Toulouse might just be the most underrated city in France! Never fear, we are here to change that. Once you see all the amazing things to do in Toulouse, you’ll be sure to add it to your France itinerary. If you are planning a road trip through France or hopping on the Eurail, make sure to set aside two or three days to visit this charming French city.

We hadn’t thought of visiting Toulouse before planning a boat trip with Le Boat through the South of France on the Canal du Midi, but I’m glad we set aside a few days to enjoy it. Toulouse always seemed overshadowed by the likes of Paris, Nice, or Marseille. However, upon arriving at the Grand Balcon hôtel located just off the main square of the city, we knew we were in for a treat.

Things to do in Toulouse

Known as the Pink City (La Ville Rose), Toulouse derives its name from the pink bricks used in most of its buildings. Being France’s fourth largest city after Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, it is exceptionally easy to explore on foot.

Toulouse boasts a vibrant student population of 140,000 attending its prestigious university, which enhances its cool factor. We maximized our three days in the city and are excited to share all the reasons to prioritize Toulouse, France on your travel list.

Where is Toulouse?

Toulouse is located in southern France, three hours north of Andorra and three hours west of Montpellier. While it is not situated on the Mediterranean coast like Cannes or Marseille, it is nestled inland on the banks of the River Garonne. The Canal du Midi also runs through Toulouse.

The charm of visiting Toulouse lies in its laid-back vibe. Although it may not have as many famous attractions as Paris, its hospitality remains unmatched. We discovered that the people of Toulouse are among the friendliest in France, reinforcing our decision to explore this beautiful city.

Everyone was warm and welcoming, eagerly providing us with advice for planning our time there. It reminded me of traveling 20 years ago, when we could simply sit on a terrace with coffee while watching passersby. Toulouse encourages you to slow down, relax, and truly feel the energy of the city.

What to do in Toulouse, France

There are numerous things to do in Toulouse, and the best way to make the most of your time in La Ville Rose is to consider getting the Toulouse Pass. Using a city pass makes entering museums and popular landmarks much easier. The Toulouse Pass offers 1, 2, or 3-day options that include public transport and free entry to most of the city’s tourist attractions.

1. Le Capitole

Commonly known as Capitole, Le Place du Capitole is likely the first place you’ll stop in Toulouse. This main city square is stunning, with the Capitole dominating the square at 420 feet (128 meters) along the eastern side, containing City Hall and The Opera House (Theatre du Capitole). Nestled in the Old Quarter, the Place du Capitole is lined with restaurants offering outdoor terraces.

Be sure to look down as you walk; the cobblestones bear the Occitan cross that depicts the signs of the zodiac. During the day, the square is bustling with merchants selling everything from dresses and hats to souvenirs, while at night, it transforms into a perfect gathering place.

From the Place du Capitole, take a chance to enjoy a Toulouse City 70-minute bus tour. My brother and sister-in-law took this tour and found it to be an excellent introduction to all the things to do in Toulouse.

2. On The River Garonne

The Garonne River is the heartbeat of the city, cutting through the center of Toulouse. Public parks, picturesque bridges, and historic buildings line its banks. The best way to see the River Garonne is to consider a river cruise. Your Toulouse Card includes 20% off Cruises on the Garonne River or Canal du Midi with Les Bateaux Toulousains.

3. Place de la Daurade

While Le Capitole may serve as the official gathering place in Toulouse, the River Garonne is where many locals relax. The lovely promenade along the riverbank attracts sunbathers, cyclists, and those out for evening strolls as the sun sets. The Garonne River offers beautiful views of the dome of La Grave and Pont Neuf. Similar to Paris, Toulouse features its own Pont Neuf.

4. Pont Neuf

Located on the Garonne River, the Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is the most photographed location in Toulouse, and for good reason. Paradoxically, it is the oldest bridge in Toulouse, dating back to the 16th century. The best vantage point for photographs is from the left bank of the river. Keep an eye out for the hidden red devil perched on the bridge—its presence is an intriguing addition to this historic structure.

5. Basilique Saint Sernin

While it may not have the majestic setting of Notre Dame in Paris, Basilique Saint Sernin is a must-visit cathedral in Europe. It has welcomed pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) for centuries.

Initially, we entered not expecting much, but we ended up spending significantly more time inside than anticipated. This massive cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The nave reaches 21 meters high, featuring enormous marble pillars and altars. Don’t miss visiting the crypts of Basilique Saint Sernin, where you can view paintings, frescoes, jewels, and relics dating back to the 6th century.

6. Church of the Jacobins

Finding the Jacobins Convent was more challenging than we expected, as it is surrounded by narrow streets. However, once we located the best angle for photographs, it was worth the effort. Dating back to 1230, this church was built as a monastery and contributed to the establishment of the first university in Toulouse.

Situated just across the street today, it showcases Southern Gothic architecture and has undergone restorations over the centuries. Search for the “Palm Tree” located in the apse, one of 22 ribs of the incredible vaulted ceiling.

It is free to enter with your Toulouse Pass, and it’s a worthy visit to witness its beautiful architecture featuring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, cloisters, and historic relics.

7. Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Situated in Toulouse, the Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed. Patrons can embark on a barge dinner cruise down the canal or stroll along its scenic banks. Witness the old barges converted into houseboats, highlighting a unique lifestyle on the historic water vessels.

The Canal du Midi begins in Toulouse and extends 250 km to the Mediterranean Sea. This engineering marvel, constructed between 1666 and 1681, was once a crucial mode of transport. However, it has regained popularity today as a route for bargers and houseboats. We ourselves enjoyed a trip along this historic route during our time in Toulouse.

8. Day Trip to Carcassonne

Located on the Canal du Midi only one hour from Toulouse, Carcassonne is a must-stop on your itinerary. This day tour will lead you to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Carcassonne, which is regarded as one of the 25 great sites of Midi-Pyrénées. The fortified city is home to the magnificent Château of the Counts of Carcassonne and the Remparts.

9. Musee George Labit (George Labit Museum)

While in the vicinity of the Canal du Midi, make a stop at the Musee George Labit. Though it’s a smaller museum, it’s arguably the prettiest in Toulouse. Entrance is free with your Toulouse Pass, providing an ideal opportunity to enjoy the air conditioning. The exterior features a vibrant mosaic, while inside, you’ll discover Asian and Egyptian art and antiquities.

10. Jardin Japonais (Japanese Garden)

The lovely Japanese Garden of Toulouse is perfect for a walk in the early morning. Jardin Japonais spans 7000 square meters of green space, complete with traditional rocks, water features, and pavilions. This garden contains a zen rock garden and bamboo. While cruising through the Botanical Garden, we noticed folks enjoying Tai Chi and meditation, with large golden fish swimming in its Koi pond.

11. Cité de l’espace

Toulouse stands as the center of the aeronautics and space industry in France. In fact, this city is one of the leading aerospace centers globally. The Airbus Group has its headquarters in Toulouse, employing 27,000 individuals. The interactive displays at Cité de l’espace delve into aeronautics, showcasing everything from World War aviation relics to contemporary Airbus models, as well as two legendary Concordes on display. Anyone with even a slight interest in aeronautics should make it a point to visit Cité de l’espace.

12. Grand Balcon hôtel

Our hotel, Grand Balcon, pays homage to the aviation history of Toulouse. Upon entering, guests are greeted with photos of the famous pilots who have graced its walls. This former guesthouse, located just steps from the Place du Capitole, shares a small piece of aviation history. Its stylish rooms are designed to evoke the sensation of flying, with a chic lounge reminiscent of the Avant-Garde 1930s culture where aviators would unwind.

13. Take a Trip to Wine Country

Toulouse is situated in the heart of one of the world’s premier wine regions, making a trip to southern France incomplete without exploring wine tours. This experience takes you to discover the wines and winemaking heritage of Limoux.

Visit the Domaine de Baronaques, owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, as your first stop. You’ll tour the barrel room, vat house and get a glimpse of the 19th-century French Château. Following that, indulge in tasting three locally produced wines. See more details here.

14. Museum de Toulouse

The Museum de Toulouse serves as the Natural History Museum in the city. It encompasses a massive exhibition space of 32,000 sq ft (3000 square meters). This museum offers a perfect refuge from the Southern French heat, presenting displays that take visitors on a remarkable journey through time.

15. Jardins des Plantes

Jardins de Plantes represents another fantastic green space in Toulouse. Located adjacent to the Museum de Toulouse, we leisurely strolled through these gardens on our way to the Canal du Midi. Spanning 7 hectares, these gardens feature sculptures, ponds, pedestrian pathways, and play areas, providing ample opportunity to find shade and tranquility.

16. Jardin Grand Rond

This 18th-century garden is found at the city’s core. The grand roundabout connects four tree-lined major thoroughfares, allowing visitors to stroll along shaded paths that lead to the Garonne River, the Museum of Toulouse, Jardin Royal, Jardins de Plants, and the Old Quarter. Embrace nature in the heart of the city while admiring its beautiful gardens, sculptures, and walkways.

17. The Hôtel d’Assézat

During a walking tour organized by the Toulouse Tourism office, we visited the Hôtel d’Assézat, though language barriers made it challenging to grasp the information presented (we thought we understood enough to follow along but called it quits halfway through the tour). The Hôtel d’Assézat was constructed to house the Foundation Bemberg, which is a prominent art gallery featuring Georges Bemberg’s personal collection. The artwork spans from the middle ages to the 16th century, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century French paintings.

18. Musée des Augustins (Augustins Museum)

This fine arts museum is housed in the Augustinian monastery, with Roman sculptures as the main attraction. The Musée des Augustins is amongst the oldest museums in France, housing over 4000 works of art ranging from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. The building itself is a work of art, showcasing southern Gothic architecture and cloisters.

19. Les Abattoirs

Originally a slaughterhouse, Les Abattoirs now serves as a modern and contemporary art museum, hosting performances, events, and concerts.

20. Toulouse Gastronomy

Toulouse is glorified for its culinary offerings, and dining in the city is truly delightful. It features Michelin-star chefs and home-cooked family restaurants. One of the region’s signature dishes is the French cassoulet, traditionally made with white beans, duck confit, and Toulouse sausage. However, vegetarian versions are also available, so be sure to try it while visiting.

21. Where to Eat in Toulouse

La Gourmandine Restaurant

This modern bistro features a fantastic patio ideal for warm summer evenings, offering delicious food and exquisite cocktails. We opted for a set menu that was delightful from start to finish, with my favorite being the fresh berries for dessert.

L’Air de Famille Restaurant

We thoroughly enjoyed our set menu at L’Air de Famille. Highlighted in the Michelin Guide, this quaint tavern was bustling with locals. It offers wine pairings with exceptional food in an unpretentious setting, complete with traditional music from old records.

Visiting Toulouse, France, will be one of the most enriching additions to your travels. This city encompasses everything one could desire from an authentic French vacation. From shopping on Rue Saint Rome in the center to marveling at the stunning southern Gothic architecture, you certainly will not be disappointed.

Despite its size, Toulouse possesses a small-town atmosphere. It is easy to navigate and explore independently, and the locals are genuinely the friendliest in all of France, from our experiences across the country.

When traveling throughout the South of France, Toulouse will undoubtedly remain a memorable destination for years to come.