Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city, is a vibrant destination brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. Nestled in the heart of southwestern France, Toulouse offers visitors an array of captivating experiences, from exploring the iconic Place du Capitole in the center of Toulouse to embarking on a fascinating day trip to the Cité de l’Espace. It’s one of the best places to visit in southern France, boasting a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern attractions.
🏡 Where to Stay in Toulouse
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: L'île aux Tounis - T3 Moderne centre de Toulouse
- ✨ 5-Star: La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa Toulouse - MGallery
- 🏨 4-Star: The Social Hub Toulouse
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hôtel Une Chambre en Ville
- 💸 Cheap: Hotel Victor Hugo
- 🏢 Apartment: Odalys City Toulouse Centre Compans Caffarelli
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Mercure Toulouse Centre Compans
- 🏩 For Couples: Grand Hotel de l'Opera - BW Premier Collection
Discover the best of Toulouse through its top tourist attractions, including the Muséum de Toulouse, one of the oldest museums in France, and the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Toulouse. Food enthusiasts can savor the flavors of traditional Toulouse cuisine on a gourmet food tour, sampling local specialties like cassoulet and Toulouse sausage. Whether you’re looking for things to do in the city center or seeking to explore the surrounding region, Toulouse offers something for every traveler.
👩🏫 Top-Rated Toulouse Tours
- Toulouse Traditional Food Tour in English: This food tour offers a delightful culinary journey through Toulouse, allowing visitors to savor the city’s traditional flavors. Participants will explore local markets, taste regional specialties, and learn about the rich gastronomic heritage of the Pink City.
- Toulouse Sightseeing Bus Tour: The Toulouse Sightseeing Bus Tour provides an excellent overview of the city’s main attractions. Visitors can hop on and off at various stops, allowing them to explore Toulouse’s historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and cultural sites at their own pace.
- Day Trip to Carcassonne Cité Médiévale and Comtal Castle Tour from Toulouse: This day trip from Toulouse takes visitors to the magnificent medieval city of Carcassonne. Participants will explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cité Médiévale and tour the impressive Comtal Castle, immersing themselves in the rich history and architecture of this iconic French landmark.
- Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: The Aeroscopia Admission Ticket grants access to Toulouse’s fascinating aviation museum. Visitors can explore a wide range of aircraft, from historic models to modern marvels, and learn about the city’s important role in the aerospace industry.
Best Things To Do in Toulouse
1. 🚀 Cite de l’Espace
Space odyssey: Embark on an otherworldly adventure at the Cité de l’Espace, one of Toulouse’s top tourist attractions. This space-themed museum offers interactive exhibits, full-scale spacecraft models, and planetarium shows that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Cosmic journey: Step into the shoes of an astronaut as you explore life-sized replicas of spacecraft, including the Mir space station and the Ariane 5 rocket. The planetarium’s immersive shows transport you across the universe, while interactive exhibits let you experience the challenges of space exploration firsthand.
Stellar education: Learn about the history of space exploration, from the first moon landing to current missions to Mars. The Cité de l’Espace also hosts temporary exhibitions on cutting-edge space technology and research, making each visit a unique experience.
Time Saver: Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the queues, especially during peak tourist season. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and have more time to explore the extensive outdoor exhibits.
2. 🏛️ Le Capitole
City heart: No visit to Toulouse is complete without exploring Le Capitole, the heart of the city. This magnificent neoclassical building houses the city hall and opera house, while the surrounding square buzzes with cafes and restaurants, perfect for people-watching.
Architectural marvel: Admire the grand façade of Le Capitole, adorned with eight pink marble columns representing the eight capitals of the ancient province of Languedoc. Inside, feast your eyes on the opulent Salle des Illustres, with its stunning frescoes and sculptures celebrating Toulouse’s history.
Cultural hub: Catch a performance at the Théâtre du Capitole, home to Toulouse’s renowned opera company. Even if you don’t attend a show, the building’s ornate interior is worth a peek if you can join a guided tour.
Insider Tip: Visit the Capitole at night when it’s beautifully illuminated, offering a magical atmosphere for evening strolls and photos.
3. ⛪ Basilique Saint-Sernin
Romanesque wonder: Marvel at the world’s largest Romanesque church, the Basilique Saint-Sernin. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a key stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Historical treasure: Explore the basilica’s rich history, dating back to the 11th century. The church houses numerous relics of saints, including Saint Sernin himself, Toulouse’s first bishop. Don’t miss the intricate stone carvings on the exterior and the impressive pipe organ inside.
Spiritual journey: Light a candle in the serene atmosphere of the basilica, or join a guided tour to learn about its religious significance and architectural features. The crypt, accessible on guided tours, offers a glimpse into the church’s ancient foundations.
Top Tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the basilica’s peaceful ambiance and avoid crowds. The light streaming through the stained glass windows is particularly beautiful at this time.
⭐ Best Activities
- Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk-Tuk: This unique private tour offers an eco-friendly way to explore Toulouse in a charming electric Tuk-Tuk. Visitors can enjoy a personalized experience as they zip through the city’s historic streets and picturesque neighborhoods
4. 🏛️ Museum of Augustins
Artistic haven: Explore one of the oldest museums in France, housed in a former Augustinian convent. The Museum of Augustins showcases an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
Architectural marvel: Admire the museum’s stunning Gothic architecture, including its peaceful cloister. The recent installation by contemporary artist Jorge Pardo in the Romanesque Sculpture Room adds a modern twist to the historical setting.
Cultural journey: Discover masterpieces like the capital of the martyr of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Nôtre-Dame-de-Grasse. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are known for their high quality and diverse themes.
Time Saver: Purchase tickets online to avoid queues. Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more time to appreciate the artworks.
5. 🎨 Les Abattoirs Museum
Contemporary gem: Discover modern and contemporary art at Les Abattoirs, housed in a former slaughterhouse. This unique museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks from the 1950s to the present day.
Thought-provoking exhibits: Explore ever-changing temporary exhibitions that challenge perceptions and spark conversations about current social and artistic issues.
Riverside relaxation: After viewing the art, enjoy the museum’s picturesque setting along the Garonne River. The outdoor sculpture garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Money Saver: Take advantage of the museum’s free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Check their website for special events and guided tours that enhance the visitor experience.
Things to Do in Toulouse with Kids
1. 🤖 La Halle de la Machine
Mechanical marvels: Ignite your children’s imagination at La Halle de la Machine, home to giant mechanical creatures that come to life in spectacular shows. This unique attraction combines art, engineering, and theater for an unforgettable experience.
Interactive fun: Watch in awe as the massive Minotaur and Giant Spider, creations of La Machine company, move and interact with visitors. Kids can even ride on some of the smaller mechanical creatures, creating lasting memories.
Behind the scenes: Explore the workshop area to see how these incredible machines are designed and built. The passionate “machinists” are always happy to explain their craft and demonstrate the intricate workings of their creations.
Money Saver: Check the Halle de la Machine website for special family rates and combination tickets with other attractions in the Montaudran area.
⭐ Best Activities
Buy tickets online – Check Availability
2. 🚂 Little Train Tour
City overview: Take a charming ride through Toulouse’s historic center on the little tourist train. This 35-minute journey is an excellent way for families to get an overview of the city’s main attractions while keeping young ones entertained.
Educational journey: As you wind through the narrow streets of Toulouse, listen to the audio commentary (available in multiple languages) that shares interesting facts and stories about the city’s history and landmarks.
Photo opportunities: The slow pace of the train allows for great photo opportunities of Toulouse’s iconic pink buildings and bustling squares. Kids will love waving at passersby as they chug along the streets.
Time Saver: Use the train tour as a way to orient yourself in the city on your first day. It’s a great way to decide which attractions you want to explore in more depth later.
3. 🚀 Aeroscopia
Aviation wonderland: Immerse yourself in the world of aviation at Aeroscopia, located near Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. This museum celebrates Toulouse’s rich aerospace history and showcases a impressive collection of aircraft.
Iconic exhibits: Marvel at the museum’s crown jewels – two Concorde aircraft. Explore the interiors of various planes, including the enormous Airbus A380 and the unique Super Guppy transport aircraft.
Interactive experience: Engage with hands-on exhibits and flight simulators that bring the science of aviation to life. The museum offers a fascinating look at both commercial and military aircraft.
Insider Tip: Visit on weekends to tour the Air France Concorde on the tarmac. Book a guided tour for in-depth insights into the exhibits and Toulouse’s aviation industry.
⭐ Best Activities
- Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: The Aeroscopia Admission Ticket grants visitors access to a fascinating 15,000-square-meter complex dedicated entirely to aviation. Located in Blagnac, this museum offers a journey through time, showcasing an exceptional collection of aircraft and interactive exhibits.
Free Things to Do in Toulouse
1. 🌳 Jardin des Plantes
Green oasis: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic in the Jardin des Plantes, one of Toulouse’s most beautiful parks. With its duck pond, playground, and shaded areas, it’s a perfect spot for families and nature lovers alike.
Botanical beauty: Explore the diverse collection of plants and trees, including a beautiful rose garden and a tropical greenhouse. The park’s layout offers a mix of formal French gardens and more natural, English-style landscapes.
Family fun: Let the kids burn off energy at the playground or feed the ducks at the pond. In summer, the park hosts free outdoor concerts and events, adding to its appeal as a local hangout spot.
Top Tip: Visit during spring to see the park in full bloom, with colorful flower beds and blossoming trees creating a picturesque setting.
2. 🏛️ Musée Départemental de la Résistance et de la Déportation
Historical insight: Delve into an important chapter of French history at this free museum dedicated to the Resistance and deportation during World War II. The exhibits offer a poignant look at this challenging period through photos, clothing, and other artifacts.
Personal stories: Discover the courageous acts of local Resistance members and the harrowing experiences of those deported from Toulouse. The museum’s exhibits bring history to life through personal accounts, letters, and multimedia presentations.
Educational experience: The museum provides an excellent opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about this crucial period in French and European history. Interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the free guided tours offered by knowledgeable staff to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and the local context of the Resistance movement.
Seasonal Activities
🌸 Spring
Blooming beauty: As the city awakens from winter, Toulouse bursts into color with blooming flowers in its many parks and gardens. The Jardin des Plantes and Jardin Japonais are particularly stunning during this season.
Cultural awakening: Spring brings a flurry of cultural events to Toulouse. Don’t miss the International Contemporary Dance Festival (typically in March), the Latin American Cinema Meetings (March), and the Flamenco Festival (March).
Outdoor exploration: Take advantage of the mild weather to explore the city by bike or on foot. The Canal du Midi is especially picturesque in spring, with its tree-lined paths coming to life.
Time Saver: Book tickets for popular spring events in advance, as they can sell out quickly. Consider purchasing a Toulouse Tourism Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions.
☀️ Summer
Riverside revelry: Experience Toulouse Plages from July to August, when the banks of the Garonne River transform into urban beaches. Enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and free concerts.
Festival fever: Summer in Toulouse is packed with events. Don’t miss the Toulouse Summer Festival (July-August), the Rio Loco music festival (June), and the Marathon des Mots literary festival (June).
Outdoor cinema: Catch a movie under the stars at one of the city’s open-air cinema events, typically held in various parks throughout July and August.
Insider Tip: To beat the summer heat, explore the city early in the morning or late in the evening. Many museums offer extended hours during summer months.
🍂 Autumn
Harvest celebrations: Autumn is the perfect time to explore Toulouse’s culinary scene. Visit the Marché Victor Hugo to sample seasonal produce and local specialties.
Cultural cornucopia: Autumn brings a wealth of cultural events, including Piano aux Jacobins (September), the Spanish Film Festival (October), and Toulouse les Orgues organ festival (October).
Colorful walks: Enjoy the changing colors of autumn leaves in the city’s parks and along the Canal du Midi. The golden light of fall makes for stunning photography opportunities.
Money Saver: Look for combo tickets that allow entry to multiple autumn festivals at a discounted rate. Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
❄️ Winter
Festive cheer: Experience the magic of Toulouse during the holiday season. The Christmas market in Place du Capitole (late November to late December) offers local crafts, food, and mulled wine.
Indoor attractions: Winter is the perfect time to explore Toulouse’s many museums. Don’t miss the Cité de l’Espace, Les Abattoirs, or the Musée des Augustins.
Seasonal treats: Warm up with local winter specialties like cassoulet or a steaming cup of hot chocolate from a local chocolatier.
Top Tip: Take advantage of indoor activities during the cooler months. Many attractions offer special winter exhibitions or events to attract visitors during the off-season.
Day Trips from Toulouse
1. 🏰 Medieval City of Carcassonne
Time travel: Step back in time with a visit to Carcassonne, just 40 minutes from Toulouse. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts impressive medieval fortifications, charming cobblestone streets, and numerous historical attractions.
Fortress exploration: Wander through the beautifully preserved Cité de Carcassonne, a fortified medieval citadel. Walk along the ramparts for panoramic views, visit the Château Comtal to learn about medieval warfare, and explore the Gothic Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus.
Living history: Immerse yourself in medieval life with costumed guides, traditional craft demonstrations, and seasonal events like jousting tournaments. The city’s museums offer insights into its rich history, from Roman times to the present day.
Time Saver: To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or visit in the off-season. Consider joining a guided tour to make the most of your time and learn about the city’s fascinating history.
⭐ Best Activities
- Cité de Carcassonne Guided Walking Tour: This 1.5-hour private guided walking tour offers an immersive exploration of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants will meet their guide under the statue of Dame Carcasse and embark on a journey through the medieval citadel’s rich history and architecture.
3. 🏛️ Nîmes la Romaine
Roman heritage: Discover the rich Roman history of Nîmes, often called “the Rome of France.” This charming city, about 2.5 hours from Toulouse, boasts some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Europe.
Architectural wonders: Marvel at the magnificent Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Explore the impressive Arena of Nîmes, a Roman amphitheater still used for events today.
Historical immersion: Visit the Musée de la Romanité to delve deeper into the city’s Roman past through interactive exhibits and ancient artifacts. Don’t miss the Tour Magne, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Time Saver: Purchase a Nîmes Roman Pass for access to multiple sites and museums, saving both time and money. Consider joining a guided tour to make the most of your day trip and learn fascinating historical details.
Buy tickets online – Check Availability
❓ FAQ
What are the must-visit attractions in Toulouse?
The top tourist attractions in Toulouse include the iconic Place du Capitole, the UNESCO World Heritage Basilique Saint-Sernin, the fascinating Cité de l’Espace, the historic Couvent des Jacobins, and the picturesque Canal du Midi. These sites showcase the best of Toulouse’s rich history, culture, and space industry heritage.
What are some free things to do in Toulouse?
Toulouse offers several free activities for budget-conscious travelers. You can explore the Jardin des Plantes, one of the best parks in Toulouse, visit the Musée Départemental de la Résistance et de la Déportation to learn about local history, or enjoy the atmosphere of old Toulouse by strolling through the city center and admiring the pink terracotta architecture.
What are the best food experiences in Toulouse?
To taste the essence of Toulouse, join a Toulouse food tour or visit the Marché Victor Hugo, one of the best markets in Toulouse. Don’t miss trying local specialties like cassoulet, Toulouse sausage, and duck confit. The restaurants in Toulouse offer a range of gourmet experiences, from traditional to modern French cuisine.
What are some unique things to do in Toulouse?
For unique experiences in Toulouse, consider taking a tour of Toulouse on the little tourist train, visiting La Halle de la Machine to see giant mechanical creatures, or enjoying Toulouse Plages in summer when the banks of the Garonne River transform into urban beaches. These activities showcase the charm and creativity of Toulouse.
What are the best day trips from Toulouse?
Popular day trips from Toulouse include visiting the medieval city of Carcassonne, exploring the beautiful towns in southwestern France, or taking a cycling tour along the Canal du Midi. These excursions allow you to discover the best of southern France while based in Toulouse.
