If you’re searching for a fabulous weekend getaway, have you considered Toulouse? As France’s fourth-largest city, following Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, Toulouse has much to see, do, and love. Known as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City” due to its distinctive terracotta brick architecture, we spent the whole time asking why it has taken us so long to discover Toulouse. Read on if you love history, are an art and museum lover, enjoy gastronomy, music, and sports and are searching for a lively and lovely city destination to explore!
Here’s our guide to making the most of your short stay in Toulouse.
What to see, do and love
Toulouse is the capital of Haute-Garonne in the Occitanie region of southwest France. It is a charming and walkable city with much to reveal as you wander the small laneways. Ancient cobbled streets lead to attractive squares perfect for leisurely lunches. You’ll find plenty to discover at museums galore, and then, of course, you also have the scenic Garonne riverbank or the canals for a stroll.
The city, often known for its Renaissance architecture, is a place that enjoys its history but also looks to the future. A city that is the fourth biggest university city in France with a hip and happening vibe. Those who know Toulouse well will often use two words: beautiful and aerospace!
Toulouse is the centre of the European aerospace industry, with the headquarters of Airbus. How about a morning at La Halle de La Machine, where the machines come to life?
Here’s a glimpse of some of the highlights we enjoyed in Toulouse and a few must-see spots we’ve saved for our next visit. We haven’t laid out a specific weekend itinerary, as everyone’s preferences vary—so you can create your own perfect experience!
Won’t you take a wander with me as we show you around?
Toulouse Tourist Office
Starting your visit at the Toulouse Tourism Office is always a great idea! We love kicking off our trips by stopping by to grab a city map and fine-tune our plans with the help of local experts. The Tourist Information Centre is a perfect place to get insider tips, discover hidden gems, and ensure you’re not missing out on any must-see spots during your stay. It’s the ideal starting point to ensure your time in the “Pink City” is well spent!
Address: Tourist Office: Donjon du Capitole Square Charles de Gaulle, 31000 Toulouse, France
Website: toulouse-tourisme.com
Toulouse Pass Tourisme
We suggest buying a Toulouse Pass. You can choose one, two, or three days and enjoy great deals on visits, culture, and transport during your stay.
- Public transport included
- Free museums and monuments
- Many activities at reduced prices
- A guided tour of your choice from the tourist office program
For all the information, see: www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/what-to-see-and-do/pass-tourisme
Tours of Toulouse
Walking tours
Free with a Toulouse Pass
With the Toulouse Pass, you can book a free Great Monuments Tour with the Tourism Office. It’s a good way to have an overview of some of the great monuments and get your bearings. As mentioned, the streets of Toulouse are wonderfully walkable.
We were fortunate to join a private tour, and this was our route if you would like to retrace our steps:
Capitole –> Basilica Saint Sernin –> Couvent des Jacobins –> Quartier 1 Promenade Henri Martin (banks of La Garonne) –> View of Pont Neuf –> Maison Pastel –> Banberg Collection –> Quartier 2 –> Carriera Ramon D’Alfaro. –> Square du Cardinal Jukes Geraud Saliege. –> Rue des Arts.
Website: www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/guided-tour-in-English
Self-guided walking tour
Another option is a self-guided walking tour created by the Tourist Office and accessible via the Rewindstories App. The Welcome to Toulouse one-hour tour is available on your smartphone. The beauty of this tour is that you can go at your own speed.
For more information and costs, www.rewindstories.com/welcometoToulouse
Tourist train
If you prefer a sit-down tour of the streets, why not join the tourist train ride? This 100% electric Little Tourist Train departs and returns to Place du Capitole. You have two routes to choose from, one which takes in the Canal du Midi.
Dates, details and prices via their Website: www.petittraintoulouse.com
Reduced Price with a Toulouse Pass
By Boat
A city boat tour offers a different perspective from the water. Bateaux Toulousain offers guided boat cruises with views of the Garonne or the Canal du Midi.
Website: www.bateaux-toulousains.com
Reduced price with a Toulouse Pass
Place du Capitole
This grand square, surrounded by stunning pink and red buildings, is the heart of Toulouse. If you are lucky, you might be there on the main market day (Wednesday). It includes clothing, jewellery, books, carpet merchants, African objects and leather goods. There is a smaller market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The most distinctive landmark is the Capitole de Toulouse, whose striped facade alternates brick and stone. It houses the Town Hall and shares its space with the National Theatre and Opera House.
Wander around the square and find a seat at one of the charming cafes around its edge, where you can grab a café au lait and a croissant and watch the world go by.
The waterways of Toulouse
The Garonne
Stroll along the banks of the Garonne and enjoy the panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere. While we were there, they set up for a Water Rugby festival, and we watched sculling boat crews training on the river between the Promenade Henri-Martin and the lovely red brick Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques opposite.
A great walk would be crossing at Pont Neuf to the left bank, walking along the Garonne until Jardin Raymond VI, where you can cross again at the Passerelle de la Viguerie footbridge and enjoy Promenade Henri Martin, which is a walking and running trail alongside the Garonne.
Toulouse Canals
Toulouse is home to not one, but three beautiful canals, the most famous of which is the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, you can discover the Canal de Brienne, which links the Garonne River to the Canal du Midi, and the Canal Latéral, stretching from Toulouse to Castets and Castillon near Bordeaux.
Each canal offers unique charm and scenic routes, making them perfect for a walk or bike ride while exploring the city.
Toulouse Museums
The Bemberg Foundation
Free with a Toulouse Pass
Given our limited time and the many things to see in Toulouse, we had to make choices. We were happy to include Foundation Bemberg in our must-see list. Toulouse’s finest art gallery, this collection of a wealthy Argentinian art collector Georges Bemberg has been on loan to Toulouse since 1994.
It is a beautiful setting in the Hôtel d’Assézat, a Renaissance mansion. Displays include pieces dating back to the Middle Ages and includes drawings by Picasso.
This museum opened in 1995, it is a truly delightful place to wander, with a rich collection of well-presented paintings, sculptures, and art objects.
‘Highlights include masterpieces from Cranach to Veronese, from the Venetians to the Impressionists and an impressive collection of works by Bonnard. In addition to the paintings, there is a large group of 16th-century enamels, Renaissance bronzes, and 18th-century furniture, to name just a few’.
Whilst we were there, the excellent bright and bold temporary exhibition was on Latin Paradises: South American Stars.
The walls are crammed with artwork, so give yourself ample time to take in everything you see.
Website: www.fondation-bemberg
Note: Closed on Mondays
Musee Saint Raymond
The Museum of Saint-Raymond, also known as Toulouse’s Archaeology Museum, is a must-visit for those interested in the city’s Roman origins and beyond.
The museum is thoughtfully laid out to tell the story of Toulouse’s ancient past. In the basement, a permanent exhibit showcases a fascinating excavation of a Roman kiln and sarcophagi. This well-organized space offers an essential chronicle of the city’s Roman development, with impressive artefacts displayed in a building that stands over exposed ruins from an ancient funerary site. Plus, phew! There are plenty of English translations.
Located in the square of Saint-Sernin Basilica, the museum is housed in a historic 1523 building. It boasts the most extensive collection of Roman busts in France and artefacts from around the region. The museum is reasonably priced, centrally located, and offers interactive experiences perfect for adults and children.
Address: 1 ter Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse
Temporary Exhibition – Cathares
Do not miss it! We particularly enjoyed the Cathares exhibition, one of two temporary exhibitions in Toulouse.
‘The first large-scale exhibition devoted to this topic in France, designed by the Museum of Saint-Raymond and labelled of national interest, it presents the events and twists that enamelled the crusade against the Albigois but also the issue of a heresy called “Cathare” around the debates that animate currently a community of historians.’
It was so well done, informative, and interactive!
Free with a Toulouse Pass
Outside the museum is a charming cafe.
Musee des Augustins
For your information, Musée des Augustins, a Fine Arts museum of Toulouse, is closed for refurbishment and will likely reopen in late 2025.
Places of Religious Significance in Toulouse
Couvent des Jacobins
The Jacobins Convent, at the city’s heart, has eight centuries of history. The Dominicans founded it in the 13th century, and it is a stunning example of southern French Gothic architecture. This grand brick complex includes a church, cloister, refectory, and chapels.
If you love history, architecture, and art this is another of Toulouse’s do not miss experiences. Wandering the beautifully preserved cloisters is a real step back in time moment.
Inside the light and majestic church, look for the “Palm Tree” column, supporting 22 ribs of the vaulted roof. It is an architectural marvel, a remarkable feat for its time. The walls feature trompe l’œil paintings, and the site hosts concerts and exhibitions. The relics of St. Thomas Aquinas are enshrined beneath the altar, making this a significant pilgrimage site.
Temporary exhibition: Les Cathares
Cathares Exhibition is on until 5 April 2025.
We enjoyed learning more about the Cathares. Held in the refectory, is the second of the Cathares temporary exhibitions in Toulouse (the other at Musee Saint Raymond). Nearly 300 objects are exhibited on two sites, complemented by sound, digital and interactive devices. I loved the modern touches with interactive elements like touchscreen tablets and family trails.
Free with Toulouse Pass
Chapelle des Carmélites
The Chapelle des Carmélites, was built in the 17th century and lavishly decorated in the 18th century, it originally served as a place of worship for the Carmelite convent. It houses an exceptional collection of murals by Jean-Pierre Rivalz and paintings by Jean-Baptiste Despax. Remarkably, it is the only convent structure that survived the French Revolution.
Though small, this Baroque chapel is exquisitely adorned, with stunning details that reward close inspection, especially on the ceilings. Be sure to admire (as I say look up!) the intricate Biblical scenes painted by Jean-Pierre Rivalz, whose work was inspired by the Sistine Chapel. The frescoes of female figures along the nave represent the virtues recommended to the Carmelites.
Address: 1 Rue de Périgord, 31000 Toulouse. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with an entrance fee of 3 euros.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin
This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture stands out at many points around the city, especially the 65-metre octagonal bell tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its impressive interior, adorned with beautiful mosaics and relics, and climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Marché Victor Hugo
If markets are your thing, spending a morning at the oldest covered market in France, Victor Hugo Market, will delight you. You could seriously eat you way around the market, enjoying the regional cheeses, including the holy trinity of Rocamadour, Roquefort, cantal, and other regional fare, including the Toulouse sausage.
There are also several restaurants to choose from. Highly rated are Le Magret, which buys produce directly from the market below, and Au Bon Graillou, known for its grilled fish and meats. Look out for the city’s signature dish is cassoulet, made with Toulouse sausage, white beans, confit duck, and pork rind and trotter.
Our top recommendation is to go early for lunch, as when we went, it was hot and packed, so we didn’t stay!
Open 6 am – 2 pm Closed Mondays
Website: www.marche-victor-hugo
Outside the historical centre
La Halle de La Machine
Discount with a Toulouse Tourism Pass
Why should the kids have all the fun? We found ourselves joining in with the school children on their end-of-school year excursions to prove that young or old, you will be captivated by La Halle de La Machine. Imagine it as an immersive experience where mechanical creatures come to life – you will be transfixed!
Located on Toulouse’s historic “Piste des Géants,” the historic runway used for take-off by the pioneers of the “Aéropostale” airmail service, this giant workshop invites visitors to explore the stories behind extraordinary machines, like Asterion the Giant Minotaur and Ariane the Spider.
Guided by the Veritable Machinists, you’ll witness these machines in action. There is a lot of painting going on. You witness various musical events, you’ll hear recycled junk making music and guitars performing without being strummed by a human! Upstairs you will find a small cinema showing the massive machines in action.
Asterion the Minotaur
We took a ride on the back of a 14-meter-high wood and steel minotaur. It was quite something! This giant machine, weighing 47 tons, trundles and clanks along the Piste des Géants with impressive fluidity of motion. Smoke billowed from his nostrils. I’m not quite sure who was more impressed, us or the excitable school kids.
Several machinists operate the Minotaur one at the main controls on board, with others on the ground. They are good at answering all your questions, awakening that sense of wonder in young and old alike.
The Details
Parking: Free Parking on site (stamp your parking ticket at the entrance)
Address: 3, Avenue de l’Aérodrome de Montaudran, 31400 Toulouse
Website: www.halledelamachine
Toulouse City Show
Look out for upcoming Toulouse city events featuring La Machine Company, such as the free show in the streets of Toulouse from October 25-27, 2024. Minotaur Asterion will be joined by two other machines for the first time. Nearly 900,000 spectators watched the first event in 2018. so expect a crowd.
Aviation and Space museums
With a status of European Capitale of Space and Aeronautics Toulouse is renowned for breaking boundaries. You will find next door to La Halle de Machine, L’Envol des Pionniers Museum, which celebrates early French aviation. Three miles further on is the space-themed Cité de l’Espace science museum.
Discount with a Toulouse Tourism Pass
Nightlife in Toulouse
After a busy day sightseeing, we’re not the best people to ask about the vibrant nightlife! However, we are told you will find numerous bars and live music venues!
Taste of Toulouse Wine Bar Tour
We recommend exploring Toulouse’s wine bars and local wines with Jessica Hammer of Taste of Toulouse, an easy and lovely way to enjoy a night out in Toulouse.
Jessica is on a mission to introduce the gastronomic delights of Toulouse to curious visitors. She promises a fun evening learning about and savouring the city’s liquid riches. An American who has been well-settled in Toulouse for many years, she is a font of knowledge on all things wine.
She has now expanded her range of tours to include a tour of the best wine bars in Toulouse as part of her effort to introduce her customers to the delights of wine. Jessica pitches the tour to all levels, from wine connoisseurs to casual beginners.
The tour takes a couple of hours and involves visiting a selection of wine bars. Jessica may change the venues, but the ones we visited were Au Pere Louis, Maison Sarment, and No.5.
One of the lovely aspects of this evening tour is to wander the streets of Toulouse at dusk, an especially pretty time of day when the buildings glow pink.
Au Père Louis
Au Père Louis is a step back in time; established 100 years ago, it’s one of the oldest bars in Toulouse, and it does not seem to have changed. The ancient wood-panelled walls must have some beautiful stories to tell of the meetings and discussions that have taken place while glasses have been emptied.
We sat outside on a balmy evening, enjoying conversations with the other tour participants and trying the Toulouse speciality, Quinquina, for the first time. This is a quinine, herb, and botanical-rich fortified wine that, shall we say, is an acquired taste!
Maison Sarment
At Maison Sarment, we tried a pair of wines from the local region while Jessica talked to us about the local regional wines. They are not well known – or expensive – so well worth exploring. The wines we tried were from Pierrick Harang (winemaker near Perpignan) Le Petit Balthazar IGP Pays d’Oc, a dry white (a blend of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc)
Here, a beautifully arranged charcuterie platter of prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and local cheeses arrives with crusty French bread for us to share. We also tried Château Adélaïde – Cuvée Tradition 2016 rouge. Jessica tells us this is an AOC Gaillac red wine from 80% Duras and 20% Braucol grapes.
Le 5 Wine Bar
A final short wander finds us at Le 5 Wine Bar. This is a top find in Toulouse and has been voted the best wine bar in the world three years in a row in the annual awards run by The World of Fine Wine magazine. Heady claims! It has three chilled self-service cabinets in 15ml, 45ml and 100ml. So, the sky’s the limit to what you can taste. The bar has an eclectic range of wines worldwide, so you will find something that suits your palate. Each of us tasted something different here. It is an excellent opportunity to try a variety of wines. Tapas are also available, with a full restaurant downstairs.
Website: Le 5 Wine Bar.
Taste of Toulouse further resources
At the end of the evening, the night is young. Jessica helps with further ideas and directions on how to continue the evening. Perhaps you will enjoy heading towards the Garonne for a brilliant sunset or if you want to check out more of Toulouse’s Wine bars Jessica has plenty of ideas. Indeed, after the tour, Jessica generously shares her extensive list of the coolest vintage bars and restaurants in Toulouse.
Jessica’s love for Toulouse is evident from every minute of the tour—it’s a great way to explore the city centre and find the best food and drinking spots in this vibrant, dynamic city.
Website: www.tasteoftoulouse.com
Sport in Toulouse
Toulouse is a true sporting city, with a passion for everything from rugby to football and beyond. It regularly hosts major events like the Rugby World Cup, and while it wasn’t an Olympic host city, Toulouse proudly welcomed the Olympic Torch earlier this year, celebrating its local Olympians. There’s always something exciting happening in the world of sports here!
For more on sporting events in Toulouse, see www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/land-of-rugby.
City of Music
If you are a music lover, you will be pleased to know that UNESCO bestowed Toulouse the “city of music” status in October 2023. The city has 22 music festivals planned for 2024.
The principal venue for The Orchestra National du Capitole de Toulouse, and a centre for musical events is the Halle aux Grains. Original built in the mid-19th century as a grain market and converted in 1974 to a concert hall.
You can check out world-class opera at the Théâtre du Capitole.
Jardin des Plants
Explore the Jardin des Plantes, a lush botanical garden perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. The garden features beautiful flower beds, a small zoo, and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the tranquillity.
Pastel or “the blue gold” of Toulouse
The city is famous for its unique contribution to the world of dyes—pastel or ‘Blue Gold’. Pastel is a plant with yellow flowers employed since antiquity for its medicinal properties and capacity to create a long-lasting blue dye. Learning more about Toulouse Pastels is part of the city’s history.
Where to Stay in Toulouse
Hotel Albert Ier***
We had a memorable stay at this family-run gem in the heart of Toulouse’s historic centre. The room was lovely, and the locally inspired-breakfast was a perfect way to start each day. They even provide a personalized map to help you explore La Ville Rose. The staff here are fantastic, and the location couldn’t be better—located a hundred metres off Capitole Square, steps from Marché Victor Hugo in one direction and our favourite brasserie, Chez Marcel in the other.
This place is hard to beat if you’re looking for a well-positioned, great-value hotel. It’s also the first hotel in the area to earn the European Ecolabel, offering bicycles for city tours and a breakfast focused on locally sourced ingredients. We couldn’t have asked for more!
Parking! Our hotel recommended a nearby public car parking. As parking was not onsite we ended up leaving our big suitacases in the car overnight and taking only our overnight bag.
Address: 8 Rue Rivals, 31000 Toulouse, France
Website: www.hotel-albert1.com
Where to eat
Chez Marcel
Dining at Chez Marcel in Toulouse is a quintessential French bistro experience and one we kept returning to. Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, this cosy Brasserie and Salon de The offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. The menu is full of classic French dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. We savoured the Menu du Jour, offering authentic, hearty French cuisine in Toulouse.
Chez Marcel has inside and on-street tables! We loved it here.
La Cendrée
This restaurant has been recommended for authentic, quality cuisine for 31 years! In the historic setting of a Capitoul residence and next to an imposing 15th-century fireplace … is one we will return to Toulouse to try.
Website: www.lacendree.com
Address: 11 Rue des Tourneurs, 31000 Toulouse, France
Au Père Louis
100% French cuisine and recipes. Around twenty dishes on the menu are locally sourced, seasonal and locally produced. Au Père Louis is a specialist in quinquina since 1889,
Experience authentic Southwest French cuisine at Au Père Louis, Toulouse’s oldest continuously running wine bar. Owned by the delightful and welcoming Patrick, this historic gem offers a unique setting with wine barrels used as tables, blending French and Spanish culinary influences.
The traditional dishes were well-prepared and served with excellent hospitality. Although renovated, the upstairs dining area retains its old-world charm, making it an ideal spot to soak in the history of this legendary establishment. Be sure to start with an aperitif at the bar to appreciate the ambience fully. Don’t miss the Confit de Canard, served with white beans from the region—a dish that genuinely reflects the flavours of Southwest France.
Address: 45 Rue des Tourneurs, 31000 Toulouse
Website: www.auperelouis.com
Eating at the Capitole
We were recommended a couple of times to try Brasserie Le Bibent. Choose inside dining to appreciate the beauty of the building. ‘The food looks stunning and tastes just as stunning’. Reviews talk about the high quality of cocktails; “Their pina colada is to die for.” You’re in the centre of Toulouse, so don’t expect a budget dinner. Happy Hour between 5 -7 pm will soften the blow to the purse.
Peche Mignon
Pêché Mignon, a charming boulangerie located at 37 Rue du Languedoc in the Carmes neighbourhood, is renowned for its Croustade aux Pommes, also known as Pastis Gascon.
This classic dessert from Gascony in southwest France features delicate layers of thin puff pastry filled with apples marinated in Armagnac, a unique regional brandy. The dish’s origins date back centuries, with its dough-stretching technique believed to have been influenced by the Moors in the early medieval period. This modest bakery has been delighting locals and visitors alike—don’t miss the chance to indulge in their heavenly Croustade aux Pommes, and other delectable treats.
Address: 37 Rue du Languedoc, Toulouse
IG Page: Pêché Mignon
Guinguettes
Look out for the “Guinguettes” pop-up cafes across the city. in the summer months. You can find details here: www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/eat-and-drink/the-guinguettes/
Getting here
By Air: The nearest Airport is Toulouse Blagnac. There are flights to 85 destinations across the globe, including Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, and Edinburgh. There are 21 flights per week to London. Ten flights a week are to Montreal, Canada. Flights can also be found from and to Dubai and Doha.
By Train: The main Matabiau SNCF railway station is situated in the heart of Toulouse.
Rental Car: We rented our car with Europcar and returned it to their depot at Toulouse Airport.
Toulouse Tourism website : www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/prepare-for-your-stay/venir-a-toulouse/
Final Thoughts
Phew! You made it to the end! I hope to have given plenty of ideas for a weekend wander in terrific Toulouse. We loved wandering the streets, learning about the history, soaking up the local culture, and enjoying the delightful bar scene and cuisine.
Toulouse is perfect for a weekend getaway, but any extra time you can spend here will be worth it! Our only regret was underestimating how much time we’d need to explore and fully enjoy everything this charming city offers. We hope you love Toulouse as much as we did.
Bon voyage!
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a Destination Occitanie guest exploring this region with Toulouse Tourism. All opinions are my own. A grand merci beaucoup from us!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren.
For more information on the Haute-Garonne region, see Enjoying the Great Outdoors at Saint Ferreol Lake or Visiting Domaine Bois des Deves.
For more Little Wandering Wren’s French travels: Road tripping through Tarn and Garonne, Discovering Lovely Luberon, Wandering Lyon 48 Hours with a Lyon City Pass, Discovering Magnificent Montpellier, Avignon.
3 comments
Such an interesting article about Toulouse! Looks like I really need to visit there! Thanks for all the tips Jenny!
Hi Inge
Thank you for stopping by! We met many visitors from Belgium enjoying Toulouse, it is a popular destination and you are so lucky that you can drive there! I hope you get to visit soon and the tips help plan a great time.
Hello Wren,
What a great tour and post on your visit to Toulouse! It looks beautiful, the buildings, the river and canal, the museum and convent and the Basilica! The food and wine sound wonderful too. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.