Yes, contrary to what the current economic climate might lead you to believe, our beautiful pink city is full of free good deals. Want to go out in Toulouse without spending a thing? Walks, free museums and monuments, parks and gardens and much more… Discover our list of free activities in Toulouse.
1. Visit part of the Jacobins Convent
for free.
Located right in the city center, halfway between the capitole and the Garonne, the Jacobean convent is a marvel of medieval art. From Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, you have free access to the church and the chapelle de la Vierge. On the other hand, access to the Cloister, the Chapter House, the Chapelle Saint-Antonin, the Refectory, and the exhibitions regularly held there will be free only on the 1st Sunday of the month and every weekend for Toulouse residents in possession of the Carte Muséelibre.
2. Take a tour of the covered markets and soak up their atmosphere
Covered markets are buzzing places in the heart of Toulouse! You can buy fruit and vegetables, meat or fish, cheese or charcuterie… You can also have a drink and nibble tapaswith friends! Or you can simply wander around and marvel at the colors and smells of the merchants’ stalls. Toulouse has three of these that are a must-see: the marché Couvert Saint-Cyprien, the marché Victor Hugo and the marché des Carmes.
3. Escape on a stroll through the Japanese garden
Among the most beautiful gardens in Toulouse, the Japanese Garden is probably the most secret. And for good reason: 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 Jardins Compans-Caffarelli, 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..
4. Push open the doors of the Capitole and visit its sublime halls for free
All Toulousans have trodden its square at some point, but have you ever seen the Capitole from the inside? As beautiful outside as it is inside, this massive monument of several buildings brings together – among others – the Hôtel de Ville, the Salle des Illustres and the Théâtre du Capitol e… Discover its spectacular architecture and historyfull of anecdotes during the free tours of the historic rooms, which take place Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 7pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 7pm ( beware, the rooms will be closed to the public in the event of a ceremony).
5. Take a stroll through the Forum des Antiquaires
For this activity, you’ll have to resist the temptation to draw out your wallet! But a stroll through the forum des Antiquairescan really be done just for the pleasure of the eyes! A lively place (especially on Saturdays and Sundays) you’ll find an incalculable variety of different objects! When you visit this large hangar covering almost 1,200 m², you’ll be able to wander the aisles, chat with the antique dealers and marvel at the thousands of objects, trinkets and pieces of furniture steeped in history that can be found here!
6. Have your head in the stars at the Jolimont Observatory
Located in the gardens of the observatory (as its name suggests), this atypical place is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime! The main building of this astronomical observatory created in 1733 by Toulous architect Urbain Vitry, (as well as the three domed buildings that make it up) are listed as monuments historiques. Open to the public every Friday evening, (except conference evenings which take place once a month) you can visit the observatoryfree of charge from 9:30pm for an evening with your head in the stars!
7. Discover the subway’s works of art for free
In addition to the common station dressing (white walls, grey ceilings, pink granite entrances), Tisséo has decided to implant art within the metro by adorning each station with a permanent artistic work. Thus, across the 38 stations of the Toulouse metro, 39 works of art appear from stop to stop. At Jolimont, for example, fragments of vanished images resembling stained-glass windows populate the station. At Argoulets, a hanging garden seems to float ten meters above the ground, while at François Verdier, a huge tree with multiple moldings and engravings finds refuge under the staircase. But it’s undoubtedly the one at Barrière-de-Paris that remains the most impressive: its gigantic steel rods culminate at a height of 25 meters!
8. Treat yourself to an (almost) free cinema session at the Mama Shelter
Normally, when we go to the Mama Shelter it’s to enjoy its incredible rooftop or for a delicious dinner in love or with friends. Well, this trendy spot in Toulouse is also home to a cinema. Beautifully named the CinéMama, this 45-seat venue has a surprise in store for you! Indeed, it welcomes restaurant and hotel guests free of charge from Sunday to Wednesday at 10pm for the screening of cult films. The only condition is that you’ve bought yourself a nice dinner before you can see a film there for free.
9. Have fun at a free game night at Ludotines
Every second Saturday of the month, from 8pm to midnight, the Ludotines welcomes you for a free games evening. Located at number 8 impasse Saint-Aubin, in Toulouse this playful space offers entertainment with various board games and playful experiences. Open to people aged between 12 and 99, these evenings are perfect occasions to spend a good evening without spending a penny!
10. Visit EDF Bazacle
Overlooking the Garonne, the espace EDF Bazacle dedicates its 2,000 m² to knowledge linked to the hydroelectric industry, historical heritage, local culture and also to scientific education and the biodiversity of the Garonne. A hydropower plant that has been in operation since 1888, it’s also a museum that offers Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm, 45-minute free guided tours for the curious who want to learn more about energy and biodiversity.
11. Visit Toulouse’s museums for free on the 1st Sunday of the month
Culture lovers know it! Since the late 1990s, museums have been free for everyone on the 1st Sunday of the month. The city of Toulouse is no exception to this rule, and graciously opens the doors of its most prestigious museums to you. Here’s the list of establishments to visit without spending a penny.
12. Take advantage of some free concerts s at the Saint-Pierre des Cuisines auditorium.
Located rue de la Boule – next to the place Saint-Pierre – the Saint-Pierre des Cuisines auditorium was once a church. Today, this cultural venue with its unrivalled acoustics hosts numerous concerts. While most are ticketed, some are free! So keep your eyes peeled for programming and try to find seats to go and listen to music without paying!