15 Things to Do in Toulouse – A Real Travellers Guide

Toulouse is one of those cities that quietly grows on you. It’s easy to get around, packed with character, and doesn’t try too hard to impress. I visited as part of a longer overland trip to Andorra and discovered a lot more than I expected. Here are the best things to do in Toulouse that I found on my trip.

Toulouse is well connected by train and a great choice for a base if you are staying for a longer holiday. I’ve added 10 day trip ideas by train or group tour, from Toulouse, including my favourite to Carcassonne, so there’s no shortage of options!

Things to Know about Toulouse

1. Key Facts and Highlights

1. Toulouse is France’s fourth-largest city, nestled in the southwest between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It’s known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) thanks to the distinctive pinkish terracotta bricks used in much of its architecture. This glows especially warmly at sunset.  It’s a city rich in history and grand architecture.
2. Toulouse is cut through by the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. You’ll find locals relaxing along the river banks, especially at sunset and see pedestrians and cyclists along the towpaths.
3. It’s a major university town, with over 100,000 students. There’s a youthful vibe, especially in the Saint-Cyprien and Arnaud Bernard districts.
4. The local language used to be Occitan, and you’ll still spot bilingual street signs. The regional pride runs deep and this is particularly true for the rugby team, Stade Toulousain, one of the most successful teams in Europe. 
5. Toulouse is the centre of Europe’s aerospace industry – Airbus has its HQ here.  Concorde and the A380 were both assembled just outside the city. Toulouse is home to several space based activities including the world class immersive space based experience. Cité de l’Espace and Aeroscopia, an Airplane museum.
6. Toulouse is also home to Halle de La Machine, a fabulous immersive experience from the makers of the steampunk machines made famous on the streets of Nantes. The machines here are equally fantastical and fabulous. This is your chance to ride a 14 metre tall mechanical minotaur or have lunch served by some of the other exhibits!

2. Toulouse Tourist Map

3. Is this trip a good fit for you?

Here’s my scorecard out of 5 for Toulouse. It’s a straight 5/5 across the board!

Overall	For Families	For Gentle Travellers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There’s something for everybody in Toulouse. If you’re looking for history, grand architecture, arts, culture, fine food, wine and traditional French markets you will be richly rewarded. There’s all the ingredients for a wonderful family break too. Halle de La Machine, Cité de l’Espace and Aeroscopia are the obvious draws. There are plenty of parks and play areas throughout the city, for letting off steam. It’s also an easy day trip to the fairy tale castle at Carcassonne.  

The centre is flat and walkable with many of the main attractions close to each other. There’s a comprehensive network of trams, buses, a metro and even an urban cable car to take you into the suburbs. For a large city, it’s pretty easy going on feet and legs for all ages.

Where to Stay

The central St Etienne areas and around the Capitole will ensure you are placed right at the centre of the action. I found Toulouse more reasonable to stay in than some other parts of France, so you may be able to stay central without breaking the budget, especially out of season.

I stayed closer to the 📍Toulouse Matabiau Central Train Station and 📍Terminal de Bus de Toulouse. This was convenient for my onward journeys.

Things to do in Toulouse

1. Visit Capitole de Toulouse and Salle des Illustres

The Place du Capitole is a huge grand square flanked by cafés. The Capitole building, with it’s pink and gold neoclassical facade, is both imposing and theatrical. It houses both the town hall and the Théâtre du Capitole. 

If it’s open, do head inside to see the famous Salle des Illustre which has been in use since 1898. It’s free to enter and is one of Toulouse’s grandest rooms. Unfortunately for me, there was an event on, but the brief peek I did get inside, gave a hint of the over-the-top grandeur.  Once inside the Salle des Illustres, you will find plenty of chandeliers, columns and statues of Toulouse’s illustrious men (just men!). While a number  of the ‘marble’ statues and columns are apparently fake (made from clay), they still look convincingly fancy from the photos!

If you leave the Place du Capitole, via Rue du Taur, you will pass through a picturesque street full of grand architecture and cafes.  This will lead you to the basilica and Couvent des Jacobins.

2. Wander the cloisters of Couvent des Jacobins

A short stroll from the basilica leads you to the Couvent des Jacobins, a masterpiece of Southern French Gothic architecture.  Founded in the 13th century by the Dominican Order, the convent is renowned for its unique ‘palm tree’ column.  It’s a pillar that fans out into 22 ribs supporting the vaulted ceiling. It’s stunning! 

The serene cloister and the chapel of Saint Antonin, adorned with 14th-century frescoes, offer a glimpse into the monastic life of the past.  Entrance to the church itself is free, but you will need to pay an admission fee of €5  to access the cloister, the convent areas and museums, which I recommend you do. 

3. Step inside Basilique Saint-Sernin

The Basilique Saint-Sernin stands proudly in the heart of Toulouse. It’s one of the largest remaining Romanesque buildings in Europe.  Its grandeur is evident in the intricate sculptures and the towering octagonal bell tower that reaches 67 meters into the sky.  The basilica houses the relics of Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, making it a pivotal stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.  While entry to the main church is free, accessing the crypt and the ambulatory, requires a modest fee of €2.50 which I was happy to pay.  .

4. Spot Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

In any other city, this Cathedral would be a top draw, but with the world class Basilique Saint-Sernin and Couvent des Jacobins, demanding your attention, this one is easily overlooked. It’s.a working cathedral and while it has the impression of being several buildings knocked together, it’s set beautifully in amongst the streets of the old city and well worth a peek inside too,

5. Visit Place Dupuy and Halle aux Grains

Just east of the city centre, Place Dupuy is a graceful, triangular square that quietly celebrates one of Toulouse’s local heroes, General Dominique Martin Dupuy. There’s a tall, elegant column with a golden statue of Dame Tholose on top. She’s an allegorical figure representing the city itself. There’s also a striking fountain.

The Place Dupuy is also home to Halle aux Grains, the striking hexagonal building at one end of the square. Originally built in the 1860s as a grain market (hence the name), it’s now a respected concert venue and home to the Orchestre National du Capitole.

I passed by just as people were going in for an evening performance and immediately regretted not checking the programme in advance. If you’re planning a trip, it’s well worth seeing what’s on! Booking ahead is usually a good idea, especially for major performances.

6. Visit Donjon du Capitole and the Tourist Centre

In the heart of the city, tucked behind the grand façade of the Place du Capitole, stands the Donjon du Capitole — a striking 16th-century tower that looks like it’s been plucked from a medieval fairytale. Once used to store the city’s archives and treasures, it’s now home to something a little more practical: the Tourist Information Office! 

When I suggested going inside it wasn’t some throw away comment, suggesting you pick up a map and a few leaflets. Really do go inside! It’s grand with vaulted ceilings and an ornate staircase. You’d be hard pushed to find many other tourist information offices which are quite so glamorous! 

7. Stroll along the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi cuts a slow, steady line through Toulouse. It was designed in the 17th century to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. You’ll see locals cycling or walking their dogs, students sitting on the banks, and the occasional boat slipping past.

If you are in Toulouse in the summer it’s an excellent place to find some shade along the tree-lined and quietly elegant green corridor running through the city.

8. Enjoy the Evening Glow over the Garonne

If you are like me, you carry a picture with you in your head of a places, before you visit. For me this is the ‘Toulouse’ I was expecting! The banks of the Garonne are the place to come in the early evening and enjoy the rosy glow over the river and the striking Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in the city, despite its name! 

The views are glorious on both sides, but especially westward towards the dome of La Grave and the Saint Cyprien Quarter. Locals gather along the quayside, drinking, chatting, or just sitting quietly. The University is close by, so the spot is popular with students too. 

9. Enjoy the Vibrant City Art Scene

Situated in the Saint-Cyprien district, Les Abattoirs is a contemporary art museum housed in a former municipal slaughterhouse dating back to 1823.  The museum’s collection includes approximately 3,880 modern art works, ranging from the 1950s to the present day. It’s worth noting Les Abattoirs is open from Wednesday to Sunday, Hopefully you can time your visit better than me! Other places to enjoy in Toulouse include:

• Le Château d’Eau – a photography gallery in a former water tower. Surprisingly cool if you’re into photo exhibitions.
• Jardin des Plantes + Museum of Natural History
• Raymond VI Garden, offering a pleasant space to relax and enjoy views of the Garonne River

Toulouse has plenty of street art too, both murals and statues. Here we have the red apple man who is on the All. Jean Jaures (the street leading from the train station into the city centre) plus some street art on the way to do Halles de La Machines.

10. Explore the shopping district and markets

Toulouse is France’s fourth city, so you can expect an extensive shopping district which you may well pass through on the way to the Capitole. Rue d’Alsace Lorraine is the main street. You will be treated to grand buildings and cafe lined streets in amongst the specialist boutiques and larger brand stores.

If you’re after a taste of the city or something genuinely regional to take home, head to one of the main covered markets: Victor Hugo is the biggest and best known, open mornings from Tuesday to Sunday. It’s packed with high-quality deli goods — cheese, charcuterie, wine, bread — and upstairs, you can eat dishes made from what’s being sold downstairs. Marché des Carmes is smaller but more charming. Both are good places to pick up edible souvenirs.

If you’re on the hunt for regionally made gifts, keep an eye out for:

• Pastel-dyed textiles (Toulouse’s historic plant-based blue dye) – scarves and fabric items at local craft stalls
• Violet products – sweets, liqueur, soap, and even mustard made from the city’s iconic flower
• Cheese and charcuterie – particularly from Victor Hugo’s market stalls
• Wine and spirits – Fronton reds, Armagnac, and small-batch liquors make easy gifts

11. Pass the Time in St George’s Square

Tucked away from the busier parts of Toulouse, Place Saint-Georges is a shady square with tree-shaded seating, wrought-iron balconies and a number of places to eat from simple cafes and bakeries to smarter French restaurants. Definitely a place to enjoy a meal or a drink outside in one of the cafes, if the sun is shining.

For breakfast of course it had to be a croissant, so I purchased one from La Boulange Saint-Georges which has the reputation for some of the best croissants in the city. It turned out I made a friend who shared it with me (watch the video to see the boldest sparrow in Toulouse!).

While there were tourists like me, it was also obviously popular with locals too and especially families. I spied an excellent play area in the corner, which was definitely a draw.  Good to know if you are travelling with children.

So far the things to do in Toulouse I’ve mentioned have all been in the city centre. The next three are further out, but all still accessible by public transport.

12. Explore Space at Cité de l’Espace

On the eastern edge of Toulouse, the Cité de l’Espace brings the cosmos a little closer to Earth. You can wander through a life-size model of the Mir space station, admire the towering Ariane 5 rocket, or squeeze into a Soyuz capsule and pretend you’re on your way to the International Space Station. There’s a mock control room where you can simulate launching a rocket and placing a satellite into orbit. The Astralia building houses a huge 280-seat planetarium with a 600m² dome, plus an IMAX theatre showing space-themed films if your feet need a break.

Feeling brave? Strap in for the LuneXplorer, a centrifuge that simulates a rocket launch and lunar landing – complete with video guidance from actual European Space Agency astronauts. Just try not to scream. I was very disappointed to miss this activity as it’s not open every day. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (late opening until 20:00 on Thursdays). Tickets are €24.50 for adults, €18.00 for kids aged 5–18. So do ensure you do better than me if you want to visit!

13. Ride the Minotaur at Halle de la Machine

Ok so this was hands down my Toulouse highlight! I’d heard about the steampunk elephant in Nantes, but I only recently became aware of the unique and immersive experience at the Halle de la Machine in Toulouse. The fantastical steampunk machines and creatures in both Nantes and Toulouse are creations of the French artistic company La Machine, renowned for their fantastical, large-scale mechanical installations.

The Halle de la machine is an attraction for all ages. The centerpiece is Astérion the Minotaur, a colossal 14-meter-tall, 47-ton mechanical creature that visitors can ride as it traverses the area . Another highlight is Ariane the Spider, a giant arachnid but there are so many other amazing machines. You can even book a meal and be served by some of the machines (not Asterion or Ariane, they’re too big!) on certain days. This is definitely an activity to bookmark and something for everyone to enjoy. I’ll be writing a separate piece on Halle de la Machine and details of my ride on the minotaur!

To get there I took a 10-15 minute bus ride from Guilhemery to Latécoère and then a short walk to Halle de la Machine. 

14. Visit Aeroscopia Museum

Just a short tram ride from the city centre, the Aeroscopia Museum in Blagnac is another dream come true for aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike. This expansive museum showcases over 40 aircraft, including legends like the Concorde, the Airbus A300B, and the Super Guppy. Visitors can explore the interiors of these iconic planes, getting up close with the engineering marvels that have shaped aviation history.

You’ll also find interactive exhibits, flight simulators and themed tours.It’s open daily  from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) and longer during school holidays. Adult admission  €15, Reduced Rate: €12 and under 6’s free.

15. Taste the Gastronomic Delights of Toulouse

Toulouse is well known for its food. There’s of course excellent bread and pastries as there are everywhere in France.

The Toulouse Sausage is definitely something you will see served in Toulouse restaurants. Either served as Saucisse de Toulouse, or in other dishes, such as these two, popular in Toulouse.

Duck also appears in a number of recipes from the South West of France. Pate made from Duck and Goose are popular. Here’s my Parmentier de Canard, which I think is best described as a rich version of Shepherds Pie, but made with duck meat. Plus the popular French dessert, Creme Brulee.

These are other desserts and sweet treets to look out for which are specialities in Toulouse.

Toulouse is very much a cosmopolitan city, so if you want to depart from the traditional French fare, and especially if you are on a budget, you will find plenty of other restaurants too. I picked an Italian restaurant, Don Vincenzo, on St Georges Square. The pasta all’arrabbiata was excellent and very authentic. At €15 it was a cheaper option than the more upmarket French restaurants on the square.

Take a Day Trip from Toulouse

Once you’ve explored things to do in Toulouse, why not take a day trip? There’s an array of excellent options for day trips from Toulouse as the city is particularly well connected by train.

Some of these options are also possible as a group tour, if you don’t want to travel independently, or if you want to combine with other places which may be less accessible by public transport.

Day Trip Map

1. Carcassonne (1h by train)

I took the train to Carcassonne and I will be posting more on this separately. It’s one of the most famous medieval cities in France, and rightly so — it’s like stepping into a fairy tale.  The Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with double walls, towers, and a drawbridge. It’s free to walk around the citadel, but worth paying to go inside the castle and ramparts. Outside the walled city, don’t miss the Pont Vieux and the more “local” side of Carcassonne in the Bastide Saint-Louis across the river.

Best visited early or late in the day to avoid the heaviest crowds — or in shoulder season.  It’s great for photographers, history buffs, and lovers of a good cobbled street. Group Tours are also available

2. Albi (1h by train)

Compact riverside city and birthplace of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — you’ll find a major museum dedicated to him inside the old bishop’s palace. The Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile is jaw-dropping: the largest brick-built cathedral in the world, with a richly painted ceiling and fortress-like exterior. The Episcopal City is a UNESCO site, and the view from the riverbanks or the Pont Vieux is stunning. Albi is walkable and elegant, with a laid-back charm — an excellent low-stress day trip. Group Tours are also available from Toulouse

3. Castres (1h15)

Peaceful riverside town with colourful houses over the Agout River. Visit the Goya Museum (Spanish art, including Goya) and Musée Jean-Jaurès (local hero and politician). A relaxed and ‘under-the-radar’ alternative to some of the other more touristy alternatives.

4. Gaillac (1h)

One of France’s oldest wine regions. Explore the beautiful town centre and visit the Maison des Vins de Gaillac for tastings (no car required). For vineyard visits, you’d need a car (e.g. Château Lastours). Group Tours are also available from Toulouse

5. Auch (1h30)

Capital of Gers and former heart of Gascony. Climb the Grand Escaliers to see the statue of D’Artagnan. Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral and explore the historic centre. There’s a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays.

6. Cahors (1h10)

Known for deep red wines, truffles, and foie gras. Don’t miss the Pont Valentré (UNESCO-listed) and secret gardens trail. Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays. Local wineries nearby (best accessed by taxi).

7. Bordeaux (2h15)

A lively, elegant city and global wine capital.  Highlights: Miroir d’Eau, Marché des Capucins, cannelés pastries, and top-tier museums. Probably a bit ambitious for a day trip, but possible. Or why not pack an overnight bag and stay over?

8. Moissac (50 mins) & Montauban (30 mins)

Both are on the same train line, so you can do both in a day if you’re efficient!  Head to Moissac for its 12th-century abbey and cloisters. It’s also a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Montauban is France’s oldest bastide (fortified) town, great cafés and arcaded squares.

9. Najac (1h20)

Picture-perfect medieval village with one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” labels. Visit Château Royal de Najac with its record-breaking 7m-high dungeon and scenic views over the Aveyron Valley.

10. Castelnaudary (45 mins)

This is the birthplace of cassoulet, the hearty southwest French stew. It’s a scenic town on the Canal du Midi. Relax at the harbour and enjoy a traditional lunch on Place de Verdun.

Personally, I think It’s a bit too far for a day trip (four hours on the bus each way), to do the place justice, but I thoroughly recommend a trip to Andorra. I travelled from Toulouse, stayed over and returned to Toulouse late the following day. Here’s my Andorra trip report, along with plenty of ideas as to what to do in Andorra.

How to Get to Toulouse

📍Toulouse-Blagnac airport has a range of international flights, mainly to and from other European cities. There are several public transport options into the centre from the airport

It’s around 5 hours on the train from Paris. There is also a sleeper service taking around 9 hours. Both services arrive at 📍Toulouse Matabiau Central Train Station. The regional trains use the same train station,

I arrived by Flixbus from Paris which took around 9 hours arriving in 📍Terminal de Bus de Toulouse which is just beyond 📍Toulouse Matabiau Central Train Station (about 5 minutes walk).

My onward travel to Andorra using Andbus arrived and left from the 📍Terminal de Bus de Toulouse .