The fourth-largest city in France may lie in the country’s sprawling southwest, between a bend in the Garonne River and the mighty Canal du Midi.
However, Toulouse has never been shy in making itself heard.
A UNESCO-listed “city of music” since 2023, this sun-soaked metropolis comes with a bewitching sound cloud. Picture the peel of old-town church bells, the roar of planes, the rhymes of busking performers, the splashing of canal boats, the hissing of a mechanical Minotaur, and the clink of pastis glasses on a hot summer day.
Urban life here has a rhythmic ebb and flow. Medieval pilgrims journeyed on foot to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, venerating relics and the tomb of Toulouse’s 4th-century bishop-turned-saint at Basilique St-Sernin. Aviation enthusiasts have flocked to Toulouse since the 1960s when Airbus set up shop on the city’s outskirts. Music lovers celebrate the town’s repertoire of star-studded festivals, and the university, serving students since 1229, is among Europe’s oldest.
This dynamic student city offers something enjoyable for both first-timers and returning visitors every month of the year. In summer, for instance, boating on the Canal du Midi and beach life along the banks of the Garonne become integral to the urban psyche alongside art, culture, and exceptional cuisine.
Not sure where to start? These nine unmissable experiences will help you get going.
1. Embrace the French Art of Flânerie in the Old Town
The essential way to soak up Old Toulouse is on foot. Imagine viewing it across the water from the 17th-century stone bridge, Pont Neuf, before diving into the picturesque tangle of coral-brick storefronts, elegant hôtels particuliers (private mansions), cozy boutiques, and charming cafés where you can enjoy a local chocolatine (the local version of pain au chocolat). Starting from Place du Capitole, a neoclassical masterpiece, wander along mellow backstreets to the medieval Couvent des Jacobins, featuring a tranquil cloister garden. Follow the scent to the striking bell tower of the Romanesque Basilique St-Sernin. Explore Roman Toulouse at the honey-brick Musée St-Raymond, and mingle with the city’s 130,000 students in the gardens at Jardin du Grand-Rond.
Local tip: Toulouse is a place of places. Visit Place St-Georges and Place de la Trinité for vibrant café life, Place St-Pierre for alfresco dining and street performances, and the elegant Place St-Etienne for chic shopping and art galleries.
2. Shop for Local Produce and Enjoy a Traditional Cassoulet for Lunch
In France’s foodie Southwest, the stakes are high. The stalls at Toulouse’s Marché Victor Hugo, the country’s oldest covered market, overflow with seasonal produce. Wander through to discover what’s in season in the rich region surrounding Toulouse – from artichokes and pink garlic in spring to strawberries in summer and hearty roots for a garbure in winter.
Duck upstairs to one of the eateries and sit down for a hearty, value-packed lunch of local fare among bustling traders. Experience the unforgettable combination of the market’s vibrant atmosphere paired with a bowl of cassoulet – Toulouse’s hearty stew featuring simmering beans, duck confit, and Toulouse pork sausage in a cassole (earthenware pot).
Planning tip: Explore the local culinary scene and enjoy delicious bites around town.
3. Venture into the Violet Scene
Violets have been the city’s emblematic flower since 1850, when a soldier brought a posy of violets home to his Toulousaine lover. This inspired local flower farms to cultivate the uniquely seedless purple blooms that flower in winter. By the early 20th century, confectioners were crafting candied violets. Today, more than 300 varieties of violets thrive in Toulouse’s National Violet Conservatory.
Each year, florists and artisans gather on Place du Capitole during the Fête de la Violette (Violet Festival) to showcase their wares. Throughout the year, savor violet-flavored ice cream from artisan glacier on Place St-Pierre or indulge in a Paris-Toulouse cake filled with violet-flavored whipped cream.
Local tip: Join locals for an evening aperitif on a café terrace. Order a local kir de Toulouse (white wine with a dash of violet liqueur).
4. Take a Float Down the River or Canal
Whether awed by the feat of engineering behind the 17th-century Canal du Midi or simply seeking some respite from city life, navigating Toulouse’s leafy waterways is a must. Enjoy a sightseeing boat cruise along the Garonne River, where the neoclassical architecture presents a stunning view. Alternatively, captain your own electric boat from the Garonne’s left bank.
For a scenic adventure, take a stroll to one of the 77 locks that stitch together the extraordinary Canal du Midi, constructed during the reign of Louis XIV to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. Cruising this majestic waterway is the epitome of French enchantment.
5. Learn About Toulouse’s Contributions to Aviation History
Toulouse’s aviation heritage is remarkable. This is the birthplace of the first aircraft built in 1918, the site of Concorde’s first test flight in 1969, and the home of every Airbus model crafted since the prototype Airbus A300 took flight in 1974. Visitors can learn about how Toulouse became a hub of Europe’s aeronautical and space industries. Engage with immersive experiences such as flying an A380 simulator or exploring museums focused on commercial airliners, postal aviation history, and space exploration.
Planning tip: It’s advisable to plan visits to aviation-related attractions in advance; weekends can be particularly busy.
6. Admire Art at an Eclectic Mix of Venues
Exploring the impressive collection of artworks at Fondation Bemberg — featuring pieces from the 15th century to WWII — is as much about the stunning Renaissance architecture as it is about the art itself. The Musée des Augustins, located in a former monastery, adds to the rich art landscape of Toulouse.
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening at Les Abattoirs, a vibrant cultural center and contemporary gallery within a former slaughterhouse, where a family-friendly trail of intriguing sculptures leads from the courtyard to the river.
7. Pedal to Halle de la Machine to Ride a Giant Minotaur
For an unforgettable experience, visit Halle de la Machine. Here, visitors can ride a 14-meter tall mechanical Minotaur made of wood and steel or explore whimsical mechanical creations. Year-round events and operas are staged, featuring a mix of fascinating devices and captivating performances.
Planning tip: Biking is a fantastic way to explore the city, with extensive cycling lanes connecting different attractions.
8. Embrace Urban Street Culture at a Music Festival
Immerse yourself in Toulouse’s rich musical heritage. Explore jazz at local venues, while classical music and opera thrive at well-known theaters, alongside a diverse array of live performances in vibrant neighborhoods. With world-class music festivals occurring during the warmer months, advance ticket purchases are recommended for standout events like the Rio Loco festival, which showcases Mediterranean-inspired talent.
9. Play Ball at Toulouse Plages
No need for a seaside escape to hit the beach in summer. Across the water from Toulouse’s Old Town, the riverside park Prairie des Filtres transforms into a lively setting during Toulouse Plages, featuring deck chairs, sports, and outdoor concerts. Whether playing beach volleyball, kayaking, or simply enjoying the sunset, this urban beach experience is a delightful way to embrace the season.
