Looking for information about the Toulouse Christmas Markets in 2023-24? Then know that this year the Christmas Markets in Toulouse, in the South of France, will take place between November 24th and December 26th 2023.
Toulouse, the pink city because of the pink bricks, becomes the illuminated city as a result of thousands of lights that adorn the streets.
The Christmas market is the place par excellence where the Christmas spirit is in full swing. There is something special circulating among the stalls selling crafts and typical products, which mixes with the aromas of mulled wine with spices, chocolate and fried sweets that comfort the stomach.
There are six Christmas Markets in Toulouse: the Christmas Village on Capitol Square, the Market on Place Charles de Gaulle, another on the Ramblas/Allées Jean Jaurès, the Market on Place du Salin, the Market on Place St-Pierre and the Crafts Market (Christmas crafts market and community market) on Allées Jules-Guesde, near the Grand Rond.
In this article I’ve gathered everything you need to know to make the most of Toulouse’s Christmas markets, and you know what else? Believe it’s time to book your trip to Toulouse!
Toulouse Christmas Markets
A happy day was when I decided to book a Ryanair flight to Toulouse, which coincided with the opening of the city’s Christmas Markets.
I must say that I didn’t find much information about the event, so seeing firsthand how interesting these Christmas markets are was a pleasant surprise.
Honestly, I didn’t think I would like the Christmas atmosphere or the city itself that much.
Because of the dates, I visited all the Christmas Markets with the exception of the Christmas crafts market and community market which takes place in December, but which also includes information in this article.
The Christmas Village, on Place du Capitole
More than 100 white stalls in Capitol Square give the impression that we are in a sea of snow. This is Toulouse’s main Christmas Market. A Christmas village that only those who pass by realize how special it is.
You can smell the sweet aroma of spices and chocolate in the distance, and even the pungent smell of melted cheese and fried food, I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s become easier to tolerate.
The main star of the Toulouse Christmas Markets is the Aligot Aveyronnais, a mixture of mashed potatoes, cream, butter and cheese that I recommend and which is on sale at several stalls. Expect to pay €6 for the smallest package, €8 and €12 for the medium and large, respectively.
Stroll to stalls and browse the clothes, decorations, jewelry and other Christmas gift ideas for yourself, friends and family.
The Christmas Market in Place Charles de Gaulle
The Christmas Market in Place Charles de Gaulle is right next to Capitol Square, so you can go there easily.
Count on craft stalls, food and mulled wine.
This is the children’s favorite area, as there is a carousel in the shape of a Christmas tree and some statues alluding to the Christmas season to take funny photos, such as gingerbread cookies and the nutcracker.
The Ramblas Market / Allées Jean Jaurès
The Christmas Market on the Ramblas / Allées Jean Jaurès was right in front of our accommodation and for that reason we passed by here several times.
The stalls are essentially handicraft products, so it’s a good suggestion if you’re looking for original Christmas gifts.
Additionally, there is a crepe and waffle stand.
Christmas decorations include an illuminated throne and a giant Christmas tree at the end of the street.
The Christmas Market at Place du Salin
I must say that, compared to the other Christmas markets in Toulouse, the market in Place du Salin seemed less interesting to me.
It’s smaller and from what I’ve seen, it only has one crepe and waffle stand.
I imagine that the tobogan and carousels are the main attractions of this market, but as we were there in the first few days, they weren’t working yet.
The Christmas Market at Place St-Pierre
This market has the advantage of being very close to the riverside area, but, again, it is small compared to the Capitol Market.
Furthermore, there were few stalls operating and the space still seemed empty.
Perhaps in December, it will be livelier. Nevertheless, due to its proximity to the Saint-Pierre Bridge and the River Garonne, it’s a location worth considering for your Toulouse Christmas Markets route.
The Craft Market Christmas crafts market and community market
As I mentioned, this Christmas market starts on December, so I didn’t have the opportunity to visit it.
I passed by and saw that the space where they are setting up the stalls is quite large.
Expect more sustainable Christmas options, and the usual traditional foods and drinks at French Christmas markets.
In addition, several musical events are planned throughout the duration of this market.
If you know this Christmas market, tell us what you think and if we should visit it next year.
Toulouse Christmas Market opening hours
Last year, Vila Natal (Christmas Village) was open at the following times:
- Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 to 20:30;
- Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 22:00;
- Sundays and December 25th open from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Closes at 7pm on December 25th.
For its part, the Market in Place Saint-Pierre and Place du Salin are open on weekdays from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm. On December 24th from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm and on December 25th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Christmas crafts market and community market was open from the 3rd to the 24th of December, every day from 10:00 until 19:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays it closed at 21:00.
They strictly adhere to the Christmas market schedule, with security checking backpacks at the entrance. Please note that a few minutes before the market closes, entry is restricted, ensuring a secure and organized experience.
Toulouse’s Christmas Lights
Christmas lights decorate streets, buildings, trees and fountains in the historic center of Toulouse.
They have become a tourist attraction given the detail that is put into each set of lighting.
It’s very easy to get lost in this sea of lights, so set aside a few hours to stroll around the center of Toulouse without rushing.
Accommodation in Toulouse (near the Christmas Markets)
When looking for a place to sleep, it is important that you take some information into consideration.
Firstly, I was happy to realize that prices in Toulouse are cheaper compared to other French cities.
There are also apartments in the city center, with good reviews and attractive prices, which is good news for those traveling as a family.
Also, when booking, check the price with and without breakfast, as it’s not always worth booking breakfast, especially if you’re thinking about trying the sweets at the Christmas stalls in Toulouse.
I stayed at Résidences Guerlin, an apartment in the center of Toulouse with free internet.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, then the four-star Le Grand Balcon Hotel is very close to Vila Natal and the three-star Hôtel Le Père Léon usually has reasonable prices.
Even so, there are other accommodation options in Toulouse, so I suggest you check prices and availability on the link and map below.
How many days do I need to visit the Toulouse Christmas Markets?
To visit the Toulouse Christmas Markets, one day is enough, but honestly, the ideal is to stay two to three nights in the city.
It’s a shame to rush around to see as much as possible and not enjoy the places properly. Plus, as accommodation is affordable in Toulouse, make the most of it and put your money to good use with a few extra nights. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
The atmosphere at Christmas markets is different from day to night, so it’s important that you have time to see these differences.
How to get from Toulouse Airport to the center
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) is situated 8 km from Toulouse. To get from Toulouse airport to the city center by public transport, you can choose the tram or shuttle (direct bus).
The most economical way to get to the center of Toulouse is by tram (surface metro), although it is not direct transport. Thus, Line T2 of the tram connects to Ardènes Station, and from there you can go to Toulouse-Matabiau station in the center of Toulouse, or any other point in the city.
The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs €1.80. The same ticket is valid for the tram and the metro, but don’t forget to validate it when you get on the tram and the metro.
Look for the Tisséo ticket office at Gate C2, arrivals ground zero, or at the ATMs near the tram line.
If you prefer the Shuttle trip, then look for La Navette buses. The journey costs €9 and depending on traffic, can take between 20-40 minutes. The final stop is at Toulouse-Matabiau Station, but you can get off at some points in the city.
How to get from the United Kingdom and the United States of America to Toulouse by air?
Getting to Toulouse from the United Kingdom and the United States is convenient thanks to international flights connecting major airports.
From the United Kingdom, various airlines operate direct flights from airports such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester.
Airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offer regular services to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. The flight duration from the United Kingdom is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a relatively short journey.
For travelers from the United States, reaching Toulouse typically involves connecting flights.
Major international airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport provide connections to Toulouse with one or more layovers.
Popular airlines for this route include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Air France. The total travel time can vary depending on the layover duration and the specific route taken, but it generally ranges from 10 to 15 hours.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport serves as the primary gateway, offering convenient access to the city and its Christmas markets during the festive season.
You May Also Like:
- Luxembourg Christmas Market and Winterlights (with video)
- London’s Magical Christmas Markets (with Video)
- Christmas in Vigo: street lighting, Ferris wheel, and Xtmas Market
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