With stunning architecture, pretty green spaces, and fascinating Toulouse museums to explore, you will find a whole variety of things to do in Toulouse making it one of the best places to visit in France. You can reach Toulouse in 9 and a half hours by car from the Calais port, making it easy to turn your journey into a great road trip. With plenty of places to stop off on the way, you can visit the different places to go in Toulouse and its surrounding cities, towns, and coastal areas.
Top Toulouse Attractions you must visit on your trip are -
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Place Du Capitole
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Couvent Des Jacobins
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Basilique Saint-Sernin
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Pont Neuf & La Daurade
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Musee Des Augustins
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Natural History Museum
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Cité de l'Espace
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Aeroscopia Museum & Airbus Factory Tour
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Marché Victor Hugo
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Cassoulet & Local Treats
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Place Saint-Pierre
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Jardin Japonais
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Canal du Midi
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Les Abattoirs
Toulouse sits in southwestern France on the Garonne River. It’s the capital of the Occitanie region, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. It’s just over nine hours from Calais by car, making it a great stop for anyone planning a French road trip with other places to visit along the way.
Some of the best things to do in Toulouse include visiting its Old Town (Vieux Quartier), which dates back to the 15th century. The elegant facades and grand buildings show just how wealthy the residents were. From there, you can explore the area by wandering along the winding passageways from the city's historic centre. Those who need a little retail therapy should head to Rue d’Alsace Lorraine, home to a number of boutiques and high-end shops, making it perfect for a spot of window shopping!
If you’re looking for a quiet spot, visit the Convent des Jacobins. Built in 1229, it’s a beautiful example of Southern French Gothic style. The exterior looks simple, but inside you’ll find a bright space with a unique vaulted ceiling that resembles a palm tree, featuring 22 stone ribs radiating from a single pillar. The peaceful cloister and its small garden are perfect for a calm walk.
Place du Capitole is the lively centre of Toulouse, where both locals and visitors gather. The main feature is the impressive 18th-century Capitole building, with its pink terracotta facade. Inside, you’ll find the City Hall and the Opera House. You can also visit the Salle des Illustres, a grand room decorated with 19th-century art that shares the city’s history. Whether you want to have coffee on a terrace or browse a market, this square is a great place to start your Toulouse holiday.
Another top Toulouse attraction filled with a lot of history is the Basilique Saint-Sernin. The Basilique Saint-Sernin stands out with its tall, five-level octagonal bell tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the biggest Romanesque buildings left in Europe. Built mainly in the 11th and 12th centuries, it was an important stop for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. Inside, the large vaulted nave is impressive, and the crypt holds many ancient relics. If you love history, you’ll enjoy exploring its detailed architecture and old frescoes.
Start your evening with a walk across Pont Neuf, Toulouse’s oldest bridge, dating to the 16th century, which offers great views of the Garonne River. After crossing, head to Port de la Daurade, where people gather on the riverbank steps to watch the sunset. The bridge connects the Old Town to Place-St-Cyprien and lights up in different colours at night. You can also cycle across if you prefer. If you’re travelling with P&O Ferries, you can bring your bike and explore the city easily.
Must-See Toulouse Museums
The Natural History Museum in Toulouse is an interactive place where you can learn about people, nature, evolution, and the Earth. Located in the Jardin des Plantes, it has thousands of exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to detailed plant displays. There are also educational events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions on science, ecology, and technology throughout the year.
Located near the vast Airbus assembly lines just outside the city centre, the Aeroscopia Museum is ideal for aviation enthusiasts. The museum lets you step inside historic and iconic aircraft, including the Concorde, the A380, and the Super Guppy transporter. For a unique behind-the-scenes experience, you can also book a guided tour to access the Airbus factory floor, where you can watch passenger planes being assembled by engineers.
A place you must see in Toulouse if you want to explore the world of space in a large science park and a museum focused on space travel is the Cité de l'Espace. Try interactive exhibits, experience walking on the moon in a simulator, and tour a full-size replica of the Mir space station. Outside, you’ll see a real Ariane 5 rocket. It’s a must-visit for families and anyone interested in space.
Toulouse Holidays for Foodies
Marché Victor Hugo is one of the best places to eat in Toulouse. It’s France’s oldest covered market and a great spot for local food. In the morning, you’ll find stalls selling fresh cheese, bread, cured meats, and the city’s famous sausages. After exploring, go upstairs to the food court, where small restaurants serve dishes made from market produce. It’s one of the most authentic dining experiences in Toulouse. You can also buy treats to take home.
Don’t leave Toulouse without trying Cassoulet, a rich stew made with white beans, duck confit, and the city’s special pork sausage, seasoned with smoked bacon, garlic, and wine. This dish is slow-cooked for hours and is best enjoyed at local spots like Le Magret or Chez Emile. You should also try duck and goose dishes, such as foie gras, often served as terrines or pâtés. For dessert, try Croquants, which are crunchy almond biscuits, or Caraques, a bright green chocolate tart.
In the evening, head to Place Saint-Pierre to experience Toulouse’s lively nightlife. This square by the Garonne River is full of bars with outdoor terraces and is popular with students and locals. Chez Tonton is a favourite spot for a drink, whether you want a pastis or a local beer, as the city’s pink bricks glow in the sunset.
Underrated Things to do in Toulouse
For something more relaxing, the Jardin Japanais is one of many places you can see in Toulouse. The Jardin Japonais is a peaceful garden inside Compans-Caffarelli park. It’s designed like a traditional Zen garden from Kyoto and stands out from the surrounding busy city. You can walk along quiet paths, see the lake with koi carp, and enjoy the tea pavilion and red bridge. It’s a great place to read, have a picnic, or just relax away from the city.
For a scenic outdoor trip, rent a bike or take a boat ride along the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century canal that links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This UNESCO site is lined with old plane trees, making it cool and pleasant for a summer ride. The flat towpaths are a perfect way to see the countryside near Toulouse.
If you want something different, visit Les Abattoirs, Toulouse’s main modern and contemporary art museum. It’s in a former 19th-century slaughterhouse on the left bank of the Garonne River. The large brick building now holds modern exhibitions, unique installations, and a big permanent collection. One highlight is a huge theatre curtain designed by Pablo Picasso, making it a great stop for art fans.
Things to do in Toulouse FAQs
There are lots of fun things to do in Toulouse for all ages. Visit the Capitole de Toulouse, walk through Place du Capitole, see the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, or take a cruise on the Canal du Midi. Be sure to try the city’s best food while you’re there.
Top sights in Toulouse include the Cité de l'Espace and the Musée des Augustins. There are many museums with interactive activities for families. For a relaxing day, visit the Jardin des Plantes and enjoy its peaceful gardens.
Yes, Toulouse is worth visiting. It has a rich history, beautiful buildings, lively culture, and great food, making it perfect for anyone interested in history, space, or local cuisine.
Yes, Toulouse is considered a safe city for visitors. You can walk around the historic centre (the Ville Rose) and along the riverbanks during the day and evening. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
Like in most big European cities, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots, on the Metro, and near main transit areas like the Toulouse-Matabiau train station, particularly at night. If you keep your valuables secure and out of view, you should have a safe visit.
Toulouse sausage, or saucisse de Toulouse, is a well-known local speciality made according to a traditional recipe. It is a premium, fresh pork sausage made from coarsely minced lean pork, usually shoulder or ham, mixed with pork fat, salt, and pepper, then stuffed into a natural casing. Real Toulouse sausage does not have preservatives, artificial colours, or strong spices.
Visually, it is famous for being sold at local markets in a single continuous coil rather than as individual links. It is the star meat ingredient in Cassoulet (the region's famous slow-cooked bean stew), but you will also find it served simply grilled or pan-fried alongside mashed potatoes (purée) or a fresh salad.
