2025-02-18
Here’s everything you need to organize a trip to Toulouse, in the South of France: things to do and visit in Toulouse, hotels, how many days to visit Toulouse, transport and other travel tips.
Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France and is known for being the center of Europe’s aerospace industry.
But it’s much more than a destination for airplane fans… it has a historic center full of charm, two UNESCO Heritage monuments, affordable stores and restaurants, activities for families and hidden places worth visiting.
They call it Ville Rose, or Pink City, because of the terracotta bricks of the buildings in the historic center.
It also has a strong connection to the pilgrimage routes to Santigo de Compostela and a sizable population of university students, who brighten up the evenings and nights in the center.
In short, you’re sure to find something special to discover in this region of Occitania.
Things to do and visit in Toulouse, France
Discover the historic center of Toulouse
It’s a pleasure to stroll around the historic center of Toulouse!
Walk slowly and with your nose in the air, as they say, paying attention to the details of the buildings. Start at Place du Capitole, the heart of the city, and head towards the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
Keep going until you find the Chapelle des Carmélites, and go inside to take a look at the frescoes.
For a beautiful photo to take home, head to the banks of the River Garone, from where you have a wide perspective of Toulouse’s emblematic monuments.
If you want an even more special experience, cross the Pont Neuf and enjoy the view of the city reflected in the waters of the river.
Then head to the Jacobin Convent (Couvent des Jacobins), a jewel of Gothic architecture in the south of France, with its impressive stained glass windows and the famous stone palm tree inside.
Continue your stroll along the Rue du Taur, where you’ll find small stores and cozy cafés, ideal for a break.
For market-goers, the Marché Victor Hugo is an excellent stop to sample some local specialties, such as cassoulet or the region’s famous cheeses.
At the end of the day, returning to the Place du Capitole allows you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of its terraces.
Seeing the Reliquary of the Holy Cross at Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Toulouse
The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Toulouse is a unique cathedral full of history, located in the center of Toulouse.
What makes it special is its unusual architectural style, because it was built over several centuries and has very different parts.
Thus, the cathedral combines elements of the Romanesque and Gothic styles, which gives it an asymmetrical and curious appearance.
Inside, there are colorful stained glass windows, a rose window and a majestic organ.
There are also several chapels worth exploring, including one housing the reliquary of the Holy Cross, which, according to Christian tradition, contains a fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
For me, this was the most emotional moment of the visit.
If you look closely at the façade, you’ll notice that it seems to be “out of alignment”, because it was never completely finished.
Construction began in the 11th century, but was modified over time.
In the 13th century, they tried to expand it to make it bigger and more imposing, but the work was never completely finished.
Visit the largest Romanesque church in Europe: Basilica of Saint-Sernin de Toulouse
The city’s central monument is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin de Toulouse. Built in 1096, it has the distinction of being the largest Romanesque-style church in Europe.
It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for centuries has welcomed pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
When you enter, it’s impossible not to feel small in front of the imposing central nave flanked by marble columns.
The frescoes date back to medieval times and the figures seem to move when you look at them.
In addition, relics and religious works of art have been kept inside this church since the 11th century.
It is said that the quantity and preciousness of these pieces can only be compared to those found in the Vatican.
See dinosaur skeletons at the Toulouse Museum
The Toulouse Museum (Muséum de Toulouse) is a natural history museum that opened in 1796.
Here visitors can learn a lot about the natural world, such as animals, plants and even dinosaurs.
In other words, it has several collections of fossils, stuffed animals and minerals, and even shows how the Earth has changed over time.
The museum also has a section on how people evolved and different cultures around the world.
In addition, there is a botanical garden where you can see many different plants. It’s a great place for sightseeing, learning new things and spending time with the family.
This museum is a lot of fun and educational, and it’s in the center of Toulouse, so it’s easy to visit if you’re in the city.
Crossing the Bridges of Toulouse: Pont Neuf and Pont Saint-Pierre
The Pont Neuf and the Pont Saint-Pierre are two well-known bridges in Toulouse with different histories and characteristics.
The Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Toulouse, built between 1544 and 1632, and is one of the city’s main landmarks.
Although the name “Pont Neuf” means “New Bridge”, it is the oldest in the city, and was called that to emphasize that it was new at the time it was built.
The bridge was designed to cross the River Garonne and connect the downtown areas of Toulouse. It is made of stone and has seven arches.
One of the Pont Neuf’s most impressive features is its classic architectural style.
On the other hand, the Pont Saint-Pierre is a more recent bridge, built between 1813 and 1832. It was designed to replace an earlier bridge that had been destroyed by a river flood.
It is an iron bridge with five arches and also crosses the River Garonne, linking the center of Toulouse to the Saint-Cyprien district on the left bank of the river.
Unlike the Pont Neuf, which has a classical, medieval style, the Pont Saint-Pierre has a more modern appearance, with a metal structure.
The bridge has beautiful views of the city and is an important access point for those going from one side of the city to the other.
Snacking at the local market: Victor Hugo Market
The Victor Hugo Market in Toulouse is one of the city’s most famous and traditional markets, and although it has become quite touristy, it still retains its local charm.
The market was opened in 1820 and is located in a historic building, making it an important meeting point not only for Toulouse locals, but also for tourists.
It’s in the center of Toulouse, near Place Victor Hugo, and is a great place to discover the local cuisine and fresh produce.
The market is covered, which is an advantage in winter. There, you can expect to see many stalls selling fresh produce such as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, breads and sweets.
You’ll also find some specialties from Toulouse and the Occitanie region.
Take a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes and the Pierre-Baudis Japanese Garden
The Jardin des Plantes is Toulouse’s historic botanical garden, dating back to 1730 and located near the Place du Capitole.
It is one of the largest and oldest gardens in the city, with a large number of plants and trees. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when it was created for educational and scientific purposes.
The Pierre-Baudis Japanese Garden is also beautiful and peaceful, and has the particularity of offering a real immersion in Japanese culture.
It is located in the Compans-Caffarelli district and was inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. It also pays homage to the friendship between France and Japan.
What to do in Toulouse for families
As well as looking at the tourist attractions I mentioned earlier, I’d like to leave you with a list of things to do in Toulouse with the family.
Of course, these suggestions are not exclusively for families, so take a look to see if any activities catch your eye.
- Take the kids for a walk along the River Garonne;
- Rent a bike at Vélo Toulouse and set off to discover;
- Visit the Cité de l’Espace, a theme park dedicated to space and astronomy, where children can explore replica rockets, enter a planetarium and learn in an interactive way.
- If you’re interested in animals, the Plaisance-du-Touch Zoo, on the outskirts of Toulouse, allows you to see various species in a natural environment.
- Another fun option is to take a boat trip along the Canal du Midi, a relaxing experience that shows the city from another perspective.
Toulouse and the Way of Saint James
More and more people are interested in walking the medieval roads that lead to Santiago de Compostela.
So if you’re in Toulouse, take the opportunity to learn about the city’s ancient connection to the apostle.
Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the most important crossing points on the Way of Saint James in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This impressive Romanesque temple has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and remains a symbol of Toulouse’s connection to the Jacobean route.
Then head to the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, a former medieval hospital that welcomed pilgrims and is also part of the World Heritage Site.
Although the building is not open to the public, it’s worth stopping by to get a feel for the history of the place.
Another essential stop is the Church of the Jacobins, where relics of St. Thomas Aquinas are believed to be kept.
The building is an outstanding example of Southern Gothic architecture and has an atmosphere of great spirituality.
To complete the experience, visit the Musée Saint-Raymond, where you’ll find archaeological remains that help you better understand the history of the city and its importance as a crossing point for pilgrims over the centuries.
Accommodation in Toulouse
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Toulouse, my suggestion is to stay in the city center.
This is because the best way to explore Toulouse is on foot and having accommodation in the center is a great advantage.
I stayed at Résidences Guerlin, a budget apartment on Avenue Jean Jaurès, and although it was simple, I liked it a lot.
However, if you prefer a hotel, my suggestions are the Le Grand Balcon Hotel (4 stars) with good conditions, or the Hôtel Le Père Léon (3 stars), which tends to have affordable prices.
Food and gastronomy in Toulouse: What you really have to try
If there’s one thing you can’t miss on a visit to Toulouse, it’s the food!
The gastronomy of this region in the south of France is rich in traditional flavors, with comforting dishes and irresistible sweets. Here are a few specialties worth trying:
Cassoulet de Toulouse
The city’s most emblematic dish! Cassoulet is a slow-cooked white bean stew with duck meat, Toulouse sausage and pork.
It’s a robust meal full of flavor, perfect for cooler days.
Aligot Aveyronnais
This super-creamy mashed potato mixed with Tomme fraîche cheese and stirred into an elastic texture is a real comfort on a plate.
Although it originated in the neighboring region of Aveyron, it is very popular in Toulouse.
Galette Occitane
A rustic pie that can be sweet or savory, filled with ingredients typical of the region.
You can find versions with cheese, sausages, vegetables or fruit. In restaurants and packaged in stores.
Oreillettes de Toulouse
These delicate, crispy fritters are a regional treat, dusted with sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Similar to thin, crunchy doughnuts, they are traditionally enjoyed during Carnival but can also be found at other times of the year.
Madeleines
Although more associated with other French regions, madeleines are popular in Toulouse. They are small, fluffy cakes, ideal with a cup of coffee.
Cheese and sausages
The Toulouse region is famous for its artisanal sausages, especially Saucisse de Toulouse, a fresh sausage used in cassoulet or grilled, but also for ham, or jambon cru.
As for cheeses, there is a wide variety to try, such as Roquefort or Tomme des Pyrénées.
Chocolate
Toulouse has several artisan chocolatiers producing authentic delicacies. The region’s chocolate stands out for its quality and can be found in bonbons, bars and even typical desserts.
If you like to try local flavors when you travel, don’t miss out on these specialties. It will be a real gastronomic journey through the heart of Toulouse!
What you need to know before traveling to Toulouse, France
How many days do I need to visit Toulouse?
To visit Toulouse you need two full days, even considering that it is the fourth largest city in France.
This is partly because the main tourist attractions are concentrated in the city center, and partly because it’s so easy to get around.
Public transport and getting around Toulouse
Although the city is very walkable, there is a very efficient public transport network in Toulouse.
From the metro, bus and streetcar (run by the Tisséo-SMTC company), to bicycles, cabs, Uber and BlaBlacar (a kind of French Uber), there are several ways to get around.
The Toulouse metro is open from 5.15am until midnight on Sundays and Thursdays, while on Fridays and Saturdays the timetable extends until 3am.
What is the airport near Toulouse?
The airport near Toulouse is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) and is located 7 km from the city center.
To get from the airport to the center of Toulouse, there are several options.
The Tram T2 is one of the cheapest alternatives, connecting the airport to the Palais de Justice station in around 30 minutes.
From there, simply take the Line B metro to get to the center, such as the Capitole or Jean Jaurès area, and the ticket costs around €1.80.
Another option is the Navette Aéroport shuttle bus, which runs directly to Matabiau Station in the city center in around 20 to 25 minutes.
This service runs between 5:40 and 00:10, with departures every 20 minutes, and the ticket costs €9.
For those looking for more convenience, cabs and Ubers are a practical solution, taking between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the center, depending on traffic. The price varies between 25€ and 35€ for cabs and can be slightly cheaper for Ubers.
If you want to explore Toulouse’s surroundings, you can also rent a car directly at the airport.
👉See how much it costs to rent a car at Toulouse Airport
So, if saving money is your priority, the best choice is the streetcar combined with the metro. But if you prefer speed, the shuttle is a good option, while for those looking for comfort, a cab, Uber or rental car may be the ideal alternative.
How do I get from Paris to Toulouse?
Paris is 680 km from Toulouse and you can travel by train or bus.
The cheapest way to get from Toulouse to Paris (and vice versa) is by bus, with prices starting from €19, but you need to buy your ticket well in advance.
You can expect a direct journey of 9h45 and a little more if you have a transfer.
Check the prices on the Flixbus website and buy your ticket as soon as possible, as demand for bus tickets is high.
Another alternative is to travel by train.
In this case, the best option is the TGV INOUI, the high-speed train operated by the SNCF. The journey departs from Gare Montparnasse and takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes to reach Toulouse-Matabiau Station in the city center.
Tickets can be bought online on the SNCF website or on platforms such as Trainline, and prices vary depending on how far in advance you buy and the class you choose.
Another alternative is the Intercités, a conventional train that leaves from Gare d’Austerlitz and takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes to Toulouse. Although it’s slower, it can be a cheaper option, especially if bought in advance.
For those who want to travel overnight, there is also the Intercités de Nuit, which saves you a night’s accommodation and allows you to arrive in Toulouse relaxed.
How do I get from Toulouse to Andorra?
I have to say that I was surprised to realize how important the bus connection from Toulouse to Andorra is.
Many workers take advantage of Ryanair’s cheap flights to Toulouse, as well as the frequency of direct flights from Toulouse Airport to the center of Andorra la Vella, which is about 195 km away.
The Andbus company’s bus service is daily and direct, meaning there are buses two or three times a day making this connection without stops, which makes it quick and convenient.
If you’re in the center of Toulouse, you can still take this bus, as the first stop is Gare Matabiau, which is the train station.
In Andorra la Vella, passengers get off at the National Bus Station, which is in the center of Andorra’s capital.
Where is Toulouse and how to get there from the UK and USA?
Toulouse is in the south of France, in the Occitanie region. It is known for its history, culture and architecture, as well as being an important aviation center, due to the presence of Airbus.
To get to Toulouse from the UK, there are direct flights from London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Manchester and Birmingham. The main airlines that operate these flights are British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. The direct flight takes around 2 hours.
Although there are no direct flights from American cities to Toulouse, it is possible to make the journey with a stopover.
The main options include flights with a stopover in Paris, Amsterdam or another European city.
In other words, companies like Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM have flights to Toulouse with a stopover in European hubs. The total travel time depends on the city of origin and the length of the stopover, but it usually takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the route.
In addition to flights, it is also possible to travel to Toulouse by train from several French cities, or even by bus if you prefer an economical option, although it takes longer.
Once in Toulouse, you can travel to various French cities with FlixBus.
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