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Toulouse, known as “la Ville Rose” or the Pink City, is famous for its terracotta brick buildings. It is the fourth-largest city in France and serves as the capital of the Occitanie region and the Haute-Garonne department and there are several things to do in Toulouse. This region is located by the Garonne River in southwestern France. The city hosts vibrant music festivals, such as Rio Loco and Piano aux Jacobins, and boasts a rich culinary scene that features local specialities like cassoulet. Additionally, Toulouse is home to significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
Top 10 Things To Do In Toulouse
Here is a list of ten fun-packed things that you can do in Toulouse, France for an adrenaline rush and memorable holiday.
1. Visit The Basilique De Saint-Sernin
Photo: PierreSelim / Wikimedia Commons
The Basilique de Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, France, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and one of the largest and best-preserved churches of this style in Europe. Believed to have been constructed somewhere around the 11th and 13th centuries, this significant monument holds immense historical, religious, and artistic importance. As indicated in the name, it is dedicated to Saint Saturnin (or Sernin), the first bishop of Toulouse, who was martyred in the 3rd century. While entry is free, there is a fee to access certain areas like the ambulatory and crypts.
Visiting Fee: Entry to the basilica is free
Timings: 8:30 AM – 6 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM on weekends
Location: 13 Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France
Key Attractions: Relics and Crypts
2. Explore Cathedrale De Saint-Etienne
Photo: Croquant / Wikimedia Commons
This renowned Roman Catholic cathedral and national monument, Cathedral de Saint-Etienne, is a significant monument of France. It stands out for its eclectic mix of Southern French Gothic and Northern Gothic styles, reflecting several centuries of construction and architectural evolution. The cathedral’s history dates back to the 9th century and includes significant contributions from various periods. It serves as a repository of Toulouse’s ecclesiastical history and artistic heritage, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The chapels here resemble small museums and are decorated beautifully with retables, reliquaries, and paintings.
Visiting Fee: No entry fee required
Timings: Open daily from morning to night
Location: Place Saint-Etienne, central Toulouse, near Francois Verdier metro station
Key Attraction: Stained Glass and Chapels
3. Shop At Vibrant Food Markets
Photo: Oliwan / Wikimedia Commons
The Pink City is a haven for foodies due to its rich variety of food. Victor Hugo Market, located in the heart of the city, is a historic covered market and a culinary treasure in Toulouse. With over 100 vendors offering premium meats, cheeses, seafood, and local delicacies like saucisse de Toulouse and foie gras, this market is a must-visit for food lovers. It also features restaurants on its upper floor where you can savour traditional dishes like cassoulet.
Visiting Fee: Free to enter and explore the market
Timings: 7 AM – 2 PM
Location: Place Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse, France
Key Attraction: Guided experiences and architectural charm
4. Enjoy Delectable Cuisine At Top Restaurants
Photo: Keriliwi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Toulouse, known for its rich culinary heritage, offers a great collection of exceptional dining experiences. From traditional French classics to inventive modern cuisine, there is something for everyone at restaurants here. Restaurant J’Go Toulouse is located in the bustling Place Victor Hugo and is known for its organic dishes and extensive wine list. For fine dining enthusiasts, Solides offers a more modern French gastronomic experience with a hint of Mediterranean influences. Offering cutting-edge French tasting menus in a stylishly moody setting, Le Saint Sauvage is another great place which is ideal for adventurous foodies.
Visiting Fee: No entry fee is required
Timings: Most of the restaurants are open through lunch and dinner times
Key Attraction: Restaurant J’Go Toulouse at Victor Hugo Market Place
5. Enjoy The Jardin Des Plantes
Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
The Jardin des Plantes de Toulouse is a sprawling 7-hectare public garden located on Allée Jules-Guesde. It was established in 1794 through the efforts of the naturalist Philippe-Isidore Picot de Lapeyrouse. Originally intended as a botanical garden to supply medicinal plants for medical students, it now features around a hundred botanical species and serves as a green space for families and walkers. Guided tours are available, offering visitors an enriching opportunity to explore the garden’s botanical treasures, historical significance, and ecological diversity.
Visiting Fee: Free entry
Timings: Early morning till late evening
Location: Quartier des Chalets, central Toulouse
Key Attraction: Botanic diversity and small ponds and fountains
6. Play Molkky
Photo: Molkkyliitto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Molkky is a Finnish outdoor throwing game invented in 1996 by Lahden Paikka. It combines elements of chance and skill and is suitable for players of all ages and physical abilities. It has become a popular local pastime in Toulouse, often enjoyed in parks or outdoor spaces. The game features 12 wooden pins, all arranged according to numbers. Players then take turns throwing the Molkky from behind the designated line. The first player to score exactly 50 points wins. The last remaining player wins if all players are eliminated before reaching 50.
Visiting Fee: Free
7. Enjoy A Sunny Day At Quai De La Daurade
Photo: Pistolero / Wikimedia Commons
The Quai de la Daurade is an iconic waterway in Toulouse, located along the Garonne in the Capitole district. It is about 182 metres long and connects the Place du Pont-Neuf to the Place de la Daurade, offering a view overlooking the river. Today, the quay is admired for its romantic sunset views, its river cruises and its lively atmosphere. The Henri-Martin promenade allows you to descend to river level, while the terraces attract locals and influencers.
Visiting Fee: Free access, no entry fee required
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Quai de la Daurade, 31000 Toulouse
Key Attraction: Romantic sunsets and historic cafes
8. Bike Ride By The Canal Du Midi
Photo: Christian Ferrer / Wikimedia Commons
The Canal du Midi is a beautiful historic 240-kilometre long canal located in the Occitanie region of southern France. It connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea at Sète, passing through the beautiful Étang de Thau lagoon. Today, the canal serves as a vibrant hub for leisure activities, including boating and tourism, and is lined with charming plane trees. For cycling enthusiasts, the Canal du Midi offers a delightful experience along its flat, scenic route. The historic towpaths have been thoughtfully transformed into smooth, dedicated cycle paths, providing a perfect setting for an enjoyable bike ride.
Visiting Fee: No entry fee required
Timings: Throughout the day
Location: Stretches 240 km from Toulouse to Sète
Key Attraction: Fonserannes Locks and Malpas Tunnel
9. Visit Museum De Toulouse
Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum de Toulouse is France’s second-largest natural history museum, following the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. Established in 1796 by naturalist Philippe-Isidore Picot de Lapeyrouse, the museum features a collection of 2.5 million specimens displayed over 3,000 to 6,000 square feet of exhibition space. After undergoing a decade-long renovation from 1998 to 2008, the museum has emerged as a leader in sustainable design, featuring HEQ-certified architecture. Each year, it attracts over 300,000 visitors with its combination of historical collections and modern, interactive science communication.
Visiting Fee: 9 – 12 euros for regular ticket
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: 35 allées Jules-Guesde, 31000 Toulouse
Key Attraction: Interactive exhibits and botanical gardens
10. Immerse Yourself In Cultural And Music Festivals
Photo: Ayuntamiento Roquetas de Mar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Toulouse is full and vibrant with culture and, hence, a host to some of the best cultural and musical festivals in the world. Every year, thousands of visitors attend the renowned electronic music festival in early June at the Compans Caffarelli gardens. Le Nouveau Printemps is another such festival featuring exhibitions and performances across various disciplines like cinema, architecture, and dance. During Autumn, festivals like Festival Occitania and Cinespana light the whole city up with music, dances and food workshops. Whether you’re into world music, electronic beats, classical piano, or regional heritage, Toulouse offers something for everyone year-round.
Visiting Fee: Each festival has a varied entry fee
Timings: Usually start in the evening and extend till late night
Toulouse is a beautiful city with lots of interesting things to see and do. From the amazing Basilique de Saint-Sernin to the colourful food markets, there’s something for everyone. You can explore the stunning Cathedrale de Saint-Etienne and enjoy delicious local dishes at great restaurants. Toulouse is not just about history; it’s also a fun place for music and tasty food. Now that you know all about the things to do in Toulouse, plan a trip to France with TripXL now!
Cover Photo: Free Nomad / Unsplash
