The Pink City is full of secrets and magnificent gardens open to the public. Whether you’re just a tourist or a city-lover, there’s always something wonderful to do in Toulouse. And because summer is just around the corner and it’s time to enjoy the sun, we’ve decided to make a selection of our five favorite gardens to take a stroll in.
The exotic Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden
More secretive than all the others, as many people pass by without even stopping to think about it, or even suspecting its existence. And for sure, it’s a garden nestled in the heart… of another garden! Conceived by former mayor Pierre Baudis during his term in office, it can be found inside the Compans-Caffarelli gardens, north of the city center. Its magnificent lake and sublime tea pavilion are awe-inspiring, and have earned it a place among France’s remarkable gardens.
📍 Jardin Compans Caffarelli, Boulevard Lascrosses, 31000 Toulouse. Open daily from 7.45am to 6pm. 🚇 Compans-Caffarelli (metro B).
The historic Jardin des Plantes
Although it retains the name “jardin des plantes” but not the status, this park is above all remarkable for its size (seven hectares!), its location (very close to the Canal de Midi) and the richness of its species (there are Japanese cypresses!). We particularly appreciate the attention to detail, evident in the many statues that populate its walkways, as well as its charming waterfall. While bears, seals and monkeys once populated the park, today you could well come across geese, swans and peacocks!
📍 Jardin des Plantes, 31 Allée Jules Guesde, 31400 Toulouse. Open daily from 7.45am to 6.30pm. 🚇 Palais de Justice (metro B, streetcar 1 and 2).
Our favorite: the diversity of Parc de la Maourine
This haven of peace in the north of the city is definitely our favorite! Its diversity of plant life is unique in Toulouse: ponds, climbing plants, scents, vegetable gardens from five continents, herbs. .. With its so-called Jardins du Muséum, it’s the perfect place to introduce youngsters to international flora. Its themed gardens, laid out around the Etang de la Maourine, showcase over 700 varieties of food plants, in a unique area of biodiversity that has been preserved for 50 years.
📍 Parc de la Maourine, 24-26 Avenue Maurice Bourges-Maunoury, 31200 Toulouse. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm. Full admission €3, concessions €2, free for children under 6. 🚇 Borderouge (metro B).
The sophisticated Jardin Royal
This is Toulouse’s oldest public garden, created in 1754! Just a stone’s throw from the Jardin des Plantes, the elegant Jardin Royal offers a unique English-style setting in the pink city. Also a “Remarkable Garden of France”, its proximity to the Place des Carmes makes it a favorite spot for Sunday strolls in the town center. The walkway linking it to the Jardin du Grand-Rond is a great way to extend your visit.
📍 Jardin Royal,corner of Rue Ozenne and Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse. Open daily from 7.45am to 6.30pm. 🚇 Palais de Justice (metro B, streetcar 1 and 2).
The little-known garden of the Musée Georges-Labit
Don’t be fooled by its small size, which gives it its charm. Following on from the Musée Georges-Labit, renowned for its collection of Asian and Far Eastern objects, this discreet Front stalls is home to magnificent Mediterranean and Asian plants. Situated on the banks of the Canal du Midi, it’s the ideal place for a (short but) romantic stroll. What’s more, the absolute calm of the place is a real breath of fresh air against the hustle and bustle of the city.
📍 Musée Georges-Labit, 17 Rue du Japon, 31400 Toulouse. Open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm. 🚇 Saint-Michel (metro B).
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© Photos : Shutterstock/Wikipedia Commons.