founded in 1974 , the museum was originally only a place where the old documents of time were gathered by individuals.

Then, it is only in 1994 that it was inaugurated on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Toulouse and the department of Haute-Garonne. One floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions , while another contains them permanent collections referring to the historical facts of the Resistance. Another part of the building is devoted to the deportation .

4. La Prairie des Filters

Filter Prairie is a large green area in the heart of Toulouse. A perfect place to relax, picnic or gather with friends. For the small history, this area between the new bridge and the Saint Michel bridge was inhabited in the fifteenth century. Then, following two Garonne floods in the 1430s, the inhabitants of the Saint Cyprien district decided not to relocate.

It holds its name thanks to its sand galleries that play a role in filtration of the waters spilled to the Toulouse water castle. It was also the first pitch for the rugby players of the Toulouse stadium. Today, many activities take place in the Prairie des Filters. Music Festival, water skiing or boulodrome. You will have understood, this place is one of the must-sees of free visits to Toulouse!

5. The Japanese Garden

A true haven of peace, the Japanese Garden is in the middle of a park, more than 7 hectares , located in the heart of Toulouse. Created 1981 , it is composed of a great diversity of plants , but also of photographic works exposed under a pretty tonic.

A pool contains carps that you can see during your walk. A pretty red bridge connects the two parts of the garden and offers you a landscape as beautiful as it is delightful. The entrance to this park is, of course, free of charge. For your greatest pleasure.

6. The Capitole of Toulouse

The famous Capitol of Toulouse and its great place are two free visits to Toulouse! This majestic building that houses the Hôtel de Ville as well as the Théâtre de Toulouse, promises nice discoveries.

Enter this monument, visit its rooms that contain works of time. Dive into the history of the city. The construction of the Capitole lasted more than 200 years. Its beautiful façade was built in 1750 and took over 10 years to see the day. It is also part of the monuments classified as historical heritage.

7. Saint-Sernin Basilica

This magnificent Basilica, built in the 11th century, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in honour of Saint-Saturnin, a martyr of the year 250, it quickly became one of the greatest places of pilgrimage for all pilgrims on the way to Saint Jacques de Compostelle .

Saint-Sernin Basilica is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. Also classified as a historic monument, it is one of the most beautiful free visits to Toulouse.

8. The Garonne

Walking by the edge of the Garonne , here is a free activity to do in Toulouse which is not the most unpleasant! The Garonne and its docks offer you lovely walks.

Regardless of the season, the landscape and the atmosphere are always very pleasant. And if you want to add a hint of magic to all this, choose the end of the day. You will be marvelled by the beauty of the sunsets that this place can offer you!

9. The works of art of the metro

Do you like track games? Investigations? The treasure hunts? So, little detectives, this free activity to do in Toulouse is for you! This programme, launched 2013 by Tisséo Collectivités, brings to the reach of all different works of art in the stations of lines A and B The Toulouse subway. They are often renovated. A fun and fun way to discover art in another form!

10. The garden of plants

Old botanical garden, garden of plants is a huge park 3 gardens . Very pleasant in both summer and winter, it contains beautiful treasures. Founded in 1794 , it was originally a place of study and practice for botanical students.

Crossed by a pretty creek inhabited by swans and ducks, it also has a waterfall and a pretty fountain. You will also find some Playgrounds Children and pony rides ! A nice moment to share alone or with family, and free!

11. The banks of the Canal du Midi

Very used once and today, the Canal du midi is a key component of the city of Toulouse. It makes navigation between sea and ocean much easier. In fact, you will often see boats or péniches sailing there.

The arranged edges of the Canal du midi offer the possibility of long walks, or why not by bike! The main section linking Toulouse to Marseillan is 241 kilometres long. So much to tell you that there is something to pedal!

12. The convent of the Jacobins

Although part of the visit is paid, access to the large main hall of the convent of the Jacobins is free. You can discover its magnificent architecture and, above all, its “palm” which holds its name by the aspect of interior architecture.

The Jacobin church, considered one of the most beautiful Dominican churches in Europe, is 80 meters long for 20 meters wide. An incredible space filled with history.

13. Markets

You are small gourmets and you want to find quality products to cook delicious dishes? You just want a walk to admire beautiful stalls? 4 covered markets that deserve your attention in Toulouse:

• Arnaud Bernard
• Saint Aubin
• Saint Cyprien
• Tears