Discover the Best Things to Do in Toulouse: Top 14 Attractions

Toulouse is affectionately known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) due to its distinctive terracotta brick buildings.  Moreover, it’s a vibrant and historic city in southwestern France.  With its rich history, dynamic culture and thriving aerospace industry, Toulouse offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.  Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or an adventure seeker, there are countless things to do in Toulouse.  Here’s a guide to the top attractions and activities that should be on your itinerary.

1. Wander Through the Capitole de Toulouse

The Capitole de Toulouse is the heart of the city and a must-visit destination.  Indeed, this iconic building houses the City Hall and the Théâtre du Capitole.  Its grand facade, adorned with neoclassical columns and intricate details, is a sight to behold.

Highlights:

• Visit the City Hall: Explore the opulent rooms and stunning artworks within the Capitole, including the Salle des Illustres.
• Catch a Performance: Enjoy an opera, ballet or theater performance at the Théâtre du Capitole.
• Relax in the Square: Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in the spacious Capitole Square.

2. Explore the Basilique Saint-Sernin

One of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe.  In fact, the Basilique Saint-Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of medieval architecture.  This basilica is an essential stop for those interested in history and religious art.

Highlights:

• Admire the Architecture: Marvel at the intricate carvings, soaring arches and beautiful stained glass windows.
• Climb the Tower: Ascend the tower for panoramic views of Toulouse and its surroundings.
• Discover Relics: Explore the crypt and treasury, which house ancient relics and religious artifacts.

3. Stroll Along the Garonne River

The Garonne River flows through the heart of Toulouse, offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.  As a result, a walk along the riverbanks is one of the most relaxing things to do in Toulouse.

Highlights:

• Pont Neuf: Walk across the iconic Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Toulouse and enjoy the stunning views.
• Quai de la Daurade: Relax at the Quai de la Daurade, a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.
• Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history.

4. Visit the Cité de l’Espace

Toulouse is the center of the European aerospace industry.  For this reason, the Cité de l’Espace is a must-visit for space enthusiasts.  This interactive science museum is dedicated to space exploration and astronomy.

Highlights:

• Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on exhibits that explain the science of space travel and the universe.
• Planetarium Shows: Enjoy immersive shows in the planetarium that take you on a journey through the stars.
• Spacecraft Displays: See life-sized replicas of famous spacecraft, including the Ariane 5 rocket and the Mir space station.

5. Discover the Musée des Augustins

Housed in a former Augustinian convent, the Musée des Augustins is an art museum that boasts an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The museum’s stunning architecture and tranquil gardens add to its charm.

Highlights:

• Art Collections: Admire works by renowned artists such as Perugino, Rubens, and Delacroix.
• Sculpture Garden: Stroll through the peaceful cloister garden, which features beautiful sculptures and lush greenery.
• Temporary Exhibits: Check out the museum’s rotating exhibits, which often highlight different artistic movements and themes.

6. Experience the Vibrant Markets

Toulouse is known for its lively markets, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and sample delicious regional products.  These markets are among the most enjoyable things to do in Toulouse.

Highlights:

• Marché Victor Hugo: This bustling indoor market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and pastries.
• Marché Saint-Cyprien: Located on the left bank of the Garonne, this market is known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse selection of goods.
• Marché des Carmes: One of the oldest markets in Toulouse, it offers a variety of local products, from gourmet foods to handmade crafts.

7. Relax in the Jardin Japonais

For a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, visit the Jardin Japonais.  Indeed, a beautiful Japanese garden located in the Compans-Caffarelli Park.  Consequently, this serene oasis is perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

Highlights:

• Traditional Design: Admire the garden’s traditional Japanese features, including a koi pond, stone lanterns and a tea pavilion.
• Peaceful Ambiance: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and lush greenery as you stroll along the garden paths.
• Cultural Events: Participate in cultural events and workshops that are occasionally held in the garden, such as tea ceremonies and bonsai exhibitions.

8. Explore the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an engineering marvel that connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea.  Moreover, a visit to this historic canal offers a range of outdoor activities and scenic views.

Highlights:

• Boat Rentals: Rent a boat and navigate the canal at your own pace.  Consequently, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way.
• Cycling Paths: Cycle along the towpaths that run parallel to the canal, offering a scenic and leisurely ride.
• Picnic Spots: Find a quiet spot along the canal’s banks to enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful surroundings.

9. Delve into History at the Musée Saint-Raymond

The Musée Saint-Raymond is an archaeological museum that showcases the rich history of Toulouse and its surrounding region.  As a matter of fact, the museum is housed in a historic building that dates back to the 16th century.

Highlights:

• Ancient Artifacts: Discover a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Roman period, including statues, mosaics and everyday objects.
• Garden of Antiquities: Explore the museum’s garden, which features Roman sarcophagi and other ancient stone relics.
• Temporary Exhibits: Visit the museum’s temporary exhibits, which often focus on specific archaeological discoveries and historical periods.

10. Savor the Local Cuisine

Toulouse is a gastronomic delight, offering a variety of delicious local dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.  Consequently, sampling the local cuisine is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Toulouse.

Highlights:

• Cassoulet: Try the traditional cassoulet, a hearty stew made with white beans, sausage and duck confit.
• Foie Gras: Indulge in foie gras, a luxurious delicacy often served with toast and fig jam.
• Violet-Flavored Treats: Taste violet-flavored sweets and liqueurs.  In fact, a specialty of Toulouse that pays homage to the city’s emblematic flower.

11. Discover the Couvent des Jacobins

The Couvent des Jacobins is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a significant historical site in Toulouse.  This former convent is now a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and events.

Highlights:

• Architecture: Marvel at the convent’s impressive brickwork, ribbed vaults, and beautiful stained glass windows.
• Cloister: Wander through the peaceful cloister, which offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.
• Cultural Events: Attend concerts, art exhibitions and other cultural events held within the convent’s atmospheric setting.

12. Visit the Airbus Factory

For aviation enthusiasts, a visit to the Airbus Factory is a must.  Toulouse is the headquarters of Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.  What’s more, it offers guided tours of its facilities.

Highlights:

• Factory Tour: Take a guided tour of the Airbus assembly lines, where you can see aircraft being built and learn about the manufacturing process.
• Aeroscopia Museum: Visit the nearby Aeroscopia Museum to explore a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and aviation exhibits.
• Flight Simulators: Experience the thrill of flying with the museum’s flight simulators, which offer a hands-on introduction to the world of aviation.

Things to do in Toulouse: Notre Dame du Taur

There was a martyr in Toulouse called Saint Sernin.  Saint Sernin refused to worship the local gods.  As punishment he was dragged by a Bull from the Capitole until he became detached at where the Notre Dame stands today.  Of course he was killed whilst being dragged all this way over stone steps.  The Notre Dame is built on this spot in his honor.  The street is now called Rue du Taur (bull street).  It’s a pedestrianized street full of cozy cafes.

14. Toulouse-Matabiau

Toulouse-Matabiau is the name of Toulouse train station.  The train station is a point of interest of the city by itself.  In fact, it was designed by French architect Marius Toudoire.  Additionally, he also designed the train station in Bordeaux and you can see similarities.  In 1864, the first canopy of the train station was created by the company of Gustave Eiffel.

Practical Tips for Visiting Toulouse

To make the most of your visit to Toulouse, consider these practical tips:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Toulouse is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild.  Equally important, the tourist crowds are smaller.
• Getting Around: Toulouse has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams and a metro.  Thus, walking and biking are also great ways to explore the city.
• Local Etiquette: Embrace the local customs and etiquette, such as greeting people with a friendly “Bonjour” and respecting local dining practices.
• Language: While French is the primary language spoken in Toulouse, many people in the tourism industry speak English.  However, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience.
• Place to Stay: Read about my Hotel Heliot review.

Enjoy The Things to do in Toulouse

Toulouse is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning architecture.  From exploring ancient churches and bustling markets to enjoying scenic river walks and cutting-edge aerospace museums, there are countless things to do in Toulouse.  Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural enrichment, Toulouse offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Toulouse to Marseille Bus

The bus station is located alongside the Toulouse-Matabiau train station.  Similarly to Bordeaux, you’ll be leaving from close to a Gustave Eiffel related structure.  Furthermore, the Flixbus to Marseille takes 6 hours.  It stops at Montpellier on the way in case you want to visit this city too.  As always you get free WiFi and power to charge your phone / tablet.

Marseille to Nice