10 Best Things To Do In Toulouse, France

Toulouse has quite a puny nickname: La Ville Rose or The Pink City refers to the ochre rooftops and most rooftops, while buildings are tinted with shades of pink and muted earth tones.

It’s one of the best places to explore in Occitanie region, and if you’re visiting soon, read on to find out the best things to do in Toulouse, France. 

10 Things To Do in Toulouse

1. Marvel at Place du Capitole

One of the most popular places to visit in Toulouse is the Place du Capitole. This square is surrounded by the majestic Capitole building with its neoclassical beauty, and home to the city hall as well as the Théâtre du Capitole.

Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, the Place du Capitole is a great place to roam around in. Take in the impressive architecture as you wander around the square, or check out the arcade and see the fascinating artwork by Raymond Moretti that features the city’s history, or explore the buildings’ many historic rooms.

2. Basilique Saint-Sernin

A stunning masterpiece of Romanesque art, the Basilique Saint-Sernin is among the best attractions in Toulouse. A must whether you’re into architecture or simply a fan of beautifully constructed buildings and interiors design, this church amazes both from the outside and the inside.

This structure has gone through renovations and reconstructions over the years, that its current design showcases a bit of every architectural influence. Built between 1080 and 1120, Saint-Sernin is known to be the biggest Romanesque building in all of Europe, if not the world.

A must-see are the many Romanesque sculptures, the crypt that has the remains of Saint-Sernin and the three-manual Cavaillé-Coll organ which was built in 1888.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday
summer- 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
winter- 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Contact Information

Phone: Tel: +33 (0)5 61 21 70 18

Address: Place Saint-Sernin – 31000 Toulouse

Email:[email protected]

3. Musée des Augustins: Fine Arts Museum

Housed in a former Augustinian monastery is the extensive Musée des Augustins, one of the best places to see in Toulouse. The display and exhibits are composed of a variety of paintings and sculptures, a must-see even if you’re not much of an art aficionado.

The museum’s collection of paintings are made up of pieces from the Renaissance era to the 20th century, while the sculptures include those from the Romanesque period to the contemporary era, and features noteworthy pieces from the late Middle Ages.

Some of the art pieces on display are works by Eugène Delacroix, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Jean-Paul Laurens, Pietro Pérugino, Peter Paul Rubens, and Nicolas Tournier.

4. Explore Toulouse’s Courtyards

A number of these houses were from the 1600s, built by rich merchants or parliamentary nobles. Today, these mansions remain to be private residences but most courtyards are open to the public for visits.

If you’re looking for the best activities to do on Toulouse that’s a little different but fun, then spend an afternoon checking out courtyards and admiring the distinct character and beauty of each one.

Some of those you should visit is the Romanesque Hôtel d’Assézat, Hôtel Dahus with its ornate carvings in the facade and doorways, and the Renaissance Hôtel de Bernuy which now houses Pierre de Fermat college.

5. Go for a walk through Jardin Japonais

A departure from historic buildings and stunning art pieces, one of the best things to do in Toulouse if you want to relax is to visit the Jardin Japonais. This picturesque garden provides the respite and quiet time you’ll surely meed in between exploring Toulouse.

6. Couvent des Jacobins

Established in the 13th century as a Dominican monastery, the Couvent des Jacobins is a majestic example of Southern Gothic architecture. It was built entirely from red bricks and has a tower like the one in the Basilique Saint- Sernin.

The exterior is enormous and quite simple, which is the total opposite of its rather delicate interiors. The church has a two aisled nave with unique vaulting, which features the famous palm from shaped ribs. Check out the cloister, with its arched colonnades that date back to 1307.

This is a beautiful, quiet area and where you can stop for a while to take in the silence. The Couvent des Jacobins host a number of events throughout the year such as exhibitions in the refectory, classical music concerts, and special late-night openings.

7. Take a Toulouse Food Tour

When in Toulouse, or anywhere in France, you simply must set aside some time to experience their food. From cheese to chocolate to cured meats to pastries, you simply must try them all.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Toulouse is to go on a guided food tour. This ensures that you get to try the best and even learn more about some delicacies, dishes, and even wine. The tour usually explores local markets, where you stop at certain stalls and sample food while learning a few trivia about them.

The tour usually culminates with an actual feast and features some of the best local wines. Be sure to include this fun and tasty activity in your Toulouse itinerary as it’s bound to be the highlight of your trip.

8. Walk along the Canal de Brienne

Connecting the Garonne River with the Canal du Midi and the Canal de Garonne, the Canal de Brienne provides for a picturesque walk that’s another must when in Toulouse.

Under the shade of lush trees, a walk along the canal is wonderful respite located right in the center of Toulouse. It dates back to the late 1700s and was intended to bring water from the Garonne to the Canal latéral à la Garonne.

Canal de Brienne spans only 1,560 m which starts from its source at Bazacle to where it meets the Canal du Midi. This place is popular among locals and tourists alike, as its a great way to spend an early morning or late afternoon for a bit of a relaxing time, a cool respite right in the heart of Toulouse.

9. Watch the sunset at Quai de la Daurade

 

 

 

 

 

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When in Toulouse, it’s a must end even one of your days watching the sunset in one of its most picturesque areas. The Quai de la Daurade easily gets a recommendation if you ask anyone in Toulouse for the best sunset views.

While waiting for the sunset, you may dit by the river, take in the picture-perfect surroundings, then watch the sky as the sun starts to descend, its magnificent play of colors reflected in the river.

As the evening starts, you can then watch the city light up, reflecting in the river, then head towards your favorite cafe, restaurant or stall for dinner with views of the waterfront.

10. Hang Out at the World’s Best Wine Bar

One of the best things to do in Toulouse at night and to end your day is to be at the World’s Best Wine Bar. No, that’s not the name of the bar but it might as well be. The No. 5 Wine Bar, found in the center of Toulouse has been recognized for the past years as the world’s best.

The bar is easy to miss and you’d most likely walk past it, unassuming but charming. Its interiors are made up of brick walls lined with bottles. It is home to 500 wines from all over including the oldest and rarest bottles of wine encased in a glass cabinet.

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