Do you feel more Toulousan than Toulousans? Well, sometimes it’s a good idea to brush up on your classics and rediscover your city through the eyes of a tourist. For those of you who know all these good tips, you’ll continue to enjoy all the good things the pink city has to offer. For the rest of you, it’s your chance to experience the thrill of the first time! Toulouse ‘s hustle and bustle and energy will never cease to amaze us, to thrill us and to offer us a multitude of things to see and things to do. Just follow the guide.
1. Visit the Capitole, Toulouse’s emblematic square
A must-see in Toulouse, we stop for a moment to consider the sign of the zodiac that adorns the imposing Occitan Cross facing the Capitole (a quick photo is in order). Composed of 12 branches, it’s also known as the Languedoc Cross. And it would be a shame to pass by this landmark building without taking a look.
From Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm, and on Sundays and public holidays, 10am to 7pm, you can visit the historic rooms of this seat of municipal power, free of charge. Discover painted walls recounting great moments in Toulouse’s history and the sublime Salle des Illustres.
📍Capitole – Place du Capitole – 31000 Toulouse
2. Take a photo with the statue of Claude Nougaro
The singer Claude Nougaro is as inseparable from the city of Toulouse as is the Capitole. That’s why you can’t afford to miss his statue just behind it. To immortalize the moment, take a photo with the statue, singing at the top of your lungs “Ô mon païs, Ô Toulouse! And for our biggest fans, we’ve discovered 3 places to pay tribute to Claude Nougaro in the pink city.
3. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin
Like a lighthouse in the Pink City, the steeple of the Saint-Sernin Basilica is an integral part of the city’s landscape. To get there, we suggest you choose an itinerary that takes in Saint-Etienne Cathedral (another architectural masterpiece). And once inside, let yourself be dazzled by its rich history.
📍Basilique Saint-Sernin – Pl. Saint-Sernin – 31000 Toulouse
4. Stroll through the beautiful Japanese garden
Nestled inside the Compans-Caffarelli gardens, north of the city center, you’ll be amazed by its magnificent lake and sublime tea pavilion, which have earned it a place among France’s remarkable gardens (and one of Toulouse’s most beautiful). We’re especially fond of its pretty red bridge, which gives it a real charm!
📍Japanese Garden – Jardin Compans Caffarelli, Boulevard Lascrosses – 31000 Toulouse
5. Enjoy an aperitif on the banks of the Garonne
We suggest you do a little shopping for food and drink. Armed with your victuals, head for the quays of the Garonne. Find the spot that inspires you most and take your picnic with you. From there, you’ll be able to admire the best of Toulouse. Pont-neuf, Pont-de-pierre and the majestic Dôme de la Grave. A unique moment to enjoy a beautiful sunset in a timeless setting. A moment also to read the most surprising Google reviews of the Garonne. A healthy read.
6. Eat one of Toulouse’s best cassoulets
Do you dream of eating a good cassoulet? Normally originating in Castelnaudary, this warm and convivial dish has now become inseparable from Toulouse. So head for Restaurant Émile, where everyone agrees. Indeed, the comments are unanimous: “definitely the best cassoulet I’ve ever eaten”, “top welcome, service and gastronomy”, “a cassoulet worthy of the name”. If you haven’t already, stop everything and go taste it! The little plus of this address? It has a terrace on the pretty Place Saint-Georges, which we think is one of the prettiest in Toulouse!
📍 Restaurant Émile – 13 Place Saint Georges – 31000 Toulouse
7. Spend an evening at one of Toulouse’s nightlife institutions
If we had to name just two institutions of Toulouse nightlife, it would be Chez Tonton (order a pastis there) or the mythical Couleur de la Culotte to party the night away. And since, as André Gide once said, “to choose is to give up”, we suggest you kill two birds with one stone by pushing open the doors of these two hot spots of Toulouse nightlife which, conveniently enough, are right next door to each other.
📍Chez Tonton – 16 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 31000 Toulouse | Couleur de la Culotte – 14, Place St-Pierre 31000 Toulouse
8. Stroll through the Carmes district
One of the must-dos in Toulouse is a stroll through the Carmes district. Lose yourself in the medieval alleyways of this bohemian district, where every corner reveals architectural treasures and charming little boutiques. Stop off at one of the sunny terraces for a cup of coffee while watching the bustle of the Carmes market, the vibrant heart of local life. Don’t miss a visit to the majestic Église des Carmes, a jewel of history nestled in this historic yet trendy atmosphere.
9. Soak up the unique atmosphere of the Victor Hugo night market
As you know, Toulouse is a party! Several times a year (usually in May, September and late November), the Marché Victor Hugo invites you to its festive, convivial nocturnes. These events are very popular with locals, often attracting over 10,000 people! With good reason, the nocturnes showcase local gastronomy, the expertise of craftsmen and shopkeepers, and offer a festive atmosphere with music and entertainment. So keep your eyes peeled for the next Victor Hugo market nocturnes!
Place Victor Hugo
10. See Stade Toulousain play at the Stade Ernest-Wallon
Watching a Stade Toul ousain match at the Stade Ernest-Wallon is an experience not to be missed by any fan of rugby and local fervor. In this temple of the oval ball, you can vibrate to the rhythm of the fans’ chants and the players’ exploits on the pitch (hello Antoine Dupont). You don’t have to be an enthusiast to enjoy the electric atmosphere and communion with the fans. Thrills guaranteed! You’ll understand why our warm, festive spirit has made rugby famous in the Ville Rose. A memorable experience under the red and black colors awaits you!
11. Discover music in a different way with Candlelight and its concerts in sublime venues in Toulouse
If you want to combine an evening of live music with Toulouse’s sumptuous venues and tributes to great artists, Candlelight is for you. Whether it’s pop, rock, film music or even classical, there’s a Candlelight concert to suit every taste. And because it’s still not grandiose enough, Candlelight covers the city’s most beautiful venues with thousands of candles for a magical atmosphere.
📍The most beautiful places in Toulouse