15 Best Things To Do In Toulouse
Toulouse, located in the southwest of France, is an exciting city in France full of culture and history. From its gorgeous architecture to its vibrant art scene, there are plenty of amazing things to do and explore here. Whether you are looking for a fun activity or a more educational experience, this article will provide you with the best things to do in Toulouse. From cultural landmarks to outdoor activities, I am sure you will find something that suits your interests and needs during your stay in Toulouse.
1. Basilique Saint-Sernin
Basilique Saint-Sernin is a stunning Romanesque church located in the city of Toulouse. This pilgrimage church is one of the largest and most important churches of its kind in Europe, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architecture of the basilica itself is remarkable.
Built between 1080 and 1120 AD, this imposing structure features four levels of graceful arches that create an atmosphere both awe-inspiring and serenely peaceful. From the outside, intricate carvings adorn each archway reflecting different scenes from Biblical stories such as Jesus' Sermon on Mount Olivet or his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Inside the Basilique Saint-Sernin, you can explore the many masterful works of art and sculpture that fill the expansive space with vibrant colors and textures.
Contact:
Address: 7 Pl. Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 21 80 45
Accommodation: Best Hotels In Toulouse
2. Place du Capitole
The Place du Capitole is located in the heart of Toulouse. This place in Toulouse has been a major Toulouse attraction for visitors since its construction in 1808. The square is a magnificent sight to behold, surrounded by buildings such as the Town Hall and Opera House that were built centuries ago.
Along with these impressive edifices, there are also other monuments dedicated to important figures in the city's past, such as Jean Jaures and Pierre Sémard. The square is always alive with people who come to marvel at its beauty or take part in one of the many activities in Toulouse held here throughout the year - from musical performances to flower markets.
Place du Capitole has also become well known for its annual festival celebrations, including La Feria de Toulouse which takes place every spring and is one of France's most popular events!
3. Muséum de Toulouse
The Musée de Toulouse is an exquisite 3000 square meter museum which houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 15th to 21st centuries. It also holds a wide range of displays featuring ancient artifacts and modern art installations. Guests can explore the range of collections including primitive artworks by Inuit tribes and impressionist paintings by Monet and Cézanne.
The building itself is a masterpiece; its elegant facade features Romanesque architecture with high ceilings, tall columns, arches windows, and elaborate sculptures adorning its roofline. Inside the Museum de Toulouse are several galleries showcasing historical items from different eras such as medieval manuscripts or contemporary photography exhibitions. The permanent exhibits as well as traveling exhibitions that come through regularly offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures through artwork.
Contact:
Address: 35 All. Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 67 73 84 84
4. Fondation Bemberg
The Fondation Bemberg is an art gallery and museum situated in the center of Toulouse that is well worth a visit. Founded in 1952 by Georges Bemberg, it was created to house his personal collection and promote the appreciation of fine arts from all eras. Today, the Bemberg Fondation features artwork ranging from Renaissance paintings to modern sculptures and photography. Its permanent collection also includes a variety of decorative objects like furniture, tapestries, rugs, silverware, and ceramics.
The Fondation Bemberg offers a variety of educational activities for art lovers such as guided tours and workshops for adults and children. The museum hosts frequent special exhibitions that showcase works by contemporary artists both locally and abroad.
Contact:
Address: Hôtel d'Assézat, Avenue Jean Pierre d'Assezat, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 12 06 89
5. Musée Saint-Raymond
Visiting Musee Saint-Raymond is a must for anyone looking for an exceptional cultural experience in Toulouse. Located in the centre of the Old Town on the banks of the Garonne River, it is one of the best places to visit in the area.
This museum is dedicated to Gallo-Roman civilization and showcases artifacts from this period. It has been open since 1892 and is home to numerous collections including sculptures, coins, mosaics and jewelry. The galleries are organized by topic and feature interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore their history through hands-on activities such as digging for artifacts or building their own ancient structure with Lego blocks.
The museum also has educational programs that cover a variety of topics related to Gallo-Roman culture such as art, architecture and customs.
Contact:
Address: 1 ter Pl. Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 22 31 44
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6. Church of the Jacobins
The Church of the Jacobins is one of the oldest churches in France, located in Toulouse. This Gothic style church was built in 1211 and has been standing strong ever since. It is a unique attraction in Toulouse that draws tourists from all over the world. The most notable feature of the Church of the Jacobins is its architecture, with its two ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and immense rose window. These features are what make it a classic example of Gothic artistry.
The beauty of this church does not stop at its walls; inside, tourists can find an organ buffeted by 14th century gothic arches as well as several tombs belonging to famous French historical figures such as Raymond IV and St Thomas Aquinas. The interior also houses many sculptures and paintings which commemorate important historic figures in medieval France.
Contact:
Address: Pl. des Jacobins, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 22 23 82
7. Cité de l'Espace
One of the top attractions in the city of Toulouse is Cité de l'Espace. It is an interactive educational museum and theme park dedicated to space exploration and astronomy. Located on the outskirts of Toulouse, this unique popular tourist destination offers visitors a chance to explore the mysteries of outer space with fascinating things to do and see, a space station, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities.
Guest can also take part in simulated astronaut training in a realistic 1G environment or explore real spacecrafts such as Ariane 5 rockets. Additionally, youngsters can participate in fun virtual reality experiences designed to teach them about Earth’s place among other planets in our solar system. The museum also features various permanent displays that allow you to learn more about famous astronauts and notable events from space history such as the first moon landing by Neil Armstrong.
Contact:
Address: Av. Jean Gonord, 31500 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 67 22 23 24
8. Musée des Augustins
The Musée des Augustins is one of the oldest museums in France, having been established in 1803. It is located inside a former 15th century convent and it houses a vast collection of art and artifacts, as well as archaeological pieces from the Roman period.
The exhibits span an array of periods and styles, with works to be found from the Middle Ages to the modern days. Highlights include paintings by famous 17th-century French artists such as Adam and Clouet, Flemish tapestries, sculptures by Rodin and Claudel, old manuscripts and other objects related to the history of Toulouse.
Visitors can also find several contemporary artworks featured among the permanent exhibitions at Musée des Augustins. The museum has regular temporary exhibitions devoted to both local artists' works or international ones that explore fascinating topics like ancient cultures or modern art trends.
Contact:
Address: 21 Rue de Metz, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 22 21 82
9. Theatre du Capitole
The Theatre du Capitole is a prestigious venue for theatre, ballet and opera, situated in the heart of Toulouse. Founded in 1820, it is one of France’s oldest theatres and has been a prominent symbol of the cultural life in Toulouse ever since. It has seen some major premieres in its time, including the very first performance of La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini.
The iconic building showcases neoclassical architecture with a beautiful grand staircase leading up to the main theatre hall which seats 1,200 people. Inside you can admire intricate gold-painted decorations on the walls and ceiling as well as sumptuous velvet curtains lining both sides of the stage.
Contact:
Address: Pl. du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 63 13 13
10. Jardin Japonais
One of the most stunning places to be found in Toulouse, is the Jardin Japonais. This gorgeous Japanese garden opened its doors to the public back in 2007, and it's arguably one of Toulouse's most beloved tourist attractions. It's a peaceful haven which features beautiful plants, trees and flowers that are native to Japan - including cherry blossom trees - as well as lakes, bridges and a tea house.
The garden was designed by renowned landscape architect Shunsaku Miyagi, who has worked on many other gardens throughout Japan. The atmosphere within the garden is truly special; visitors report feeling immersed in tranquility and serenity as soon as they enter its gates.
Contact:
Address: 4-5 Pl. Alfonse Jourdain, 31000 Toulouse, France
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11. Canal du Midi
The majestic Canal du Midi runs through Toulouse, and is an incredible feat of engineering. Built in 1681, this canal has been part of the sky-scraping culture of Toulouse for centuries. Not only is it a beautiful place to observe history and marvel at its construction and design, but also a perfect place to relax with friends and family.
The Canal du Midi is one of only a few navigable waterways in Europe that was created without any natural resources such as rivers or lakes. It runs from the Atlantic Ocean through Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea and provides many people with a convenient way to travel between these two regions. From small boats to large pleasure yachts, you can find all sorts of vessels travelling along this canal every day.
12. The Garonne River
The Garonne River in Toulouse is a major river in southwestern France, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the two principal rivers that flow through Toulouse, the other being its tributary, the Tarn. The River Garonne has been essential for centuries to life in this region, providing an important source of fresh water and transportation for people and goods.
As a result, it has long been celebrated as a symbol of life and prosperity in Toulouse. For many centuries since its founding by King Louis IX in 1229, it has been used to transport wine from Spain and Italy upriver toward France’s northern cities. In addition, fishing on its banks was once abundant with species such as carp, trout and pike being commonly found there.
13. Toulouse Cathedral
Toulouse Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture located in the southern France. The building began construction in 1212 and was not completed until 1490, making it one of the longest cathedral constructions in history. It stands four stories tall, with its impressive spire reaching 117 meters into the sky. The exterior features intricate carvings, including sculptures, gargoyles and decorative columns all formed from classic limestone blocks.
The interior of the Cathedral is just as amazing as its exterior façade. It holds a series of colorful stained glass windows that were designed and installed to honor prominent religious figures throughout history, such as Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Contact:
Address: Pl. Saint-Étienne, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 52 03 82
14. Musée Georges Labit
The Musée Georges Labit is a museum in Toulouse, that houses an array of historical artifacts ranging from Roman and Greek coins to medallions and sculptures. The museum was founded by the French numismatist George Labit, who dedicated his life to collecting and researching coins. The collection at the Georges Labit museum is considered one of the world's most significant collections of ancient and medieval coins.
Visitors to the museum have access to a wide range of exhibits as well as educational resources such as lectures, courses, workshops, conferences and temporary exhibitions. The permanent collections cover a variety of coinage from all over Europe; from Greece and Rome to Byzantium, Islamic dynasties, Medieval European Kingdoms and more.
Contact:
Address: 17 Rue du Japon, 31400 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 31 22 99 80
15. Stade Toulousain
When in Toulouse, make sure to pay a visit to the Stade Toulousain, a French rugby union club based in the city of Toulouse. Founded in 1907, the club has become one of the most successful teams both on and off the field. With 30 championship victories, including 23 French championships and 4 European titles, Stade Toulousain is one of Europe's best rugby teams and most decorated clubs.
Off the field, Stade Toulousain has been one of France's top sporting brands since its inception, with a large and loyal fan base that follows them all around France when they play away games.
The legendary players who have worn the red and black jersey of Stade Toulousain are some of France's finest ever sportsmen. Each year more than 20 players from their academy make it to the first team squad and have gone on to represent France at international level.
Contact:
Address: 114, rue des Troènes BP 42354 31022 Toulouse Cedex 2, France
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FAQ
Q: What are the things that Toulouse is known for?
A: Toulouse is known for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it is renowned as the "Pink City" due to its distinctive pink-tinted brick buildings. This architectural feature gives Toulouse a unique charm and makes it instantly recognizable. Secondly, Toulouse is famous for its rich aerospace industry. As the headquarters of Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, the city has earned itself the title of "Aerospace Capital." Visitors can explore this fascinating legacy at sites like Cité de l'Espace, an interactive space-themed park.
Another prominent aspect that Toulouse is known for is its exceptional cuisine. The city boasts a culinary scene celebrated throughout France and beyond. Traditional dishes such as cassoulet (a hearty meat and bean stew) and saucisse de Toulouse (Toulouse sausage) have gained widespread popularity.
Q: Is Toulouse good for tourists?
A: Toulouse has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Boasting a rich history that dates back to ancient times, Toulouse offers a plethora of attractions and experiences that cater to every traveler's interests. One of the main draws of Toulouse is its architectural beauty. The city's unique charm lies in its distinctive pink brick buildings, earning it the nickname "La Ville Rose". Strolling through the enchanting streets reveals stunning landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Hôtel d'Assézat, both showcasing remarkable Renaissance-era architecture.
Q: What food is Toulouse famous for?
A: One of the most iconic foods associated with this city is cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, various meats such as pork sausages, duck confit, and sometimes lamb or mutton. This comforting dish has been a staple in Toulouse since the 14th century and continues to be celebrated as a symbol of local gastronomy.
Another delicacy that Toulouse proudly showcases is foie gras. This luxurious specialty consists of fattened duck or goose liver and is considered a true delicacy across France. In Toulouse, however, it holds even more significance due to the region's long-standing tradition of breeding ducks and geese for their livers.
Q: Is Toulouse France expensive to visit?
A: While Toulouse may not be as budget-friendly as some other cities in France, it still offers plenty of options for travelers on various budgets. The cost of accommodation in Toulouse ranges from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels, catering to different preferences and pockets.
Additionally, dining out can vary in price depending on where you choose to eat. From quaint local bistros serving traditional French cuisine at reasonable prices to high-end restaurants offering exquisite gourmet experiences for a higher price tag, there are options available for all tastes and budgets. Transportation within the city is relatively inexpensive with an efficient public transportation system comprising buses and a metro network.
Q: Is it safe to walk in Toulouse at night?
A: Toulouse is generally safe to walk in at night. The city has a reputation for being one of the safest in France, with a low crime rate compared to other major cities. However, as with any urban environment, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
The central areas of Toulouse are well-lit and frequented by locals and tourists even after dark. While Toulouse is generally considered safe at night, it is always prudent to take some precautions when walking alone. Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets and opt for main roads instead.
Q: Is Toulouse good for shopping?
A: Toulouse offers excellent shopping opportunities. With a wide range of shops and markets catering to all tastes and budgets, Toulouse is indeed a shopper's paradise. Whether you are looking for high-end luxury brands, unique boutiques, or locally made artisanal products. One of the main shopping destinations in Toulouse is Rue Saint Rome. This bustling street offers a mix of well-known retailers like Zara and H&M as well as smaller independent stores. Here, shoppers can find everything from fashion and accessories to home decor and beauty products. Another popular area for shopping is Rue Alsace Lorraine, which is lined with chic boutiques offering stylish clothing options from local designers.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO TOULOUSE
Book Your Hotel In Toulouse
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Need a Rental Car In Toulouse?
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Looking for an Airport Transfer Service In Toulouse?
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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illnesses, an injury, luggage theft, and even trip cancellations. It’s a comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong during your trip. I never travel to Toulouse without it as I’ve had to use it several times in the past. My favorite travel insurance companies that offer the best service and value are:
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