And yes, contrary to what the current disastrous economic climate would have us believe, our beautiful pink city is full of free good deals. Want to get out and about in Toulouse without spending a thing? Strolls, free museums and monuments, parks and gardens and much more… Discover our list of free activities in Toulouse. Because there are no small savings.
1. Visit part of the Jacobins convent for free
Located right in the center of town, halfway between the capitole and the Garonne, the Jacobins convent is a marvel of medieval art. From Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., you can visit the church and the chapelle de la Vierge free of charge. However, access to the cloister, chapter house, Chapelle Saint-Antonin, refectory and regular exhibitions is only free on the 1st Sunday of the month and every weekend for Toulouse residents in possession of a Museelibre card.
2. Visit the covered markets and soak up their atmosphere
Covered markets are a lively place in the heart of Toulouse! You can buy fruit and vegetables, meats and fish, cheeses and charcuterie… or have a drink and nibble tapas with friends! Or you can simply stroll around and marvel at the colors and smells of the merchants’ stalls. Toulouse has three such markets: the Marché Couvert Saint-Cyprien, the Marché Victor Hugo and the Marché des Carmes.
3. Escape to the Japanese garden
Among Toulouse’s most beautiful gardens, the Japanese Garden is probably the most secret. And with 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’s located 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 on France’s list of remarkable gardens.
4. Push open the doors of the Capitole and visit its sublime halls free of charge.
Every Toulousan has walked in its square, but have you ever seen the Capitole from the inside? As beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, this massive monument of several buildings brings together – among others – the Hôtel de Ville, the Salle des Illustres and the Théâtre du Capitole… Discover its spectacular architecture and anecdote-filled history during free tours of the historic halls, which take place Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 7pm ( please note that the halls will be closed to the public in the event of a ceremony).
5.Stroll through the Forum des Antiquaires
For this activity, you’ll have to resist the temptation to pull out your wallet! But a stroll through the Forum des Antiquaires can really be done just for the pleasure of your eyes! A lively place (especially on Saturdays and Sundays), you’ll find an incalculable variety of different objects! Take a stroll through the aisles of this 1,200 m² hangar, chat with the antique dealers and marvel at the thousands of objects, trinkets and pieces of furniture steeped in history!
6. Take in the stars at the Jolimont Observatory
Located in the observatory gardens (as the name suggests), this atypical site is a must-see at least once in your life! The main building of this astronomical observatory, created in 1733 by Toulousain architect Urbain Vitry, (and the three domed buildings that make it up) are listed as historic monuments. Open to the public every Friday evening(except conference evenings, which take place once a month), you can visit the observatory free of charge from 9.30pm for an evening with your head in the stars!
7. Discover the metro’s works of art for free
In addition to the common look of the stations (white walls, grey ceilings, pink granite entrances), Tisséo has decided to bring art to the metro by decorating each station with a permanent work of art. As a result, 39 works of art can be seen from stop to stop in the 38 stations of the Toulouse metro. At Jolimont, for example, fragments of vanished images resembling stained-glass windows populate the station. At Argoulets, a hanging garden seems to float ten metres above the ground, while at François Verdier, an immense tree with multiple mouldings and engravings takes refuge under the staircase. But Barrière-de-Paris is undoubtedly the most impressive: its gigantic steel rods reach a height of 25 metres!
8. Enjoy an (almost) free movie at Mama Shelter
Normally, when you go to Mama Shelter, it’s to enjoy its incredible rooftop or for a delicious dinner with friends or loved ones. Well, this trendy spot in Toulouse is also home to a cinema. Beautifully named CinéMama, this 45-seat cinema has a surprise in store for you! From Sunday to Wednesday at 10pm, guests of the restaurant and hotel can enjoy cult films free of charge. The only condition is that you have paid for a good dinner before you can see a film for free.
9. Enjoy a free game night at Ludotines
Every second Saturday of the month, from 8pm to midnight, the Ludotines toy library welcomes you for a free game night. Located at number 8 impasse Saint-Aubin, Toulouse, this playful space offers a variety of board games and play experiences. Open to people aged between 12 and 99, these evenings are the perfect opportunity to spend a good evening without spending a penny!
10. Visit the Espace EDF Bazacle, one of Toulouse’s most original free activities
Overlooking the Garonne, the 2,000 m²Espace EDF Bazacle is dedicated to knowledge of the hydroelectric industry, historical heritage, local culture, scientific education and the biodiversity of the Garonne. A hydroelectric power station in operation since 1888, it is also a museum offering free 45-minute guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm, for the curious who want to know more about energy and biodiversity.
11. Free admission to Toulouse museums on the 1st Sunday of the month
Culture lovers know it! Since the late 1990s, museums have been free to all on the 1st Sunday of the month. The city of Toulouse is no exception to this rule, opening the doors of its most prestigious museums to you free of charge. Here’s a list of places you can visit for free.
12. Enjoy free concertsat the Saint-Pierre des Cuisines auditorium
Located on rue de la Boule – next to Place Saint-Pierre – the Saint-Pierre des Cuisines auditorium was once a church. Today, this cultural venue with its unrivalled acoustics hosts numerous concerts. Most are ticketed, but some are free! So keep an eye on the program and try to find places to listen to music without paying!