With a deeply-rooted heritage that dates back more than 2,000 years, Toulouse is a true depiction of ancient and medieval France. Known as ‘the pink city’ because of the rose-coloured rooftops and hue of its bricks, it has a fantastic location in the south of France, only two hours’ drive from the east coast. Two canals, the Canal du Midi and Canal de Brienne, flow into the Garonne River, which means there are plenty of places to admire around this charming location.
Best known for its art and history museums, this is actually a contemporary city too, dressed up in renaissance architecture. From being Europe’s largest centre for aerospace to innovative gastronomic dishes to try, there’s a lot more than meets the eye in Toulouse.
With lots to explore and things to discover, we’ve created a guide to help you make the most of your time in this picturesque city. Check out just some of the best things to do in Toulouse during your time here.
Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden
Enjoy a moment of peace and reflection in the Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden, which has a large pond where you can admire water lilies, koi fish and many wild birds.
Living up to its name with lanterns, Asian flowers and a tea pavilion, the garden is in fact designed to be a replica of an ancient garden that's in Kyoto, and was even classified as a ‘remarkable garden of France’ after winning a nationwide garden competition.
The garden is in Compans-Caffarelli Park and you can park your car safely nearby at a lot off BoulevardLascrosses. With its iconic red bridge, you can find the decorative Japanese Garden in the centre of the green.
Couvent des Jacobins
Founded in the 1200s, this elegant monastery is worth exploring for its striking 13th-century architecture and interiors. With the shadow-casting pillars and its gothic encrusted vaults, there’s a great sense of atmosphere throughout the ornate convent. Pay your respects at the tomb of Saint Thomas Aquinas, peer up at the 14th-century paintings and admire the colourful, stained glass windows.
The cloister was built in 1307 and is one of the most peaceful spots in the convent. Follow the archways that frame the greenery in the courtyard.
Musée des Augustins
One of the best art galleries in the region, the Musée des Augustins has a rich collection of historic fine-art pieces from the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance eras.
Interestingly, this museum is located within a former Augustinian monastery, where its subtle decorated interior and high ceilings add to the experience. Marvel over paintings by Monet and see the unique collection of Roman artifacts.
As well as celebrating the distant past, this gallery also holds a spectacular collection of contemporary art from the 20th century, too. The modern exhibits contain more than 4,000 pieces including fine art paintings and sculptures.
Basilique Saint Sernin
A short walk from the Place du Capitole, where there are places to park up and explore, visit this stunning Romanesque basilica.
Boasting a distinctive octagonal shape, take in the beauty of the decorative and iconic bell tower, which looms high above the structure. With gold stonework and intricate stone carvings, the building spans five vaulted naves, several crypts and a quaint courtyard.
This important landmark houses the relics of numerous saints, with the tomb of Saint Sernin at its core. Take in the grandeur of the building and marvel over the decorative dark wood furniture and extravagant organ above the main entrance. It’s well worth a visit for the architecture alone.
Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in the city, and offers a romantic and picturesque setting both in the evening and in the daytime. Leave your car safely in the parking lot at the waters’ edge of Allee Jules Guesde, just south of the Carmes neighbourhood.
Here you can stroll along the Garonne River to the bridge, where from the waterside you can admire its six arches. It’s said that the bridge was built because the King of France, Francois I, wanted a safe route for his army to reach the Spanish border. Work started in the early 16th century, but it wasn’t until 1632 that the bridge was completed.
Capitole de Toulouse
At the heart of Toulouse lies the iconic Place du Capitole, directly in front of the magnificent Capitole de Toulouse and highly decorated to complement the stunning 18th-century architecture of the town hall. Park up at one of the nearby lots and wander through the narrow streets to reach this famous square.
In the warmer weather, the square comes alive with bustling events, markets and things to do. Enjoy eating alfresco at the restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area.
While you’re in the vicinity, it’s also worth taking a tour of the spectacular neoclassical town hall to see its stunning artwork and statues in the historic staterooms. With its pink marble columns and detailed painted murals, it’s hard not to be impressed by the opulence of the building.
Theatre du Capitole
After a busy day exploring the city square and the town hall, enjoy an evening of excellent entertainment in the Theatre du Capitole. With a programme consisting of theatre, opera and ballet performances, there’s always something spectacular to see.
Not only are the stage performances notable, but the building itself is also a real sight to behold. The traditional royal red seats and painted decorative balconies all add to the sophisticated setting. If you want to see a show when you’re in the city, check out the programme and be sure to reserve tickets in advance.
Whether you follow our itinerary word for word or create your own, renting a car is a great way to get around Toulouse and the wider area, and see the sights of southern France beyond.