Visit Toulouse
The pink city
Ô Toulouse
The pink city has so much to offer: with its unique heritage and its world-famous aerospace culture, its emblematic rugby team, the Stade Toulousain, which has won a record 20 French Championship titles, its fine food, friendly, welcoming atmosphere, beautiful landscapes and more, Toulouse and its region have a host of surprises in store for you!
Not to be missed
Here are a few must-see landmarks of the pink city, without which no trip to Toulouse would be complete.
Capitole Discover the historic heart of the city
Halle de La Machine & Envol des Pionniers / Exceptional Men exhibitions
Rugby Watch a Stade Toulousain match
Airbus & Aeroscopia The fascinating world of aerospace
Cité de l'Espace, space adventure park For all ages
Les Abattoirs Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
SUGGESTED TRAVEL ITINERARY
Wander through Toulouse’s historic city centre and enjoy the unique atmosphere of its different neighbourhoods and parks, try some local specialities and products, find out some fascinating facts about the aerospace industry, bask in the beauty of the Garonne river banks, take a stroll along the Canal du Midi or get carried away by the thrilling atmosphere when the Stade Toulousain rugby team comes onto the pitch... The pink city welcomes you with open arms, bursting with exciting and offbeat things to see and do!
DAY 1 Toulouse, steeped in art and history
Your best bet is a guided tour of the historic city centre. Discover the emblematic Capitole, the Jacobins Convent and St Sernin Basilica, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When it’s time for a spot of lunch, get your taste buds tingling at Victor Hugo market, and try a few specialities from south-west France: tempting dishes freshly prepared in the many restaurants. In the afternoon, head for the modern art museum, Les Abattoirs.
Veer off into Saint-Cyprien, the old bargemen’s neighbourhood, and admire the stunning Hôtel-Dieu. Step inside the sumptuous palace, Hôtel d'Assézat, and marvel at the collections of the Bemberg foundation.
Relax on a terrace in the Carmes neighbourhood as the sun goes down, and order some delicious tapas and a drink as you watch the world go by.
DAY 2 Toulouse, local know-how and traditions
For breakfast, don’t forget to try our famous chocolatines (the local name for pain au chocolat)!
For an action-packed morning, the Let’s Visit Airbus and Aeroscopia museums offer you a precious insight into the scientific know-how that has earned Toulouse worldwide renown as a learned city.
In the afternoon, travel a little further afield and take a walk through the local vineyards. You’ll love wine-tasting in the Fronton region, either directly at the winemakers’ property or at the Wine Centre.
And to round off the day, treat yourself to a luxury meal in a superb setting with great views of the pink city rooftops, at Ma Biche sur le Toit, a restaurant run in association with Michel Sarran, one of the region’s famous starred chefs.
DAY 3 Well-being and wonder
The Montaudran district offers you a chance to discover the glorious history of aerospace and its bold pioneers, from Mermoz to St Exupéry. The Giants’ Runway carefully blends the memory of an historical site and an invitation to travel and be dazzled. Located right next to it, the Halle de la Machine artistic project will transport you to a world suspended between fantasy and science.
For lunch, what could be more authentic than a taste of cassoulet, prepared by one of the city’s many renowned eateries? And for a relaxing afternoon, recharge your batteries by cycling or taking a boat ride along the Canal du Midi.
On your way back, stop off at the Maison de la Violette and pick up a few feel-good souvenirs of your stay. End your evening on a high note in the thrilling atmosphere of a rugby match, supporting Toulouse’s world-class team!
Take advantage of your stay in Toulouse and plan a few day trips to discover some of the region’s other gems.
Retrace the history of the Benedictine monks in Moissac, admire the works of Ingres in the former residence of the bishops of Montauban, follow the trail of the Cathar Crusades from Albi to Foix via Carcassonne, climb the medieval alleyways in Cordes-sur-Ciel, try the famous cassoulet in its birthplace Castelnaudary and discover the diversity of the wines on offer in the Gaillac region.
Just an hour’s drive away from the pink city, here are a few ideas to pack even more authentic experiences into your stay.
Read on to discover our selection of day trips around Toulouse, to soak up the region’s charm, history and know-how.
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Carcassonne / Castelnaudary
Travel back in time through the Middle Ages and the history of the Cathars in the fortified city of Carcassonne. Stop in Castelnaudary on the way to try its famous cassoulet.
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Albi / Gaillac / Cordes sur Ciel
Albi and its famous Cathedral, Cordes-sur-Ciel and its stunning panoramic view, the town of Gaillac and its Wine Centre… Explore the Tarn region!
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Foix / Châteaux Cathares
Visit the town of Foix with its quaint cobbled streets and majestic castle, for a stroll into the heart of Cathar country.
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Montauban / Moissac
Montauban is a delightful fortified town, the birthplace of two famous artists, Ingres & Bourdelle. And make time to discover Moissac and its impressive Saint-Pierre Abbey.
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Auch
Discover Auch, with its superb Cathedral, and the legendary fine food of the Gers region. Be sure to stop off in Lavardens, one of the prettiest villages in France.