The 10 things to do in Toulouse

Visit Toulouse: What are the essentials to see and do during your stay in the pink city?

South-Western City France , Toulouse is a must to discover without moderation. Between pastel, violet, cassoulet and singing accent, the Toulouses have something to seduce visitors. With a rich historical heritage and sumptuous monuments, the famous “Red City” is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and with almost 500 000 inhabitants, Toulouse is the 4th city of France. It is ranked among the most advanced technopoles in research. With numerous private hotels, ancient buildings, museums and monuments, Toulouse is also a city that welcomes both many students and many tourists each year. Visiting Toulouse is also discovering the city queen of the pastel, nicknamed “gold of the 15th century”.

Before you go to the conquest of the pretty Toulouse, take a look at the tourism , your best ally to visit the Rose City to do everything! And for those looking for authenticity, why not opt for a walking tour accompanied by a resident ? A moment of sharing and discovery can no longer be local!

Your suitcase is now ready while in Toulouse? Whether you're here or there for a few days, here are 10 things to do during your getaway. Here we go!

1. The Capitol Square

Emblematic place of the pink city, the Capitol square is one of the great must-sees during your visit to Toulouse. Fully reserved for pedestrians, this square illustrated by its huge cross Occitane is surrounded by beautiful buildings with pink bricks, symbols of the city. The place also welcomes the city hotel and the theatre, sheltered under the famous Capitole. You will also see the largest hotels in Toulouse.

2. Saint-Sernin Basilica

Visiting Toulouse is also not to pass next to the Saint-Sernin Basilica , listed in UNESCO World Heritage. It is one of the largest French Romanesque buildings. She holds her name from the first bishop of Toulouse. In her bosom you will discover beautiful paintings and have the opportunity to approach the sarcophagus of the Bishop Saint-Saturnin.

3. The City of Space

What to do in Toulouse with children? Visit the Cité de l’Espace a day’s time. Located 20 minutes by car from Toulouse and opened throughout the year, the Cité offers visitors a total immersion in the space: exhibitions, planetarium, workshops, conferences... Multiple activities await you for a cosmic trip!

4. The docks of the Garonne

Another essential to do in Toulouse: a walk along the Garonne. From the docks, you will be able to admire the most beautiful views of Toulouse. Don't miss Pont Neuf or the Dôme de la Grave. In the summer, during the week-end, the docks are very popular with Toulouse and because: Filter Prairie (which notably welcomes Toulouse beach) to The Daurade , this is the ideal place to relax after a long day and the perfect meeting place for a drink with friends...

5. The gardens of Toulouse

What to do in Toulouse during the summer? Visit the gardens. Between Jardin des Plantes , Royal Garden and Japanese Garden , lovers of flowers and nature will be at the angels. A veritable lungs of greenery, the green spaces are very famous in the city centre of Toulouse: there are more than 160,000 trees in all the gardens of the city.

6. The Canal du Midi

Visiting Toulouse without passing through the Canal du Midi is impossible. Symbol of the city, the Canal du Midi is a must for your stay. Classified to Unesco’s world heritage, it is visited by barge cruise, with an individual boat rental in which you can even sleep. You can also enjoy a walk on the banks of the Canal: from the city centre to the outskirts, walkers and joggers like to make an appointment.

7. The House of Purple

Always on the Canal du Midi, la House of Purple proposes to board a barge entirely dedicated to the violet! Open in all seasons, this is the ideal place to learn from the sweet symbol of the city. Exhibition, cooking workshops, gardening and souvenir shop await you for a cultural and gourmet moment.

8. The view on the roofs of the Galeries Lafayette

Meet at sunset to take an apero at the bar-restaurant " My Biche on the Toit "on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette. For a few months, it’s THE new place of choice of Toulouse followed closely by the Mama Shelter opened recently. My Biche on the Toit is a story of friends, it is also Michel Sarran but above all, the most beautiful view of Toulouse! There you will find yourself to drink a drink, brunch or taste the dishes of the great chef Michel Sarran (at the origin among others of the project). From breakfast to lunch, to tea, afternoon and dinner, Ma Biche sur le Toit offers a full urban experience.

9. The Carmes Market and the Nights of Victor Hugo

Visiting Toulouse is also enjoying the specialties of the city, enjoying regional products of quality and above all, local. You are advised to go to the Carmes market to stroll between the different stalls that literally put water in your mouth! From baker to maraicher to butcher or fisherman, the 50 exhibitors welcome you from Tuesday to Sunday included.

For those who like to combine good fun and gourmet, head to the market of Victor Hugo located on the eponymous square! Every Thursday, the market turns into a real place for Toulouse with the famous "Nocturne" . Until late in the evening, the market and restaurants on the floor offer to last the pleasure! On the program, large plates of fresh products around a glass, all rhythmed by music groups.

10. The pastel

Toulouse is renowned for its violet and we forget too often that it is also the cradle of the pastel. Traditional plant known for its medicinal and dermatological qualities, The pastel has long been considered the floron of the region. During your visit to Toulouse, you will see many small shops dedicated to it, a real blue paradise.

Our Toulouse workshop

Here, the idea is simple: enjoy your Toulouse stay to participate in this workshop dedicated to the pastries. Alongside the Muriel you will discover, 3 hours in time, the secrets of making a multitude of pastries, among which you will obviously find the croissants, and especially the chocolate breads, or rather the chocolates, as we say in Toulouse.

In addition, the pastry craftsman will be able to reveal one of his secret recipes, which will depend on his desires of the day. Finally, you will leave with a dozen pastries under your arm to share them with your loved ones. What better than enjoying good chocolate bread in the streets of Toulouse?

How to get to Toulouse?

To go to Toulouse, you will have the choice between the plane, the train or the car. Think about carpooling to save on the transport budget. On the plane side, you will need about 1 hour without a stopover to reach the airport of Toulouse from Paris-Orly. Other direct flights are available from Lyon Saint-Exupéry and Strasbourg. You will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses . When you arrive on Toulouse, you will be able to benefit from private transfer from the airport to the place of your choice. As far as the train is concerned, you will reach Toulouse city centre station in addition to 3 hours.

If you decide to travel by car, know that it is not so easy to find a place to park you. Although hotels often have car parks, some are still paying daily and at night.

Where to stay in Toulouse?

The choice is wide for staying in Toulouse ! Avoid the places where you can move on foot or areas with public transport, it will make your life easier during your stay. The hyper-centre is the most popular area for tourists, from Esquirol to Jean Jaurès, to the Capitole or the famous Place Saint-Pierre. The youngest love it to go out in the evening. Those in search of calm will sleep in Carmes district One of the most beautiful in the city. In conclusion, nature lovers will go to Saint-Michel. The city of Toulouse has a wide range of hotel offers and apartment rentals, and you’ll find a cheap hotel by looking for this Compare hotels .