The 8 things to do in Haute-Garonne

You want to visit a region in the south-west of France? Don't miss the must-see in Haute-Garonne!

This department located in Occitanie region has many treasures to offer. Rich in a cultural heritage, Historical and natural, the Haute-Garonne is a department that was created in the French Revolution. Since then, many changes have been made, particularly in relation to its area. The last change dates from 2016, when the Midi-Pyrénées region merged with the Languedoc-Roussillon region to create Occitania. Featuring many landscapes, molts are the places to visit in Haute-Garonne!

Departed between the Toulouse plain, the Comminges hillsides and the Pyrenean Massif, the department enjoys a remarkable diversity. Whether it's in the climate, activities to practice or different sites, monuments and landscapes to admire, there's something to do.

Discover our favourites and tips to visit the must-see in Haute-Garonne.

1. Toulouse

The main city of South-West France has a rich and colorful historical heritage. This is the fourth city of France , yet you will find it difficult to feel in town with its multitude of gardens and parks. At the same time historical with its many monuments and special hotels, but also modern as the basis of aviation and space in France, Toulouse makes the visitors want to better know the South-West of France and its inhabitants with a singing accent.

Old Toulouse

It is the heart of the pink city. It beats around three main monuments that are the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Capitol and the Convent of Jacobins. There are other points of interest to discover in this epicentre. Finally, don’t hesitate to walk around the alleys and contemplate the architecture of the buildings.

The gardens

The city of Toulouse is labeled three flowers by Cities and Villages Fleuris . Thus, it has thirteen squares, but also 161 parks with more than one hundred and sixty thousand trees. A town for the least treed!

On all the public gardens of the city, here is a selection of the most interesting:

• The Japanese garden Pierre Baudis in the heart of the city with free entrance;
• Plant garden, the most famous and known of the city. You will also find the Museum of Natural History;
• The garden of the Grand Rond is a small park to do absolutely in Haute-Garonne in the city of Toulouse.

Prairie filters

Although the filter meadow is not a garden itself, it is still one of the most frequented places in the city. On the banks of the Garonne, Toulouse enjoy the green space to relax in the day and party in the evening. The filter meadow is a perfect break for a picnic in the city.

The Jacobins

This Gothic masterpiece was built in the 12th and 14th century. You can see the two naves with its seven columns bearing a magnificent vault of 28 meters high under key.

2. Lake Oô

Here is a hike in Haute-Garonne that will refresh you. Count about 2h30 for this hike located in a magnificent setting over 1,500 meters above sea level. At the end you can discover Espingo Lake with a waterfall at 275 meters high.

3. The castle of Laréole

A Renaissance jewel in a green setting set in Haute-Garonne. This is what the castle of Laréole represents in a few words, which opens its doors every year in the spring.

This building made of stones and bricks returns to the ecological operation of the department council of Haute-Garonne. Indeed, he has committed himself to all the Department’s exceptional sites in the zero phyto principle. In this way, the maintenance of the many monuments and buildings in the region do not have a negative impact on the surrounding biodiversity.

4. Villages in Haute-Garonne

Even if you automatically think of the city of Toulouse by going to visit the Haute-Garonne, you must not forget the many exceptional villages and character of the region.

Here are some to see absolutely:

Saint Bertrand de Comminges

It is one of the most beautiful French villages, Saint Bertrand-de-Comminges is a Roman episcopal city at the foot of the Pyrenees. It has become a high place of pilgrimage on the way to Compostela. His visit recalls a distant time, with his impressive cathedral Sainte-Marie, jewel of Romano-Gothic art.

Aurignac

It is a village that doesn’t forget, perched on a ridge in front of the Pyrenees . Prehistoric traces and Gallo-Roman vestiges made his reputation. The village is surrounded by three fortified enclosures around the comtal castle.

His reputation was also due to the Festival d’Art de rue d’Aurignac, every year in August. A festive summer event in Haute-Garonne.

Rieux-Volvestre

This medieval village is worth a visit. Its historic centre allows to see shaded houses, typical of the South West. Then his many bridges give beautiful views of the village. Walk through its colourful alleys that contrast perfectly with wood-paned houses.

Artigue

It is located south of Haute-Garonne. Close to the Spanish border, this isolated and sparsely populated village offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. An enchanting vision on the Pyrenees channel berched in an appreciable authenticity.

5. Culinary specialties

As in each French region, visiting Haute-Garonne is no exception to the rule for its culinary specialties. Gastronomy is an integral part of the discovery of a region. This is why, before visiting France and its various beautiful regions, it is always well to know its typical dishes.

Here is a non-exhaustive summary of the Haute-Garonne dishes.

The cassoulet

When you think about South-West speciality, you're sure to think about it. We must return to Caesar what is Caesar's. The cassoulet is not native to Toulouse, but to Castelnaudary, a village right next to it. Essentially based on duck and white beans, traditional cooking is done in the oven in a baking dish.

The foie gras

This is the culinary art of the region. Indeed, the best foie gras in France is made in the South-West region. Classically, it is the duck foie gras that is made here, but the goose foie gras also has a rising share.

The sausage of Toulouse

This is the star of the city. This particular sausage tastes in many dishes specific to the region. It can also be eaten alone simply grilled. A must when you visit the Haute-Garonne!

Apple chips

This is the sweet specialty of the region. It is usually found based on apples even if it is also found with prunes. The leafy paste gives a pleasant feeling of lightness.

The rubber

The famous little yellow box found in all our grandparents comes from Haute-Garonne. Lajaunie is a specialty based on liquorice that was invented by pharmacist Léon Lajaunie.

Its reputation goes beyond the boundaries of the department as it still sells more than ten million boxes every year.

The violet

The violet is the emblem of the city of Toulouse. Because of this, the violet conservatory was created in 1994 in the city’s municipal greenhouses to exhibit a collection of violet plants.

There are various scented products such as crystallized violets, violet candy, violet syrup, chocolates, etc. If you’re going to visit the Haute-Garonne, it’s hard to escape from this flavour that comes down and eats in all sauces.

6. The City of Space

If you ask yourself to do in Haute-Garonne in raintime, go to the discovery of space! Here is a fun and very rewarding visit to family. Here you can be in a situation like a cosmonaute in space, but also explore this unknown terrain and understand the routings thanks to the conferences and various workshops that are organized there.

A visit very close to Toulouse, which will be appreciated by children and lovers of space technology.

7. Bagnères-de-Luchon

If you want to take a relaxing break and be well during your stay in Haute-Garonne, it is in this spa that you have to go. We go to Luchon to get back into shape or to devote ourselves to well-being activities. The sporting side is also highlighted with fishing, the mountain , kayaking, paragliding, climbing or hiking in the sublime setting of the Pyrenees.

It is at the gates of the Spain Only 1h30 from Toulouse that the country of Luchon is nested. An altitude bracket to take the air and enjoy the mountains, in which you can also practice skiing In winter!

8. The Gaulish village the archeosite

Looking for an activity in Haute-Garonne with children? Welcome to this amazing Gaulish village. Located between Toulouse and Saint-Gaudens on the commune of Rieux-Volvestre, this village is considered unique in Europe. It serves as an ecomusée, cultural park and archaeological park.

This is the reconstruction of a real-sized Gaulish village that was realized here. The experience is unreal and very appreciated by visitors.

How do I go to Haute-Garonne?

It is easy to get to the area that is very well served. Whether by plane with the airport of Toulouse-Blagnac, by train, with a car or by public transport, you will have no difficulty arriving in Haute-Garonne.

By car

From Paris , take it A20 for 714 kilometers and 7 hours of road to arrive in Haute-Garonne. By Montpellier , run on the A9 and A61 for 276 kilometers and less than 3 hours drive.

By train

The department of Haute-Garonne is very wide. You can arrive directly in the city of the department, at the Toulouse Matabiau train station. Many departures from other cities are available.

For example, when you arrive from Montpellier, you will put around 2 hours. From Paris, you need about 5 hours.

By plane

If you travel by plane, know that the city of Toulouse has an international airport, Toulouse Blagnac. Look at a flight comparison like Skyscanner to find the best tickets at the best price.

We advise you to rent a car arriving, in order to be able to visit every corner of the Haute-Garonne of interest, at your own pace.

By bus

To move on site, the departmental council offers a bus service throughout the department. The network LiO Arc-En-Ciel allows you to organize your trips in peace. It is possible to take the Pastel card and to circulate with several public transport networks.

The Arc toll network in Heaven, the TER network and regional buses, but also the Tisséo urban network.

Where to stay in Haute-Garonne?

To visit the Haute-Garonne, the best is to rent different accommodations depending on where you are located in the department. The latter being very stretched, you can hardly rent a unique accommodation for your entire stay. You will find a wide range of hotels and accommodations in the city. Consult one a hotel comparison online to have an idea of the offer, be it to Toulouse , to Saint Bertrand de Comminges or Bagnères de Luchon .

For more remote villages and places, like Auterive or Rieux-Volvestre, you also have a choice. Whether it's in gîtes or for rent Airbnb , attractive prices to the height of your expectations according to the desired comfort. It is not uncommon to find unusual dwellings in the region. A barge for rent on the Garonne, occitane trailers , yurts or huts in trees: in addition to approaching relatively accessible rates, these original accommodations promise you an experience out of the beaten paths.

For this type of accommodation, count a minimum 50 € per night.

Enjoy your stay in Haute-Garonne!