Toulouse is a nice city in southwestern France that marries its rich history with modern innovation and a hint of Spanish influence. Known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) for its terracotta architecture, Toulouse is also a remarkable destination for foodies and aviation enthusiasts. The city offers many experiences, from historic buildings to contemporary attractions like Cité de l’Espace and the Aeroscopia aviation museum. Follow me on a tour of what to see, do, and eat in this enchanting city!
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Toulouse Historic Landmarks
Toulouse’s charm lies not only in its picturesque streets but also in its fascinating history. You can explore the city centre on foot in just a day. Still, I recommend extending your stay to truly appreciate its museums and landmarks. We spent 5 days in Toulouse and couldn’t see everything!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO TOULOUSE
Discover the best of Toulouse with the Toulouse City Pass and benefit free entry to 13 museums and attractions, a 10-ride ticket for public transport, and discounted admission to the Cité de l’Espace, the Aeroscopia Museum, and Let’s Visit Airbus.
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It is worth remembering that the Toulouse City Pass grants you free access to museums and public transport and includes a free guided tour of the city. It is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into the history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide.
Below I share some must-see attractions we visited during our trip to *La Ville Rose*. They truly showcase Toulouse’s historical and architectural beauty.
Capitole de Toulouse
Begin your exploration at the Capitole, the city hall and a symbol of Toulouse’s political life. This impressive building features a stunning façade and an exquisite interior adorned with murals. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the Grand Hall. You can go inside for free.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade
Just a short stroll from the Capitole, the **Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade** is a beautiful church near the Garonne River. The church’s interior is adorned with a black statue of the Madonna, and its serene atmosphere is perfect for reflection and shelter from the city’s summer heat.
Notre-Dame de la Daurade
1, Place de la Daurade, 31000 Toulouse
Saint-Sernin Basilica
The Saint-Sernin Basilica is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. Dedicated to Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, is a must-visit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basilique Saint-Sernin
13, Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse
Convent of the Jacobins
The Convent of the Jacobins is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its unique structure, with wooden ceilings and vibrant stained glass, offers a glimpse into Toulouse’s ecclesiastical past.
Couvent des Jacobins
9, Rue Joseph Lakanal, 31000 Toulouse
Toulouse Cathedral
The Toulouse Cathedral showcases a blend of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s rich evolution over the centuries. Its intricate façade, adorned with detailed and ornate carvings, will captivate you too.
Toulouse Cathedral
2, Impasse de la Prefecture, 31000 Toulouse
Museums and Cultural Venues in Toulouse
Toulouse has a rich cultural scene with museums of all kinds. For example, the Muséum de Toulouse explores natural history, while the Musée Georges Labit showcases Asian and Egyptian artefacts. If you’re an aviation enthusiast like me, you must visit the Cité de l’Espace and the Aeroscopia Museum, home to legendary aircraft like Concorde. Keep reading to discover what the city offers, from history to science.
Muséum de Toulouse
The Muséum de Toulouse is a natural history museum. It features fossils, minerals, animal specimens, and exhibits on biodiversity and evolution. Interactive displays make learning fun for all ages.
The museum also has a beautiful botanical garden, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Its mix of science and discovery makes it a great spot for families and nature lovers.
Muséum de Toulouse
35, Allees Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse
Fondation Bemberg
The Fondation Bemberg is a prestigious art museum, housed in the historic building Hôtel d’Assézat. Its collection includes Renaissance to 20th-century masterpieces featuring works by artists like Titian, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also showcases fine furniture, sculptures, and decorative arts, creating a rich and intimate atmosphere.
Fondation Bemberg
Place D’Assezat, Hôtel d’Assézat, 31000 Toulouse
Musée Georges Labit
The Musée Georges Labit is a hidden gem. Small but rich in history, it offers a fascinating glimpse into other cultures. Housed in a charming Moorish-style villa, it features Buddhist sculptures, samurai armour, and ancient artefacts from Egypt.
Georges Labit Museum
43, Rue des Martyrs de la Liberation, 31400 Toulouse
Cité de l’Espace
No visit to Toulouse would be complete without exploring the Cité de l’Espace, an amazing space museum where you can discover the world of astronomy and space exploration. If you have ever wanted to know what it feels like to be an astronaut, you can find out here.
With interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and life-sized replicas of spacecraft, it’s a fun and educational experience for people of all ages, as you can read in my article about Cité de l’Espace.
Cité de l’Espace
Avenue Jean Gonord, 31506 Toulouse
L’Envol des Pionniers
L’Envol des Pionniers is a fascinating museum dedicated to the pioneers of aviation. Located on the historic Montaudran airfield, where the legendary Aéropostale pilots once flew, it tells the story of early air mail adventures.
Through interactive exhibits, original aircraft, and immersive displays, you can relive the daring exploits of aviators such as Saint-Exupéry and Mermoz. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits to dive deeper into aviation heritage.
L’Envol des Pionniers
6, Rue Jacqueline Auriol, 31400 Toulouse
Aeroscopia Aviation Museum
Another aviation highlight is the Aeroscopia aviation museum. Located close to the Airbus factory, it celebrates Toulouse’s key role in the aviation industry. You can witness a spectacular range of aircraft, from vintage models to modern jets.
You can even take a guided tour of the Airbus assembly line as you can read in my article about Aeroscopia museum and the Airbus factory tour. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the innovation and engineering prowess that has made Toulouse a hub for aviation.
Aeroscopia
Allée André Turcat, 31700 Blagnac
Embrace the Outdoors
With its beautiful parks and gardens, in Toulouse there are ample opportunities enjoy nature and relax. You can also embark on an amazing river cruise to visit the city from a different perspective.
Canal du Midi River Cruise
For an unforgettable experience, I recommend taking a river cruise on the Garonne River or the Canal du Midi. The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These cruises typically feature French commentary that explains the area’s rich history and offers stunning views of Toulouse from the water.
Keep in mind that peak times can get quite crowded, making it challenging to find a comfortable seat as the boat tends to fill up quickly. The atmosphere can become stuffy during hot summer days, with temperatures reaching around 35 degrees even in the shade. If you embark on this adventure in summer like we did, remember to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat.
Despite the heat and the basic amenities on the ship, we truly enjoyed the experience. Additionally, you can take advantage of a discount for the river cruise with the Toulouse City Pass.
Jardin Japonais
After a long walk in the city centre, the Jardin Japonais provides a peaceful escape. This park features beautifully designed Japanese-style gardens that blend harmoniously with the French landscape. You can enjoy a calm atmosphere here, making it a great spot to relax.
Toulouse Ferris Wheel
One of the most captivating attractions in Toulouse is the Giant Ferris Wheel located near the Place du Capitole. Standing tall at 50 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s stunning architecture and the sprawling Garonne River. The ride is free with the Toulouse City Pass.
A ride on the Ferris wheel provides a unique perspective of La Ville Rose, especially during sunset when the terracotta buildings glisten in the fading light. It’s an ideal spot for families and couples alike, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Toulouse’s vibrant skyline.
Culinary Delights
After a day of exploring, treating yourself to the local cuisine is a must. Toulouse is known for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its delicious cassoulet, a hearty dish made with beans and sausages that is perfect for refuelling after a day of sightseeing. Be sure to seek out local markets to indulge in freshly made croissants, local cheeses, and pastries.
Getting Around and Helpful Tips
To truly immerse yourself in the city, I recommend purchasing a Toulouse City Pass. This pass grants you access to various museums and attractions, along with free public transport and discounts for guided tours and private museums that can enhance your experience.
Navigating the city is simple, and walking allows you to fully appreciate the stunning architecture and atmosphere. If you’re short on time, it’s best to select a few must-see attractions for your itinerary, as you can explore the city centre in just one day. Keep in mind that some attractions are closed on Mondays, such as the Convent of the Jacobins and the markets, so plan your visit accordingly.
Toulouse is pretty easy to explore with kids. The city has many public gardens and playgrounds, with drinking water fountains in almost any playground. Additionally, there are numerous free public toilets throughout the city, varying in cleanliness but generally usable.
Where to Stay in Toulouse
Toulouse offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different travel styles and budgets. For a boutique experience, Boutique Hotel SOCLO is a great choice, featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a garden, a shared lounge, and a terrace, along with an on-site restaurant for a refined stay.
If you’re traveling with family, an aparthotel can be a convenient option, allowing you to prepare your own meals. The Aparthotel Adagio Original Toulouse Centre La Grave is ideal for those arriving by car, thanks to its on-site parking.
For a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing comfort, Odalys City Toulouse Centre Compans Caffarelli offers a garden and all essential amenities. We particularly loved its proximity to the city center and the free airport shuttle service, making it a practical and well-connected option.
In conclusion, Toulouse is a good choice for a trip that combines history, culture, and gastronomy. From its enchanting streets lined with historical monuments to the thrilling experiences at the Cité de l’Espace and Aeroscopia, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this corner of Occitania. Feel free to share your favourite attraction in Toulouse in the comments!
