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Things to do in Toulouse

Also known as the “Rose City” due to the pink hue given to many of its buildings, Toulouse is a beautiful holiday destination that offers visitors plenty to do, and delicious food to eat, during their stay.

With stunning architecture, pretty green spaces, and fascinating museums to explore, you will find a whole variety of things to do in Toulouse that are sure to make your break here one to remember.

You can reach Toulouse in 9 and a half hours by car from the Calais port, and with plenty of places to stop off on the way you can turn this into a great road trip that way you can visit all the different places to go in Toulouse and its surrounding cities, towns, and coastal areas.

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Toulouse's Old Town
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Take a walk
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Museums
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Eating and drinking

About the city

Explore Toulouse’s Old Town

Some of the best things to do in Toulouse include visiting its Old Town dating back to the 15th century. Here the city’s Vieux Quartier, or Old Town, shows just how rich the residents were due to its collection of impressive buildings with elegant facades.

You can explore the area by wandering along the winding passageways leading from the Place du Capitole, where you will also find the City Hall and Opera House nearby, plus the Basilique Saint-Sernin which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognisable due to its octagonal spire, as one of the top things to do in Toulouse you can be busy for hours exploring all the architecture it has to offer.

Those who need a little retail therapy should head to the Rue d’Alsace Lorraine which is home to a number of boutiques and high-end shops, making it perfect for a spot of window shopping too!

Take a walk

There are plenty of places to go in Toulouse to take a walk which offer lots to see or a peaceful setting for you to enjoy. Walking along the Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, is a great place to start as it boasts amazing views and you can choose to cycle across it if you would rather explore it on two wheels. With P&O Ferries this can be made even easier as we allow you to travel with your bike so you can have endless fun on multiple bike rides to explore all the fun things to do in Toulouse for free. The bridge links the Old Town with the Place-St-Cyprien, and it is illuminated with different colours at night creating a wonderful spectacle.

Another lovely place to go in Toulouse is the Jardin Japonais which has been created to look like the gardens that can be found in Kyoto, Japan. Featuring a lake, a tea pavilion, a red bridge, and plenty of other decorative features, this is a great place to relax when you want to escape the city itself.

Those looking for peace and quiet will love visiting the Convent des Jacobins which was built in 1229 and is a stunning example of gothic architecture. With its light and airy interior and small garden in the centre of the cloister, you’ll find that this is the ideal place to walk around when you need a bit of serenity.

Why not start the relaxation earlier and book onto our Club Lounge when you book your Dover to Calais crossing so you can start relaxing the moment you get onboard.

Visit the museums

One of the many cool things to do in Toulouse includes visiting the variety of museums it has to offer.

For those who love fine art should head to the Musée des Augustins where you will find a great range of sculptures, paintings, and special collections from across a number of centuries. Created in 1793, the museum is home to around 4,000 pieces and also offers different workshops and activities for all ages, making it a perfect thing to do in Toulouse with family. Some of the activities include sculpting, drawing, writing, and even yoga.

The city’s Natural History Museum may not teach you about the history of Toulouse, but you will be able to enjoy an interactive experience where you can learn all about mankind, nature, evolution, the Earth, and how they all interact with each other. You’ll also find events and workshops which you can attend throughout the year, plus exhibitions about space, science, and technology.

Best places to eat in Toulouse

One of the best things about visiting anywhere in France is the cuisine, and Toulouse is no exception! There are many great places to eat in Toulouse. One of the best dishes includes a cassoulet which is made from slow cooked meat, beans, pork, and Toulouse’s own sausage. The sausage itself is specific to the city and is made from pork, smoked bacon, garlic, and wine.

You should try eating duck and goose when you visit Toulouse too, the foie gras is particularly good and is usually turned into terrines and pâtés. When you are ready for something sweet, you’ll be spoilt for choice and should opt for Croquants, which are caramelised almond biscuits, or Caraques which is a bright green chocolate tart.

One of the best places to eat in Toulouse is the Marché Victor Hugo, a covered market full of amazing delicacies and a food court, and remember that you can bring all of your favourite treats home in the car to enjoy when you get back.

There are so many great things to do in Toulouse that you just have to visit this city for yourself. Book your Dover to Calais crossing today and you can bring your car, caravan, pets, and bikes with you too!

Walking along the Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, is a great place to start as it boasts amazing views and you can choose to cycle across it if you would rather explore on two wheels.

FAQs:

1. Where is Toulouse?

Toulouse is in southwestern France, along the banks of the Garonne River. It’s the capital of the Occitanie region and is known for its aerospace industry. Approximately a 9 hour journey from our Calais port, this is a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a French road trip and visit many other places along the way. Use our planning a trip to France guide now to help with your further planning.

2. What to Do in Toulouse?

With plenty of cool things to do in Toulouse across all ages you will be spoilt for choice when you explore the city. Enjoy visiting the Capitole de Toulouse, stroll through Place du Capitole, visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, or take a cruise along the Canal du Midi. Don’t forget to explore all the best places to eat in Toulouse too and enjoy all of its local delicacies.

3. What to See in Toulouse?

Some of the best things to do in Toulouse include seeing the Cité de l'Espace (space museum), this isn’t the only museum you can visit and see there are plenty of museums to choose which offer a perfect thing to do in Toulouse with families due to them all offering a variety of interactive activities to enjoy across all ages. For a more relaxing day out you can enjoy visiting Jardin des Plantes for peaceful green spaces.

4. Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?

Yes, Toulouse is definitely worth a visit. Offering a mix of rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and a lively food scene. It’s perfect for history buffs, space enthusiasts, and food lovers. Why not book your ferry to France today and start planning your trip now.

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