More about: 10 Things to Do in Toulouse
A wonderful getaway to Toulouse awaits you very close to the Spanish border. It is known as the Pink City because of the characteristic colour of its brick houses and buildings, which contrast with the River Garonne. Here you are guaranteed fun, good food and a glass of wine to accompany every activity.
Soak up French culture in the urban vineyards or sign up for an afternoon of Apéro with friends, just like the locals do. There are also museums, bike routes, tuk tuk rides and getaways to ancient towns and villages. Here is a guide to the essentials.
1. Delve into the heart of Toulouse

When you arrive in Toulouse, don't waste any time. After resting a little at your accommodation, you can go out and familiarise yourself with the local charms. A good starting point is the heart of the city, near the Place du Capitole. From there, let yourself be carried away by its history and vibrant atmosphere to discover wonders such as Toulouse Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Jacobins Museum.
There is so much to see that it might be best to book a guided tour of Toulouse. These types of experiences can be customised to create a tailor-made itinerary. I think it's the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track and combine it with gastronomic stops of your choice.
Place du Capitole
This is usually the starting point for guided tours, as it connects to several important streets. Here you will find some of the main tourist attractions, such as the National Theatre and Toulouse City Hall. The atmosphere in this square is spectacular day and night, and it is believed that all roads lead here.
If you have time, take advantage of the free entrance to the Capitol and marvel at its historic rooms housing works of art, busts of famous people and other wonders that will immerse you in the history of Toulouse. At night, it is illuminated with a light show, and on Saturdays there is a market right in front of it.
Toulouse Cathedral
One of the stops I suggest you include is Toulouse Cathedral, also known as Saint-Étienne Cathedral. It has an original design and, upon entering, it is impossible to ignore the Baroque altar and 14th-century stained glass windows. Its history is wonderful, as the first records of this church date back to 844 in a letter from Charles II of France.
Throughout history, it has undergone several modifications and restorations as a result of wars, fires and other historical events that left the cathedral in ruins. Its beautiful bell tower, whose shape resembles a swallow's nest, is also noteworthy.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin
If you would like to visit the resting place of Saint Saturninus, the patron saint of Toulouse, then you must head to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. This is one of the largest Romanesque churches in France and its most notable features include the high altar, the bell tower and the stepped chapels.
2. Cycle along the Canal du Midi

Cycling through the Pink City is something everyone should do at least once. There are countless bike stations throughout Toulouse, so you can rent a bike by the hour or by the day and take advantage of the bike lanes to avoid traffic and crowds.
You could start at the Canal du Midi, an old road surrounded by lush vegetation where you'll see boats moored and the depths of the canal connecting the two seas. It is so named because it connects the Garonne River with the Mediterranean Sea. And if you decide to go with a guide, you could reach the Malpas Tunnel and cross the Ponts Jumeaux, a series of bridges designed to interconnect the entire city.
If you go further, you will reach sunflower fields and vineyards. You will also pass through its locks, of which, in my opinion, the Fonseranes lock will take your breath away with its incomparable beauty. In general, there are different routes you can take to see the city's must-see sights, as well as its squares and hidden corners. But without a doubt, crossing the Pont Neuf and Quai de la Daurade will leave you with the best memories of the Garonne River.
This city is full of cobbled streets and historical monuments that are well worth visiting. And if you don't want to miss a thing, you can always book a bike tour of Toulouse. A local guide will provide you with relevant information as you go along and you'll have an optimised itinerary to cycle through many places in record time.
3. Delight in the gastronomic scene of the Victor Hugo Market

A gastronomic stop is always welcome, especially in a city rich in flavours and traditions such as Toulouse. You could start at the Victor Hugo Market, which is covered and welcomes you with a bustling atmosphere and endless stalls inviting you to eat until you drop. The aromas here are irresistible, and you can browse the fresh produce, including fruit, cheese and the legendary Toulouse sausage.
Toulouse's cuisine comes to life in this market, where you can enjoy food and wine tastings at around 80 stalls, making it difficult to decide where to eat or which ones are worth trying.
Booking a food tour can help you discover the best stalls in the market while a guide introduces you to the culinary scene. At each stop, they will tell you about the recipes and origins of each dish. You can also watch a cassoulet being slowly cooked in a clay pot while you discover why it is considered the star dish of local cuisine.
When you leave, don't forget to go to your Apéro, a French tradition very similar to tapas in Spain. The French tend to gather in the main squares and cafés to relax and socialise with friends and family over drinks such as wine, vermouth or cocktails and cheese boards, pastries, cold meats and other appetisers.
4. Combine a tour of the historic centre with the Saint-Cyprien neighbourhood

Of course, you can't leave Toulouse without visiting the historic centre and losing yourself in its charming neighbourhoods. Although walking is fun, there comes a point in your holiday when you just can't walk any more. And this seems to me the perfect excuse to add a different activity, such as booking a tuk tuk tour of Toulouse. You'll climb aboard an electric vehicle that glides easily through the traffic and hidden alleyways.
You'll reach the main points of interest in the historic quarter, where you'll find the most commercial streets, cobbled houses and the Carmes neighbourhood, famous for its market, wine bars and stalls that will delight your taste buds.
You can also visit lesser-known places and iconic areas such as the Saint-Cyprien neighbourhood. In the past, it was a place of pilgrimage and a hideout for exiles. Today, it charms visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere overlooking the river, especially in summer.
5. Try the best wine in Toulouse

The wines of Toulouse are famous, as it has been a wine-producing region since the Middle Ages. Several regions promote the cultivation of négrette, a grape characterised by its smooth flavour and balanced acidity, which is perfect for accompanying cheese and lean meats. There are different types of wines, and I recommend enjoying a varied tasting that includes:
- Malbec: a robust wine made from black fruits such as Carignan (black cherry or black plum) and spices that give it a unique flavour. The main production comes from the neighbouring town of Cahors.
- Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon: these wines from Madiran stand out for their powerful flavour achieved with exotic fruits, leather and spices.
- Gaillac wines: these are a selection of wines that can be white (Sauvignon and Muscadelle) or red (Braucol and Duras).
- Négrette: mainly produced in Fronton, although there is also production in Toulouse at the Domaine de Candie vineyard. You will be delighted by the explosive flavours of its grapes, which combine with red fruits such as strawberries and cherries.
The city has a large number of bars, urban vineyards and wineries offering a pleasant experience. Booking a wine tour of Toulouse is the best way to enjoy a careful selection of regional wines.
The tour is led by an expert guide who will share enriching details about the winemaking process and the region's wine traditions. Stops are usually made at two or three iconic bars for wine tastings and appetisers.
6. Have fun in the themed world of Halle de la Machine
Children playing

If you're looking for a different experience, be sure to buy tickets for Halle de la Machine. It's a cultural, artistic and leisure space offering workshops and a children's museum, as well as exhibitions that help you understand how its attractions are created. It's ideal for families or friends, as you can enjoy a variety of mechanical attractions. Among the most popular are:
- Minotaur Asterion ride: this is a giant machine 14 metres high that you can climb aboard to enjoy adrenaline-filled movements. On its back is a two-storey Greek temple and it incorporates special effects that make the attraction even more exciting.
- Giant Spider: Ariadne the spider awaits you to delight you with a fun-filled show. Keep an eye out to enjoy her graceful movements that allow her to climb and rise up to a height of 20 metres.
- Track of the Giants: here you can see minotaurs and other mechanical mythological figures in action.
Please note that some tickets do not include the minotaur ride, the Carré Sénart Rotunda and the workshops, as these usually have an additional fee.
7. Explore the Aeroscopia Aeronautical Museum

This city has several museums that you will enjoy, and you cannot miss the Toulouse Aeroscopia Museum, which will awaken your curiosity about aviation. You can enjoy an exhibition with more than 40 aircraft, including the Airbus A300B and the Super Guppy.
You can even see the inside of a Concorde, a type of aircraft that was considered the fastest in the world and was flown by stars such as Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. On board, it was possible to fly from New York to London in three hours, offering an almost supersonic experience. Each one has its own story, which you can discover with an informative audio guide.
There are also interactive experiences, such as a simulator that allows you to experience aviation up close. You'll find multimedia exhibitions, touch screens and the chance to see inside a military cargo plane. It's definitely the ideal place to feel like a pilot while discovering the innovations of aviation.
Buy tickets for the Aeroscopia Aeronautical Museum in advance to get access to all areas and save time at the ticket office.
8. Relax in the local gardens

You could take some time to explore the most beautiful gardens in Toulouse and disconnect a little from the more touristy areas. There are different options, and among my favourites are:
- Japanese Garden: in this natural oasis, you'll find a pretty accurate replica of the Japanese gardens in Kyoto. I'm sure you'll be breathless when you see the ponds, bridges and variety of Asian plants.
- Royal Garden: this is a real treat for nature lovers. I think the central fountain is the perfect place to relax or have a picnic with friends. There are some sculptures hidden among the trees, and it attracts many tourists in autumn and summer.
- Jardin des Plantes: you have to visit this garden if you are travelling with children, as it has different areas for them. It also offers an enriching experience that introduces you to the world of medicinal herbs and exotic plants.
9. Visit the City of Space

If you are going to be in Toulouse for several days, take advantage of a visit to the City of Space, known to locals as Cité de l'Espace. It is a theme park ideal for exploring space and the secrets of astronomy. Among its main attractions are full-scale models and replicas of the Ariane 5 rocket, the Mir space station and modules from the Soyuz spacecraft.
It has two planetariums and you can't miss a show about the cosmos to feel like you're flying through the universe. You can learn a little about Voyager 1, the first spacecraft to travel so far from Earth, and how NASA regained contact with it.
Don't miss a stop at Terradome, an attraction that recreates a hemisphere where you can see the Big Bang and the Solar System. You can also enjoy immersive 3D cinema experiences and simulators that take you walking on the moon, witnessing a rocket launch or enjoying space missions from the International Space Station.
10. Escape to Albi, the gateway to medieval France

Not far from Toulouse, Albi awaits you, a fascinating city that will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Its architectural beauty does not go unnoticed, and on the way you can take advantage of quick stops in ancient villages such as Cordes sur Ciel.
Upon arrival, the first thing you should do is lose yourself in its cobbled streets and explore the historic centre, where you will find the famous Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the largest brick cathedral in the world. You can explore at your own pace and make strategic stops at its most iconic sites, such as the Berbie Palace and the Toulouse Lautrec Museum.
Many people prefer to book a day trip to Albi from Toulouse, as these usually include tourist bus transfers and discounts for unmissable activities such as museums, tours and entrance fees to monuments.
Tips for visiting Toulouse

- Climate: Summers in Toulouse tend to be hot, while winters are mild and rainy.
- Courtesy: be sure to say Bonjour when entering shops and restaurants, as this is highly valued by the locals.
- Safety: In general, it is a safe and tourist-friendly city, but there are some areas to avoid, such as Mirail and Matabiau. These neighbourhoods are unsafe due to crime and illegal activities, especially at night.