tour sur toulouse

16 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Toulouse

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively.

Toulouse is at the heart of sultry southwestern France not far from the border with Spain. The balmy climate, cultural and historical attractions, and friendly locals give Toulouse an inviting ambience.

In the early morning and late afternoon, the rosy-toned brick buildings of Toulouse have a special glow, earning the city its title, La Ville Rose (the Pink City).

With a small-town feel and laid-back vibe, Toulouse is a relaxing place to visit despite being a major industrial city. In this part of the country, people speak slowly with drawn-out vowels, just as they linger over coffee at outdoor cafés and dawdle in the town squares. For tourists learning French, this is the perfect place to practice.

A great way to begin a sightseeing tour of Toulouse is by journeying back in time to the era of medieval pilgrimages at the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin. Next, visitors can explore a 13th-century convent exemplifying Southern Gothic style, or spend time walking around the Place du Capitole, lined with red-brick architectural landmarks.

Toulouse is renowned for its archaeology and fine arts museums, as well as its local culture. Enjoying the douceur de vivre (good life) at the sunny terraces of outdoor cafés and savoring the regional cuisine are popular things to do here.

Visitors should be sure to sample the hearty specialties, like cassoulet (meat and bean stew) and duck pâté, and also save room for dessert. Traditional sweets from Toulouse include Gâteau du Fénétra , a tart made with apricots, candied lemons, and almond meringue; and crystallized violet candies.

Discover the best places to visit with this list of the top attractions and things to do in Toulouse.

See also: Where to Stay in Toulouse

1. Basilique Saint-Sernin

2. couvent des jacobins, 3. place du capitole, 4. fondation bemberg: museum of fine arts and decorative arts, 5. musée saint-raymond (musée d'archéologie de toulouse), 6. cathédrale saint-etienne, 7. les abattoirs, musée - frac occitanie toulouse (museum of modern and contemporary art), 8. musée paul-dupuy (musée des arts précieux), 9. chapelle des carmélites, 10. canal du midi, 11. carcassonne, 13. cordes-sur-ciel, 14. moissac, 15. montauban, 16. musée des augustins (musée des beaux-arts de toulouse), where to stay in toulouse for sightseeing.

The UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin is one of the most important churches on the "Chemin Saint Jacques" medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Built in the 11th to 13th centuries, this impressive basilica ranks as the largest Romanesque church in Europe still in existence.

Constructed from the red bricks typical of Toulouse, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin has a façade adorned with a magnificent doorway and intricate sculptures such as King David and the Apostles.

Typical of Romanesque architecture, the interior features a five-aisled barrel-vaulted nave and three-aisled transept. The grandiose sanctuary reveals a somber and serene ambience. Highlights of the interior include hundreds of richly carved Romanesque capitals and the elegant central apse surrounded by chapels.

The crypt contains numerous precious relics. A treasure of this collection is a reliquary that houses a relic of the True Cross. The Basilica's six-story clock tower has an octagonal shape commonly found in churches of the Languedoc region .

The church is dedicated to Saint Saturninus, the first bishop of Toulouse who was martyred in the year 250. Every year on the 29th of November, the Fête de Saint Saturnin is celebrated with a Mass at the saint's tomb in the basilica and a procession of the saint's relics.

Address: Place Saint-Sernin, Toulouse

Built in 1229, the Couvent des Jacobins was founded as a Dominican monastery. This stellar example of Southern Gothic architecture was constructed entirely from the red bricks of Toulouse and has a similar tower as the Basilique Saint-Sernin.

The massive and austere exterior contrasts with the delicate interior architecture. Inside the convent's church, the two-aisled nave features inspiring vaulting, with the famous palm-frond shaped ribs radiating from seven central piers in the choir.

There is a chapel dedicated to Saint Antonin, which is decorated with a series of 14th-century mural paintings. The church also possesses relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas .

The most tranquil area of the convent is the cloister, an inspiring space of arched colonnades created in 1307. Throughout the year, the convent presents exhibitions in the refectory.

Tourists may visit the convent Tuesday through Sunday (from 10am until 6pm) year-round. Entrance requires an admission fee. Guided tours are available in English, French, and Spanish. Game tours are available with an English-language digital tablet.

The Couvent des Jacobins also hosts cultural events and thematic expositions throughout the year.

Address: Rue Lakanal, Parvis des Jacobins, Toulouse

The hub of Toulouse life is the bustling Place du Capitole. This town square showcases the classic architecture of Toulouse. On the west side of the square, there are beautiful arcades. On the east side of the square is Le Capitole building.

Le Capitole was named after the old chapter of Magistrates ( Capitouls ) who met in this area as far back as the 12th century. Today, Le Capitole houses the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Théâtre du Capitole (Opera House).

Exemplifying Neoclassical architecture of the 18th century, Le Capitole is distinguished by its red-brick façade featuring numerous rows of limestone columns. Above the entrance doors are eight immense columns of pink marble.

The most spectacular room of Le Capitole is the Salle des Illustres , with its ceiling paintings and marble statues, inspired by the Farnese Gallery in Rome. The room's gilded moldings and enormous windows resemble those of the Galerie des Glaces at the Château de Versailles .

When to Go: Le Capitole is open to the public for visits Monday through Friday (from 8:30am until 7pm) and on Sundays (from 10am until 7pm). The monument is closed on Saturdays, during receptions, and on December 25th and January 1st. Admission is free; guided tours are available.

Just behind Le Capitole is the city's old Donjon, which is now the Tourist Information Center .

Two noteworthy restaurants nearby include the Brasserie de l'Opéra , a traditional brasserie that serves authentic regional cuisine; and Le Bibent , a gastronomic restaurant/tea salon in an elegant dining room that dates to 1843.

To further discover the historic center of Toulouse, continue south of the Place du Capitole to arrive at the Vieux Quartier (Old Town). This medieval quarter has many charming pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafés, especially the Rue Saint-Rome and Rue des Changes. The Musée du Vieux Toulouse presents historical exhibits in a Renaissance mansion.

The outstanding Fondation Bemberg , a museum of fine arts and decorative arts, is housed in the Hôtel d'Assézat, an opulent Renaissance-era hôtel particulier (mansion) on the Rue de Metz. The Hôtel d'Assézat was built in the 16th century for the Capitoul Pierre d'Assézat, who made his fortune from producing plant dye (an important industry at the time).

A unique architectural feature of the building is the courtyard, with its ornate sculptural details and arcaded loggia. The Hôtel d'Assézat has been restored and beautifully displays the collections of the Fondation Bemberg, including 16th- and 18th-century Venetian paintings; 18th-century French paintings; Renaissance portraits, religious paintings, and bronze sculptures; and royal book bindings.

Highlights of the painting collection are the Mother and Child compositions by celebrated Renaissance artists Adriaen Isenbrant and Rogier van der Weyden, and the exquisite Rococo paintings by François Boucher. Also noteworthy are the Impressionist pieces by Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Camille Pissarro; and Post-Impressionists works by Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard, André Derain, and Louis Valtat.

The building's loggia features a tearoom, which is open from April through October.

Address: Hôtel d'Assézat, Place d'Assézat, Toulouse

Opposite the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the Musée Saint-Raymond displays an extensive collection of Roman antiquities. The museum is housed in a medieval university building (dating to 1523), which is a listed Historical Monument.

The collection covers archaeological discoveries from the ancient Roman city of Tolosa and the surrounding province of Narbonne. The antiquities date from the Roman era to the Early Middle Ages. A highlight of the museum is the gallery of ancient Roman sculptures, including busts of Roman emperors, mythological-themed pieces, and Roman portraits found at the Villa Chiragan; this remarkable 700-piece collection is on par with the antiquities of the Louvre in Paris .

After viewing the collections, visitors may take a stroll through the museum's Garden of Antiquities . Planted with laurels, cypresses, vines, and olive trees, the garden is designed to evoke a classical Roman landscape. The garden has a café with terrace seating, where visitors can enjoy refreshing cold drinks, coffee, or snacks.

When to Go: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. Closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Admission is free of charge on the first Sunday of every month.

A blend of architectural styles, the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne was constructed over five centuries, explaining the disunity of its design features. The original Romanesque church was progressively altered with various Gothic elements. The result is an eclectic monument that reveals a somewhat unbalanced look.

When it was built at the end of the 12th century, the cathedral's 19-meter-wide nave was the widest vaulted structure of its kind in Europe. The wide, Southern Gothic nave is called a "Raymondine." The cathedral was later transformed in the Northern Gothic style to rival the great cathedrals of Northern Europe.

Besides its massive tower, the cathedral has elaborate decorative elements. Splendid stained-glass windows, especially the large rose window, allow ethereal light to filter into the sanctuary. Also worth exploring are the cathedral's ornately adorned chapels and the beautiful tapestries from the 16th to 18th centuries.

For centuries, choir organ music has been an important tradition in Toulouse. The cathedral's grandiose 17th-century organ carries on this heritage. The organ delights audiences with ethereal sounds during the annual Toulouse les Orgues (Toulouse International Organ Festival) concerts in October. Festival concerts take place at the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, the Basilique Saint-Sernin, and at several other venues in Toulouse.

Address: Place Saint Etienne, Toulouse

With a collection of nearly 4,000 works, Les Abattoirs museum brings together paintings, photographs, drawings, and graphic works along with a small group of sculptures. The collection focuses on art created since the 1950s, including Art Brut and other avant-garde contemporary pieces.

The permanent collection represents the works of more than 700 artists. Some of the renowned works include paintings by Jean Dubuffet, Marcel Duchamp, and Victor Vasarely, as well as photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe.

One of the most impressive pieces at the museum is Picasso's painting titled La Dépouille du Minotaure en Costume d'Arlequin ( The Remains of Minotaur in a Harlequin Costume ) created in 1936. This enormous floor-to-ceiling painting measures 13 meters wide by eight meters high.

For a relaxing outdoor experience, visitors can take a stroll through the museum's open-air sculpture exhibit in the courtyard and then enjoy refreshments or a light meal at the restaurant/tea room, which has pleasant terrace seating at shaded tables.

Les Abattoirs has a library and a gift shop that sells books, postcards, posters, and souvenirs. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and conferences throughout the year.

When to Go: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Guided tours are available (for an additional fee) on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.

Address: 76 Allées Charles de Fitte, Toulouse

The unique Musée Paul-Dupuy (Musée des Arts Précieux) occupies the Hôtel Besson, a beautifully restored historic mansion. The museum's collection displays decorative arts and graphic arts dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, including antique enamels, textiles, regional ceramic faïences, and wooden sculptures. The exhibit of watches and automation is especially interesting.

One room of the museum displays an actual 17th-century Jesuit chemists' apothecary shop, complete with wooden cabinets and antique medicine jars. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Near the museum (just a few steps away) is a locals' favorite café, Hayuco Coffee Roasters , which creates superb artisanal espresso, brewed coffee, and frothy cups of cappuccino. Hayuco sources, imports, and roasts their own coffee beans. This casual café started a new trend in Toulouse: specialty coffee.

Address: 13 Rue de la Pleau, Toulouse

Considered a masterpiece of Baroque art, this 17th-century chapel was originally founded by Louis XIII and Anne of Austria in 1622 for the Carmelite convent. Although the convent was destroyed during the French Revolution, the chapel and its exquisite religious painting were spared.

The chapel's wall paintings and murals by Jean-Pierre Rivals and Jean-Baptiste Despax have been well preserved. Visitors can admire Jean-Pierre Rival's breathtaking ceiling paintings, filled with angels and cherubs, inspired by the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The chapel's artwork was begun by Rivals and completed by Despax.

The Chapelle des Carmélites is open to the public for visits Wednesday through Sunday (from 10am until 7pm) year-round. The monument is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Entry is free, except when classical music performances are held here.

Address: 1 Rue de Périgord, Toulouse

The Canal du Midi was originally built as a shortcut between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This 240-kilometer-long canal was designed in 1667. This was a huge undertaking that took ten years and 12,000 workers to complete.

The canal runs from the city of Toulouse down to the Mediterranean port of Sète near Marseille . The paths along the banks of the Canal du Midi in Toulouse are used by cyclists and pedestrians.

For tourists, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Toulouse is strolling along the shaded canal-side path . It's a great way to take in the scenery and enjoy the city's relaxing ambience.

One of the most popular places to visit in southern France , Carcassonne (91 kilometers from Toulon ) is a perfectly preserved medieval fortified city. Viewed from a distance, the grandiose crenellated ramparts and turreted watch towers give Carcassonne a fairy-tale look.

Visitors feel transported to the Middle Ages upon entering the town gates into the Cité de Carcassonne (La Cité). Narrow cobblestone streets and winding alleyways lead to another world, where almost every building, monument, and shopfront reveal the character of centuries past.

Tourists will enjoy wandering through this open-air museum, soaking up the old-world ambience and admiring the marvelous Gothic architecture.

Noteworthy sights include the Château Comtal de Carcassonne (Count's Castle) and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse , renowned for its outstanding stained-glass windows.

An exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site , Carcassonne is a worthwhile day trip destination from Toulouse , about a one-hour drive, and only 45 minutes away from Toulouse by train.

This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Tarn River about 80 kilometers north of Toulouse. An important medieval episcopal city, Albi is graced by an impressive fortress-like cathedral.

Constructed between 1282 and 1480, the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile is the largest cathedral built of brick in the world and is one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in southern France. With its enormous size of 113 meters in length by 35 meters in width, the cathedral dominates the town. The vaulted nave reaches a height of 30 meters, while the bell tower soars to 78 meters.

Awe-inspiring in its spaciousness, the cathedral's interior has a stunning azure-painted ceiling and multiple Renaissance-era chapels. The cathedral's most important work of art is the 15th-century Last Judgment fresco that covers an entire wall. Also not to be missed is the Rood Screen, decorated with hundreds of statues carved by " Bourguignons de Cluny " stone masons.

The cathedral also boasts a beautiful organ, designed by Christophe Moucherel, which is used for organ concerts (free of charge) held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons in July and August.

Another top attraction in Albi is the Palais de la Berbie , which stands above the Tarn River to the north of the cathedral. "Berbie" derives from the word bisbia, meaning "bishop." This former Archbishop's Palace (Episcopal Palace) is surrounded by exquisite formal French gardens. From the outdoor terraces, there are splendid views of the Tarn Valley and the graceful old bridge spanning the river.

The monumental palace now houses the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec , dedicated to the famous Albi-born artist. This museum displays Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's pictures, drawings, and lithographs, and most notably, 31 of his famous posters. This assortment is the most important public collection of Toulouse-Lautrec's work in the world. The collection also features works by Toulouse-Lautrec's contemporaries, including Degas, Rodin, Matisse, Maillol, and Rouault.

Perched on a hilltop 25 kilometers northwest of Albi is the picturesque village of Cordes-sur-Ciel (which translates to "Cordes in the Sky" because of its elevated position). This tiny walled medieval town boasts a gorgeous setting and many architectural treasures. Thanks to its charms, the village was chosen as a Village Préféré des Français (France's Favorite Village) in 2014.

Founded by the Count of Toulouse in 1222, the village has characteristic towers; cobblestone streets; a medieval market hall; and numerous 13th- and 14th-century buildings, including Gothic mansions built by wealthy 13th-century merchants.

Wandering through the narrow lanes of Cordes-sur-Ciel is a delightful experience. Tourists can visit artisan shops and small boutiques, as well as several museums, including the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain and the dazzling Musée des Arts du Sucre et du Chocolat (Museum of Sugar and Chocolate Arts) created in 1989 by acclaimed chocolatier Yves Thuriès, who is distinguished as a Meilleur Ouvrier de France .

The town is also famous for its specialty of croquants aux amandes (crunchy cookies made with toasted almonds). These crispy and enticing treats are also known as Croquants de Cordes , taking their name directly from Cordes-sur-Ciel.

During the Middle Ages, devout pilgrims stopped in Moissac on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain . In Moissac, pilgrims visited the Abbaye Saint-Pierre to venerate the relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The Eglise Abbatiale (Abbey Church) features a richly decorated Romanesque façade that is considered the finest in southern France. Equally exquisite inside, the Abbey Church has an awe-inspiring high-vaulted sanctuary, with architectural vestiges dating back to the Carolingian era. The Abbey Church is open to the public for visits, free of charge, every day year-round. Religious services are held at the church twice daily.

The crown jewel of the Abbaye Saint-Pierre is the Cloître de Moissac , an amazingly well-preserved 11th-century cloister. This UNESCO-listed monument is renowned for its intricate artistic details. Concealed within the cloister's ornately sculpted capitals are images of foliage, palmettes, birds, fish, angels, biblical figures, saints, crusaders, and evangelists. Admission to the cloister requires a fee.

From the cloister, visitors can access the Chapelle Saint-Michael . This chapel features astounding architecture. Its spherical vaulting supported by 12 columns represents heavenly Jerusalem.

The Abbaye Saint-Pierre is also home to the Centre of Romanesque Art Marcel Durliat, a library which contains illuminated manuscripts of the 11th and 12th centuries. The center is open by appointment only.

Next to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, the Maison des Pèlerins (Pilgrims' House) provides a gathering place and lockers for pilgrims. The Maison des Pèlerins is open from May through September, although it does not offer overnight accommodations.

The Palais Abbatial (4 Rue de l'Abbaye), the former residence of the Abbot, now houses the Musée Marguerite Vidal (Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires), which presents a collection of ethnography that focuses on local arts and traditions.

After visiting the sites, visitors can soak up the town's pleasant ambience by taking a stroll along the Deux Mers , a meandering tree-lined path that follows the banks of the canal.

The town of Moissac is located about 71 kilometers from Toulouse, on a canal of the Garonne and Tarn rivers, in a beautiful landscape of orchards and vine-covered hills.

About 54 kilometers from Toulouse, Montauban enjoys a picturesque setting on the Tarn River and has a rich cultural heritage. The 18th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame contains an exceptional painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique titled Le Voeu de Louis XIII ( The Vow of Louis XIII ).

The town has an entire museum dedicated to Ingres, the Musée Ingres Bourdelle (19 Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville), in the former Bishop's Palace that was built in the 17th century. This collection includes more than 4,000 drawings by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, as well as sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle; paintings by Old Masters, such as Nicolas Poussin and Jean-Honoré Fragonard; and masterpieces by 19th-century artists like Eugène Delacroix and Théodore Géricault.

The Musée Ingres Bourdelle also has a salon de thé (tea salon), Chez Madeleine , that serves artisanal pastries created by local pâtissiers (pastry chefs). The tea salon includes a boutique that sells books and souvenirs.

Visitors should also take time to admire the town's arcaded 18th-century square, the Place Nationale, and the 14th-15th-century Eglise Saint-Jacques . For a good photo-op of Montauban's cityscape and surrounding views, head to the 14th-century fortified bridge.

Note: The Musée des Augustins (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Toulouse) is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2025 .

The Musée des Augustins (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Toulouse) is a must-see cultural attraction for art lovers. The museum presents an overview of Western art, spanning the centuries from the medieval period until the early 20th century. With more than 4,000 items in its collections, the museum boasts a diverse and comprehensive catalog of fine arts. The French Ministry of Culture has classified this museum with the prestigious Musée de France label.

The museum's galleries occupy a former Augustins Convent that was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. This Historical Monument is considered a gem of Southern Gothic architecture. Not to be missed is the cloister with its rows of marble columns featuring delicately carved capitals.

The monastery's church now displays a collection of 17th-century religious paintings; among the highlights are paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Nicolas Tournier, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. The 18th-century and 19th-century collections are also noteworthy, especially for the paintings by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, Eugène Delacroix, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Among the museum's most prized treasures is the assortment of Romanesque sculptures. This one-of-a-kind collection contains architectural remnants from three Romanesque buildings in Toulouse: the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the 12th-century Monastère de la Daurade, and the 11th-century Cathédrale Saint-Etienne. On display are intricately sculpted capitals and precious sculptures such as a 13th-century Archangel statue.

Visitors should take their time admiring the extensive art collections while discovering the historic building, with its graceful architecture featuring a monumental stairway and spacious, sunlit rooms.

Address: 21 Rue de Metz, Toulouse

Happily, for anyone planning a trip to Toulouse, its top attractions are within a compact area in the central city, extending south from the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin to the landmarks around Place du Capitole and beyond to the cathedral. Within this area are the traffic-free streets of the Vieux Quartier, the charming medieval quarter. These highly rated hotels in Toulouse are well located for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• The sleek modern Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas is on the banks of the Canal du Midi about a 20-minute walk from the Basilique Saint-Sernin. Its private parking lot is a boon for drivers. This five-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge, a trendy "bistronomic" restaurant, and a fitness center.
• The Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra occupies a renovated 17th-century convent in the historic center of Toulouse on the Place du Capitole (the city's main square). Guest rooms feature refined decor and modern amenities. This four-star boutique hotel include a brasserie, gastronomic restaurant, 24-hour front reception desk, room service, and valet parking.
• Steps away from the Place du Capitole and a short walk to the basilique Saint-Sernin, the four-star Le Grand Balcon is a historic hotel from the 1930s, which has been redesigned in an elegant modern style. The spacious guest rooms feature Nespresso coffee machines and L'Occitane toiletries. Amenities include a 24-hour front reception desk and concierge.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the Place du Capitole, the three-star Hôtel Albert 1er offers a variety of accommodations, from decent-sized "economy" rooms to spacious "superior" rooms and triple-bed rooms or suites for families. Guests love the hotel's buffet breakfasts featuring local organic foods (including locally roasted specialty coffee, homemade cakes, seasonal fruit from the farmers' market, fresh-squeezed fruit juice, and artisanal jams). The hotel also offers a concierge, room service, chauffeur service, and bicycle rentals.
• The chic Hôtel des Arts is in a pedestrianized area between Place du Capitole and the cathedral, and a block from the Musée des Augustins. This three-star hotel has charming contemporary-style guest rooms. For the breakfast, the hotel serves fresh-squeezed orange juice, homemade yogurt, and pastries from one of the best bakeries in the area.
• A short walk from the Place du Capitole, the four-star Novotel Toulouse Centre Wilson has a fitness center and spa. Guest rooms are decorated in a minimalistic modern style and outfitted with flat-screen televisions and updated bathrooms.

Budget Hotels:

• Another hotel near the Place du Capitole, the charming family-run Hôtel Héliot is found on a quiet street in a convenient central location. The guest rooms are cozy and comfortable and feature modern amenities.
• In the lively Carmes quarter, which is full of restaurants and cafés, the Hôtel Croix-Baragnon is located close to the Place du Capitol, the cathedral, and the Musée des Augustins. Guest rooms are decorated in a cheerful style with bright colors and bold artwork.
• A few blocks from Basilique Saint-Sernin and a 10-minute walk from Place du Capitole, the ibis Toulouse Centre provides compact but stylish guest rooms at affordable prices. This three-star hotel has a 24-hour front reception desk and a café-restaurant.

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Exploring Southwest France : At the heart of Southwest France, Toulouse is surrounded by a bucolic landscape of the Pyrenees Mountains to the south and the rural province of Gascony to the west. In this tranquil countryside, dotted with ancient castles, a favorite tourist destination is the medieval walled city of Carcassonne (about a one-hour drive from Toulouse), considered one of the best places to visit in France .

Highlights of the Languedoc Region : The nearest urban centers, still relatively small towns, are within a two-hour drive away from Toulouse: Narbonne (151 kilometers away) and Perpignan (200 kilometers away) to the east in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, and Pau (200 kilometers away) to the west in the rolling hills of the Béarn region. The lively and cultured city of Montpellier is about a two-hour train ride or three-hour drive from Toulouse.

Bordeaux and the Basque Country : Slightly further afield, but close enough to include on a vacation itinerary, are the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bordeaux (about a 2.5-hour drive), which boasts more than 350 classified historic monuments, and the fashionable seaside resort town of Biarritz (about a 2.5-hour drive) in the Basque County, a region famed for its traditional culture. For those traveling to Toulouse from Paris , the train ride takes about 5.5 hours.

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Toulouse in 1 day – Self-guided walking tour with route map

Visiting Toulouse in 1 day is a real challenge! But when you love your city and want to make people love it, you know how to be imaginative and clever!

I will share with you my way of showing people around the pink city as I show it to my family and friends. And to help you, you will find the Google Maps route to follow on foot to do my tourist circuit of Toulouse.

How to visit Toulouse in 1 day?

In general, I offer my guests a one-day itinerary (very busy) to visit most of Toulouse with the most emblematic sites.

The ideal is to be able to do everything on foot to pass through the small streets and not miss some beautiful nuggets. It is impossible to do the guided tours of the different sites on this circuit because, even if they are interesting, they would take too long and would not allow you to complete the circuit.

Thus, the great monuments: We pass there, we visit them quickly (with a good Lonely Planet guide is better), we take some photos and we continue the circuit!

Visit Toulouse in 1 day – Program of the day

Here are my two circuits which allow you to visit Toulouse on foot. These two circuits each make a loop which starts from the Capitol Square  and comes back to the Place du Capitole.

Thus, we can plan a tour in the morning and another tour in the afternoon with a lunch break around Place du Capitole.

Toulouse in 1 day – Morning walking tour

Click on "More options" in the map to follow the GPS

Start with Le Capitole and its beautiful square

From your hotel, take Metro Line A ( Capitole stop ).

This square is the emblem of Toulouse . This is where the people of Toulouse come together to celebrate their major events. On the floor of the square, you can admire the symbol of our region: the occitan cross . Raymond Moretti, a contemporary artist, designed it just like the 29 frescoes of Arcades around the Place du Capitole . Each painting evokes a great event in the history of Toulouse and its region.

La Capitol Square is full of charm because it is surrounded by buildings with pink brick facades.

The Capitol , splendid architectural building neoclassical throne in the best place. You can quickly visit, inside the Capitol, the Henri-IV court and the superb paintings in the Gervais, Henri-Martin and of the Illustrious (on the 1st floor).

Join the Saint-Sernin Basilica

Continue my tour by taking the rue du Taur to go to Basilica of Saint-Sernin . As you walk down the street you will be able to see the church Notre-Dame-du-Taur .

You will have to turn right into the rue de Perigord if you want to contemplate the Carmelite Chapel .

Then, return to the rue du Taur to join and visit the Basilica of Saint Sernin . This basilica, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Romanesque building in France. It is dedicated to Sernin (or Saturnin) who was the first bishop of Toulouse.

Walk the streets of old Toulouse

To continue my itinerary on foot, you have to take the rue du Taur , rue de l'Esquile , Then Rue des Penitents-Gris . On the right, in the Rue du College-de-Foix then turn left on Deville Street . Continue by Lakanal Street which leads directly to Jacobins (flagship of southern Gothic art).

Go see the Jacobins

Composed of several buildings (church, cloister and convent), the Jacobins were built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries to house the members of the Order of Saint Dominic, the Dominicans. The relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas are kept there.

And end the morning at the Hôtel de Bernuy

Go back to the Lakanal Street , to the right and admire, in the rue Gambetta, the grand mansion: the Bernuy hotel. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century at the time of the glory of Pastel which made the wealth and the fame of Toulouse!

Now is the time to take a lunch break… Back to the Place du Capitole!

My good restaurant plan in Toulouse

It is on the famous Capitol Square that is the  Le Bibent café-restaurant.

I advise you to go there not only for its chef Christian CONSTANT but above all for its colorful neo-baroque interior decoration (listed as a historic monument). This restaurant is a place to eat but above all a place to visit!

Toulouse in 1 day – Afternoon walking tour

Hôtel d'Assézat and the Bemberg Foundation

From the almost complete Capitol Square , take rue Gambetta, follow on rue Peyrolières, rue Sainte Ursule, rue de la Bourse and rue Jean Suau.

Thus, you will pass through charming little streets of Toulouse to reach the Assézat hotel.  This beautiful XNUMXth century mansion is located at the end of rue de l'Echarpe. The  Fondation Bemberg is housed within its walls and offers a small collection of impressionist paintings.

Trinity Square

It's one of my favorite places in Toulouse. To get there, you will have to continue on the merchants street and go to the Trinity Square.  Admire the  house of the Caryatids and its XNUMXth century fountain.

Continue the circuit by taking the rue des Tourneurs , Place Rouaix and the street Croix Baragnon which leads to the Place Saint Etienne . If you are hungry, take a break to enjoy a pastry at Conté ...

Saint Etienne cathedral

Discover and take a tour of  the Saint-Etienne cathedral.  With a mix of architectural styles, this incredible cathedral brings together mainly two Gothic styles: the massive and mighty Southern Gothic and the slender and luminous Northern Gothic.

End of the Augustins circuit

Take the rue de Metz again to reach the Augustinians.

Here is the last essential site of my circuit: the  Augustins museum and its cloister.  Originally, it was a convent, that of Augustins , built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Today it is the Toulouse Museum of Fine Arts.

Return to Place du Capitole

From the almost complete Metz street , going through the arts street and to the left apple street , you will follow the street of the weight of oil to come back to the Capitol Square . As you pass, you will see the Capitol from behind with its beautiful Dungeon. And there you have it, the circle is complete!

Recommended restaurant in Toulouse

For a successful evening in a cozy and warm atmosphere in the very heart of old Toulouse, I recommend number 5 Wine Bars . Indeed, this bar was elected best wine bar in the world but it is also a great restaurant . See my article: The best wine bar in the world is in Toulouse!

After this beautiful, busy day and a surely unforgettable evening, return to your hotel. And if you don't know where to stay, here is my selection of nice hotels in the center of Toulouse.

Where to stay to visit Toulouse on foot?

• Le Grand Balcon – 8-10 Rue Romiguieres, Toulouse

Very well placed in the Toulouse historic center (100 m from the Capitol), this 4-star hotel is superbly decorated in the 30s style with a blend of tradition and modernity.

Its location allows you to visit the city center of Toulouse but also all the other tourist sites of Toulouse because it is barely a 3-minute walk from the metro.

See this hotel on Booking

• Mercure Toulouse Saint-Georges hotel

Its location is also very interesting! It is ideal for visiting Toulouse and its historic center. Indeed, it is only 50 m from Place Wilson, 300 m from Place du Capitole and 100 meters from the Jean-Jaurès metro station.

The hotel which has recently been completely renovated and offers a small swimming pool which is very welcome in summer!

The circuit that I have just presented to you is perfect for discovering the essential of Toulouse but it is far from complete. A single day is not enough to discover all the riches and curiosities of my city and even less to feel its “Iberian” atmosphere and its warm and festive atmosphere. This is why I suggest you discover my circuit: Visit Toulouse in 2 days.

Perhaps you prefer to visit the surroundings of Toulouse? So why not a original road trip in Occitania from Toulouse or a circuit around the Bastides of Tarn or leave 1 hour from Toulouse for visit Albi !

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Hello, Having to stay for a veek-end in Toulouse at the end of July, I appreciated the magnificent explanation of the highlights of the city. Everything is precise. I can see myself already! Your recommendations are very valuable. A big thank-you.

Oh I wish you a very good stay in Toulouse this summer! I hope that Toulouse will "hope" for you and that you will not have too big a "dodger" as we say at home!

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Thanks for your advices. Very good route to discover the essentials of Toulouse in one day. A +++ for the Bemberg collection: Exceptional collection of paintings in a magnificent place with not too many people! This trip through the small streets of Toulouse was very pleasant, the opportunity to meet very nice Toulouse residents and very good stops for lunch. Want to come back!

Thank you for this positive feedback! Want to come back? Do not hesitate because there are plenty of little treasures and good restaurants to discover around Toulouse. I will soon prepare an article to propose a circuit in Occitania. Hope to see you again on my site and in my beautiful region.

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Départ du CityTour : 2 rue du Poids de l'Huile (à côté du Capitole)

Toulouse Welcome

Want to discover Toulouse and its surroundings ? Our incoming agency, Toulouse Welcome – City Tour, offers activities tailored to your needs: visiting Toulouse by convertible bus and also coach excursions to Albi & Cordes sur Ciel or Carcassonne and the Chateau Comtal !

Our activities

Elected fourth most beautiful city of France and nicknamed “The pink city” since decades, Toulouse is waiting to make discover you his incredible richness culture and architecture .

Well known in Toulouse since 2013, The City Tour makes you discover “The pink city” on bord of a cabriolet panoramic bus. 1h20 of visit to discover the mains sites and monuments of the city thanks to audio-guides availables in 8 languages.

But also, the City Tour Sud-Ouest (Albi & Cordes sur Ciel or Carcassonne and the Chateau Comtal) : Coach excursions that will allow you to visit and appreciate some of the hidden treasures of the region !

Take a seat aboard our convertible minibus to discover the main historical sites and monuments of the “Pink City” 1h10 visit!

Discover the wealth and heritage of South-West France for a day from Toulouse: Albi & Cordes sur Ciel or Carcassonne and the Chateau Comtal !

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You have no more excuses! Getting to Toulouse is very easy. Toulouse airport is ranked the fifth largest in France, which is explained by the international development and low-cost airlines. And [...]

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For all bookings and informations , do not hesitate to directly contact Toulouse Welcome team or to use the contact formular below !

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Toulouse Welcome – CityTour is a receptive agency for visiting Toulouse and its region.

• – CityTour Toulouse : tour of Toulouse by convertible bus with an audio guide
• – CityTour South West : day trips to Albi & Cordes or Carcassonne
• – Walking Tour Toulouse : application to visit Toulouse on foot with an audio guide

7 Best Toulouse Tours to Check Out in 2023

One of the best ways to explore the charming city of Toulouse is with a knowledgeable guide. From exploring its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture to sampling locally produced goods, there are so many awesome Toulouse tours worth checking out.

To help you easily find the experience that suits you best, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the 7 best Toulouse tours. And along with detailed information regarding each tour, I’ve also included extra tips about visiting the city so you’ll be able to maximize your time!

🍷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Toulouse Tour

Marché Victor Hugo Small-Group Food Tour — Embark on a gastronomic journey full of food and wine through the city’s largest food market on this 3.5-hour tour with a passionate guide!

Table of Contents

7 best toulouse tours (2023), toulouse tours comparison, how much do toulouse tours cost, tips for planning your tour in toulouse, where to stay in toulouse, toulouse tours: faq, wrap-up: 7 best toulouse tours (2023).

Below you’ll find the best tours in Toulouse, ranging from food and wine tours to sightseeing and day tours that take you to small towns outside of Toulouse!

🇳🇴 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and would rather get a quick overview of the tours I’ll talk about, click here . It will take you to a little table I made that summarizes the 7 best Toulouse tours.

food tour toulouse

1. marché victor hugo small-group food tour.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3.5 hours

The  Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour includes:

• Exploring Victor Hugo Market with English speaking guide
• Learning the background and origins of several local products
• Sampling the local foods & enjoy a couple of wine tastings
• Chatting with the local market vendors
• Small group tour limited to 8 guests

🥖 Love familiarizing yourself with a city by way of food? This super popular food tour takes you through the Victor Hugo Market, which is Toulouse’s largest food market! Over 3.5 hours, you’ll get to explore the various stalls and learn about and sample the local cuisine, such as wine, cheese, and French bread! And to ensure you remember everything and can share a bit of the experience with your loved ones back home, you’ll also receive a personalized email recap of the tour! So, if you want to gain a genuine insight into the local culinary scene of Toulouse and sample some tasty food, this Toulouse food tour is a lovely choice!

“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I loved learning about food sourcing and relationship of the food to the land and the growing seasons” – Sharon J. ( See More Reviews )

wine tours from Toulouse

2. explore toulouse wine bars with a local wine expert.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  2.5 hours

The  Toulouse Wine Bars Tour includes:

• Visiting 2 – 3 of the best wine bars in Toulouse’s city center
• Enjoying several wine tastings while snacking on local foods
• Learning proper French wine-tasting techniques
• Trying new grape varietals

🍷 Eager to try the famous French wine? Make the most of your limited time in the city with this highly-rated wine tour from Toulouse! During the 2.5-hour experience, you’ll walk along the winding streets of Toulouse, visiting several intimate wine bars and learning about the wines of the southwest France region. And to complement your wine-tasting experience, you’ll snack on some fresh charcuterie and cheese, which is the perfect accompaniment to any French wine. Thus, if you’re interested in a lovely night out, sipping on regional wines, and immersing yourself in the local nightlife, this is a tour to consider!

“Jessica is a well informed wine guide who is happy to answer questions. This tour is a good way not only to understand more about French wines, but also to understand the very French culture surrounding food and wine. Recommended 100%” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

Toulouse sightseeing tours

3. the essential of toulouse by bike.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The  Essential of Toulouse Bike Tour includes:

• Biking along the banks of the Garonne & Toulouse’s oldest bridge
• Visiting some of the historic squares within downtown Toulouse
• Seeing the Saint-Etienne cathedral, an architectural marvel
• Learning the story behind the iconic Le Capitole building
• Stopping at 2 UNESCO world heritage sites
• Can accommodate up to 6 guests

🚴‍♀️ Keen on exploring Toulouse without tens of thousands of steps? Discover the many historical landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and history of the famed pink city by way of bike on this 3-hour Toulouse sightseeing tour! You’ll get to comfortably cycle around the city with a professional guide, passing by crowd-favorite attractions such as the Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin, France’s largest Romanesque church! So, if you’re ready for an immersive experience while learning about the rich history and cultural importance behind Toulouse many famous sites, don’t miss out on this fantastic bike tour.

“It was very easy to cover a lot of ground – much better than walking. I learned so much about the city from my guide, and his enthusiasm for history and architecture was infectious.” – Catherine M. ( See More Reviews )

Toulouse Walking Tour

4. unusual guided tour toulouse in the age of enlightenment.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1.5 hours

The  Toulouse in the Age of Enlightenment Tour includes:

• Learn the fascinating history of Toulouse’s wealthy Saint Etienne district
• Hear stories & gossip of Toulouse’s aristocrats during the 18th century
• Walking inside the Saint Etienne cathedral
• Wander through Place Saint-Etienne
• Tour guide dressed in period costume
• NOTE: This tour is only offered in French!! (I speak a bit of French, so I figured I’d include it for any fellow French-speaking people!)

📜 Are you a French-speaking history buff? During this 1.5-hour Toulouse walking tour, you’ll make your way through the Saint-Etienne district, which is filled with several of the city’s most historic landmarks. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Saint-Etienne cathedral up close and admire its unique mix of architectural styles. You’ll also visit Griffoul fountain, which is the oldest fountain in Toulouse, and pass by hôtel particuliers, which were mansions built for the aristocrats back in the day. And of course, to enhance the experience, your guide will be dressed in a fun period costume! Therefore, if you’re looking for a unique walking tour of Toulouse and understand French, this is definitely one to check out.

“Original concept, fascinating and passionate guide. You don’t see the time passing and you learn a lot of things, whatever your age.” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

day tours from Toulouse

5. toulouse: carcassonne day trip.

⭐️  RATING : 4.5 out 5 – taken by 80+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1 day

The  Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip includes:

• Round-trip Transportation from Toulouse via Coach
• Departing Toulouse at 9:30 AM for 10:30 AM arrival in Carcassonne
• Exploring the Cité de Carcassonne
• Entrance ticket to Château Comtal
• Depart Carcassonne at 4:30 AM, 5:30 PM arrival in Toulouse
• ❌ guided tour of Carcassonne

🏰 Looking for a nice day trip to see lesser-known areas of France? This is one of the most affordable and popular day tours from Toulouse! During this excursion, you’ll be transported back to medieval times as you wander through the historic Cité de Carcassonne. Although there is no actual guided tour portion, you’ll have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the castle grounds, courtyards, museums, & beautifully preserved ramparts. Afterward, you’ll have time to taste the local food (not included in the price) and explore other sites outside the Cité de Carcassonne at your leisure. So, if you want to visit one of the most well-preserved medieval fortifications in the world, this is a fun tour to do!

“It was a very pleasant visit to Carcassonne, I definitely recommend it. The tour leaves on time, and the meeting place is very convenient to those close to the center of Toulouse” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

6. Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse

⭐️  RATING : 4.9 out 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours

The  Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse includes:

• Discovering the second most famous Catholic pilgrimage site in the world
• Exploring the many sanctuaries of Lourdes at your own pace
• Round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan
• Direct pickup & drop off from your hotel
• Personalized private tour

NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others

⛪️ Want to visit France’s most famous pilgrimage site? Another possible day tour from Toulouse is to Lourdes. This famous Catholic pilgrimage site is located 2 hours away from Toulouse, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains near the border of Spain . Here, you’ll be able to travel along the same path that Bernadette Soubirous is said to have had 18 visions of the Virgin Mary, which were confirmed by the Vatican. Other sites you’ll be able to witness include the Rosary Esplanade, the Crypt and the Immaculate Conception Basilica (where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared), and the underground Saint Pius X Basilica, which can accommodate 25,000 people. Thus, if you’re looking for an easy way to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds this important religious French town , this is a day tour from Toulouse to look into.

“Our guide Pierrick was really nice and punctual. Lourdes was magical, I recommend it. The travel was easy going, the vehicle clean and good maintenance, everything worked well.” – Maria Andrea ( See More Reviews )

7. Albi, Cordes and Gaillac Day Tour From Toulouse

⭐️  RATING : 4.9 out 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour includes:

• Visiting 3 idyllic small towns and villages in Southwestern France
• A guided walk through Albi’s old town & time to explore on your own
• Enjoying a guided walk to the medieval hilltop village of Cordes sur Ciel
• Stopping by a local winery in Gaillac
• Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Toulouse

NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others. Also, the cost of entrance to attractions and wine tastings is not included.

💐 Want to see some of France’s most picturesque towns & villages? On this full-day tour from Toulouse, you’ll have the opportunity to escape the commotion of the city and delve deep into France’s history and culture. For the first stop, you’ll visit Albi, where you’ll be able to explore the red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec museum, and the grounds of Berbie Palace! Afterward, you’ll make your way to Cordes sur Ciel, where you’ll be able to take in the old Market Place, many Renaissance houses, and spectacular views. To cap the day off, your guide will drive to one of the wineries in Gaillac, where you’ll partake in a wine-tasting session!

“Very beautiful villages of Albi and Cordes sur Ciel! It’s really beautiful, a breathtaking view you absolutely have to do it if you come to this area.” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

Need a quick recap? Me too 😅 Here’s a handy little chart I made to help you recall the highlights of each tour.

PRO-TIP: If you’re viewing it on your phone, try turning your phone sideways so you’re reading across the long way. This should increase the readability!

As you would expect, the cost of the tour depends on which tour you select. Some of the tours cost as little as $23 USD per person, whereas the more expensive day tours cost $805 USD. Keep in mind that pricey group tours are the cost for an entire group and that you can go with up to 8 guests. Thus, going even with a group of 4 would bring the cost down to ~$200 USD, which is around the average price of most full day tours.

To ensure you have a wonderful time exploring Toulouse and the surrounding region, here are some things to keep in mind while planning your tour.

• ✅ Book in advance: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer and winter travel season, so try to plan ahead to get the most out of your vacation!
• 📆 Schedule tours early: A great way to gain local knowledge and recommendations that you can use for the rest of your visit is by booking a tour early in your trip! I try to schedule one the second day I’m in a city so I can wine and dine at the best spots and explore the true local hidden gems 🙂
• 🌞 Check the weather: Be sure to dress appropriately for whatever activities you have planned. For example, you may need to bring a raincoat, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
• 🍎 Bring your own food and drinks: Bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks will save you money since most of the tours (minus the food tour and wine tour) don’t include food in the tour price. Plus, you never know when hunger might strike!
• 🚗 Check departure points and times: Make sure to double-check the meeting point for your tour and take into account the time it’ll take you to get there from your housing accommodations.
• 📸 Bring your Camera: Capture the experience and take plenty of pictures so you can share your story with friends and family back home!
• 🤠 Enjoy the experience: Above all else, make sure to relax, have fun, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Occitanie region!

If you’re visiting from out of town, you’re going to need housing accommodations. Here are a few places I recommend checking out based on where I’ve stayed as well as my own outside research! All of these hotels are centrally located within Toulouse and are within a 25-minute walk from the Toulouse Train Station.

Low-Cost Stay

• La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin — hostel I stayed at & loved! | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
• Hôtel Héliot — 3-star hotel with airport shuttle | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Hotel Mercure Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ breakfast, bar, & pool | ⭐️ 8.0 / 10
• Hotel Toulouse Centre Albert 1er — 3-star hotel w/ restaurant | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10

Fancy Stays

• La Cour des Consuls Hôtel & Spa — luxurious 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
• Hotel SOCLO Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ outdoor pool & restaurant | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10

Want to see additional housing options? Feel free to use the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform!

You can also use the interactive map below to find housing. The prices shown reflect current prices. However, you can enter your travel dates and the number of guests to see more accurate prices.

The best tours for avoiding crowds within Toulouse are the Toulouse Wine Bars Tour and the Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike . And for day tours from Toulouse, these two private tours are best for avoiding crowds: Lourdes Day Tour and Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour .

This is subjective, but the Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour , Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike , and Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip are the most popular tours in Toulouse.

Personally, I spent 3 days in Toulouse and loved it! It was the perfect amount of time to explore the city as well as fit in a day trip!

Toulouse is best known for being the capital of France’s Occitanie region. Many people refer to it as “The Pink City,” because you’ll notice many of the buildings have a distinct pink color. This is due to them being constructed out of terra-cotta bricks. In addition to this, Toulouse is known for being home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse. It is also the largest Romanesque Church in France and is quite the architectural beauty!

Yes! I found Toulouse to be extremely walkable as the city is almost completely flat. Literally, the only elevation you’ll find is walking across the bridges and going up and down steps to reach the riverbank…

All in all, a tour of Toulouse is the perfect way to gain an authentic insight into life in the Occitanie region of France. From admiring the timeless beauty of the Basilique Saint-Sernin as you bike through the winding streets to indulging in the local food and regional wines, these tours provide you with so much more insight into the history and culture of the city than you would otherwise receive.

Plus, if you’re like me and looking to see what lies beyond Toulouse, there are some fantastic day trip options. So, be sure to enhance your experience in the pink city by joining one of the fabulous Toulouse Tours!

Read More About France

• Visiting Paris? One of my favorite things to do that I highly recommend everyone do at least once is visit Giverny, a nearby small town in the countryside & see the Paris Opera House .
• Headed to the dreamy French Riviera ? Here’s my ultimate guide for spending a day in the seaside town of Nice ! You’ll get to indulge in the local Niçose delights as well as sip on the regional wines!
• If you want to travel off the beaten path of France and to a more affordable destination than Nice or Paris, consider exploring Biarritz ! It’s a charming town on the western side of France that’s famous for being the surf capital of France

How to Easily Do a Nice to Monaco Day Trip + All to Know

Monaco is famous for being one of the world’s most affluent countries, having beautiful marinas, and colorful buildings. In this post, I’ll explain the best ways to visit get from Nice to Monaco, must-visit spots, and how you can make the most of your limited time there.

5 Best Lyon Wine Tours – All You Need to Know

Surrounded by some of the best vineyards in all of France, Lyon and the surrounding region are known as one of the premier destinations for wine lovers. Thus, anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the region’s amazing flavors and vibrant culture should do a Lyon wine tour!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

Top Attractions in Toulouse France, La Ville Rose

There’s not one great thing but many small, beautiful things that make our city and region special.” — Proprietor, N°5 Wine Bar, Toulouse

Here’s my guide to visiting the beautiful and underrated city of Toulouse in southwest France.

This Toulouse travel guide covers all the top attractions and best things to do and see in Toulouse. You’ll discover the top must visit churches, museums, and landmarks in Toulouse. I also give you must know tips for visiting Toulouse.

I arrived via TGV from beige Paris to colorful Toulouse, a city set ablaze with reds, pinks, and oranges.

Known as La Ville Rose, Toulouse is easy to fall for. Here’s my “pink city” travel guide to Toulouse’s must see sites, grand architecture, and museums.

Although Toulouse is supposedly pink, it’s a bit difficult to decide what color it really is — pink, red, or orange. It changes, moodily and to sultry effect, depending on the angle of the sun and time of day.

What’s definite is that Toulouse is a feast for the eyes. It’s a lovely, relaxing city with infinite restaurants, blushing churches, fascinating architecture, and a delicious regional cuisine.

Definitely not your Haussman Paris. And definitely not the overwhelming crowds of Paris. Toulouse is stress free in comparison, with a laid back friendly vibe.

Wrapped in pink, I ambled the cobbled streets and wandered in and out of churches and museums. Toulouse is a place to relax and enjoy life.

Top Attractions in Toulouse

Here’s my list of the top attractions and best things to do in the lovely Toulouse, which I would gladly return to again and again.

1. Walking Tour

Start off with a walking tour of the cobbled lanes in the historic center to get oriented. You can book a small group sightseeing walk with a local . Or a private walking tour or a private history tour .

2. Place du Capitole

The Place du Capitole is the heart of Toulouse, the grand central square of the city. It’s Toulouse’s city hall and has been the seat of government since the 12th century.

Pedestrianized since 1995, the Place is lined with lavish red brick buildings. It has a polished marble floor emblazoned with the Occitan cross, a medieval symbol of the region.

There are plenty of cafes under the arcades, or covered arches. If you look up, you’ll see an impressive collection of 29 paintings depicting episodes from the city’s history.

The Capitole building is rooted in history. It’s here that the Bishop of Toulouse, St. Saturnin, was martyred in 257 A.D.

The Romans occupied the building in the 13th century and it was a barracks during the French Revolution.

In 1873, the famous architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc built a bell tower in the Flemish style atop the 16th century donjon in back of the building.

The Capitole itself is a grand Neo-Classical palace, reminiscent of London’s Buckingham Palace and the city hall in Nancy France.

On the first floor, a grand staircase takes you to the over the top Salle des Illustres, whose flamboyant paintings call for some neck straining. (Not surprisingly, the Salle is a popular wedding venue in Toulouse.)

One of the Salle’s most intriguing paintings is of Paule de Viguier. Her beauty was so extraordinary that she was called a “wonder of the world.”

She was forced to appear on the balcony of the Capitole once a week to allow herself to be admired by the public.

Mostly, though, the Place du Capitole is where Toulousains and tourists congregate. It is a central hotspot filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants galore.

You can easily wile away time people watching over a glass of wine. A popular spot, where you’ll have to vie for a table, is Le Florida .

At night, the Capitole is lit up, to stunning effect.

• Address : Place du Capitole
• Hours : Open daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, closed Saturday
• Entry : free

3. Convent of the Jacobins

Founded in 1215, this monastery i s a southern Gothic masterpiece. It’s a prime attraction in Toulouse, and yet still an oasis of peace and quiet.

The convent was badly damaged during the French Revolution, but was restored in the 1950s. You can still see some of its 14th century frescos.

The adjacent church is exquisite and houses a column that resembles a “ palm tree ,” called the “Palm of the Jacobins.” It is an architectural wonder made up of a double nave and star-shaped vault under a massive column.

There is a floor mirror for you to view the unusual palm tree. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Toulouse.

The convent also houses the relics of the philosopher Thomas Aquinas, sometimes called the Aristotle of Christianity.

Each year on January 28, his feast day, a service is held honoring the saint.

• Address : Parvis des Jacobins
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday-Sunday
• Entry : 4 €, Church is free

4. Musée des Augustins

Set in a massive 14th century convent, the Musée des Augustins is Toulouse’s finest art museum. It was definitely my favorite museum in Toulouse.

Musée des Augustins houses a treasure trove of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance sculpture. And it has an eclectic cache of paintings from the 17th-20th centuries, including art by Rubens, Ingres, Delacroix, Courbet, and Rodin.

It even has a few prints by Toulouse-Lautrec, who was born in nearby Albi and is the region’s celebrated son.

READ : Guide To the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum

The medieval cloister and garden are especially magical, surrounded by salons filled with evocative statues, sculptures, and gargoyles.

The museum’s Jorge Prado Exhibition , with modern lights set against a terra cotta backdrop, is simply exquisite. The exhibit showcases the museum’s collection of romanesque capitals.

The capitols, reflecting bible scenes, are placed atop modern pillars and lit with hanging lanterns. Instantly, the exhibition become an iconic feature of Toulouse, and is now a permanent display.

• Address : 21 Rue de Metz
• Hours : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday-Monday
• Entry : 4 €, Under 18 free

5. The Basilica of Saint Sernin

The Basilica of Saint Sernin is the top attraction in Toulouse. It’s Toulouse’s medieval heart.

The church is a magnificent well-preserved Roman basilica, and one of the greatest churches in France. It is Toulouse’s most defining landmark. Built between 1080 and 1120, it’s now a UNESCO site.

Saint Sernin is a fine example of Romanesque architecture in the characteristic Toulousian red brick, designed in a crucifix.

The basilica is holy ground in Toulouse. The site houses the remains of its eponymous 4th century saint.

Saint Sernin was Toulouse’s first saint. He met his death in gruesome fashion, when pagans tied him to a bull and dragged him down the Rue du Taur (the Street of the Bull) in 250 A.D.

The basilica is also considered an essential stop on the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims :

“flock to the church not only to venerate the saint, who now lies in a baroque sarcophagus, but to see all the other saintly relics that rest here. They lie in chapels and two levels of crypts, along with a piece of the True Cross, which is in an enameled copper reliquary made in the 12th century.”

On the weekends, the St. Sernin area is known for its Saturday brocante market, or vintage market, and its Sunday marché aux puces, or flea market.

• Address : 3 Place Saint Sernin
• Hours : 8:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday-Sunday
• Entry : 2.5 € adults, 2 € children, free with Toulouse Pass, online tickets

6. Cathedral Saint-Etienne

Saint Etienne is also known as Toulouse or Saint Stephens Cathedral.

It’s a 13th century Gothic-Romanesque structure, and a curious confusion of architectural styles. It has a lovely gothic nave, rose window, tapestries, and stone sculptures.

Originally, the Roman part was supposed to be destroyed. But funds ran out.

So the Gothic part was built adjacent to the Roman structure, creating a disconcerting confluence of architectural styles.

• Address : Place Saint-Etienne
• Hours : Daily 8 am-7 pm, Sun 9 am-7 pm, late opening on Thursday until 8:00 pm
• Entry: 8 € (full price), 5 € (reduced rate), 2 € during the late opening

7. Quartier Saint Cyprien and Les Abattoirs

Across the Garonne River from the town centre, lies a quiet oasis, the neighborhood of St. Cyprien.

Start off with a plate of oysters at Madame Ginette’s stall outside the covered food market, then wander across to the Matou , Europe’s biggest poster museum.

Next, see avant-garde art at Les Abattoirs . Les Abattoirs was founded in 2000. Gruesomely, it was once a slaughterhouse in Toulouse.

Now, it’s re-purposed as a well-lit and airy modern and contemporary art gallery. It has over 2300 works of art. Impressive Fernand Leger mosaics decorate its brick exterior.

The museum isn’t for everyone. But if you like contemporary video art and installations, it will suit. One highlight is a theater curtain Picasso painted in 1936.

There’s a series of “solid light films” by artist Anthony McCall. You walk through hazy, dimly-lit rooms while shards of light beam down, accompanied by eerie music.

The museum has frequent exhibits. When I was last summer, there was an astonishingly good and well-presented exhibit by the Spanish sculptor, Eduardo Chillada.

• Address : 76 Allées Charles de Fitte
• Tickets : € 4
• Hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6 pm, late closing Thursday until 8 pm

8. Musee Saint-Raymond

Located right next to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the Musée Saint-Raymond is a top attraction in Toulouse if you have an interest in Roman history or archaeology. It’s housed in a brick medieval building.

This little gem of an archeological museum was built on the site of a former necropolis. Inside, you can find a marvelous collection of artifacts dating back to Roman times.

They include sculptures and mosaics from the Roman villa of Chirigan, which dates from the 1st century A.D. You’ll also see a “family tree” of Emperor Augustus. Apart from the Louvre, the Saint-Raymond has the most important collections of Roman bust in France.

There are two floors where you can discover the collections. There’s also a cave, funerary artifacts, tombs, and an archaeological site.

• Address : 1 ter Pl. Saint-Sernin
• Hours : Open every day except Monday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee : €5

9. Toulouse’s Grand Mansions

Toulouse is just brimming with gorgeous grand mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries, when Toulouse’s merchants had unparalleled prosperity due to the pastel trade. Some of them are even open to the public.

The one that you shouldn’t miss is Hôtel d’Assézat, known as the Fondation Bemberg. It is a 16th century palace and a hidden gem in Toulouse.

It houses a prestigious, if uneven, private art collection of medieval and impressionist art and antiques. It’s not Paris of course.

But the Bemberg Fondation has over 50 works by Pierre Bonnard, the Impressionist painter, and works by Picasso, Sisley, Degas, and Monet.

There’s a Pointillist Room with Paul Signac works. There are even some works by Toulouse-Lautrec , though one wonders why the works are not in his eponymous museum in Albi .

The Fondation closes between 12:30 and 1:30 pm, which can be a bit of a nuisance, so plan your time there accordingly.

• Address : Place d’Assezat
• Hours : 10:00 am to 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm-6:00 pm Tuesday-Sunday
• Entry fee : Full price 8 €, reduced price 5 €, Under 7 years Free

10. Toulouse Markets

Toulouse has several atmospheric covered markets, where you can indulge in the city’s famed culinary delights. The best is Les Halles Victor Hugo , home to the top food producers.

It was built in 1892, and renovated in 1959. While the building itself is undistinguished, it is situated among the lovely mansions of Toulouse.

Inside, you’ll find over 100 stalls selling a mouth watering array of beautifully displayed food, including salami, cheeses, fruit preserves, fish, meat, foie gras, chocolates, breads, and pastries.

The French really know how to eat. The market is considered one of the most prestigious food markets in France, and is really a must see. You can visit it on a 3.5 hour guided food tour .

There are cafes, bars, and 5 restaurants on the upper level of the market. Four times a year, there is a Victor Hugo Festival where you can stock up on victuals and listen to live music from 6:30-10:30 pm.

• Victor Hugo Market:
• Address : Place Victor Hugo
• Hours : Open daily except Monday, 6 am to 2 am

11. Street Art: L’Enfant au bonnet d’âne

L’Enfant is a sculpture by rising Toulouse street artist James Colomina, who specializes in surprise installation. Colomina’s sculptures are installed in a public space, and then often abruptly withdrawn and installed elsewhere.

L’Enfant is a life-size red resin sculpture of a child in a donkey or dunce’s cap. The sculpture is perched on a non-accessible spot on the 16th century Pont Neuf overlooking the Garonne River. L’Enfant is intended to represent people stigmatized and isolated by society.

Famously, in the summer of 2017, L’Enfant was stolen by petty thieves. Police recovered the sculpture and Colomina cleaned and restored it to its iconic spot, deciding that the Pont Neuf was where “it was destined to be.”

Many tourists mistake the sculpture for a devil or demon. You can even buy souvenirs of L’Enfant in many of Toulouse’s shops and museums.

12. N°5 Wine Bar

In 2017, N°5 Wine Bar was voted the best wine bar in the world. It’s a relaxed hipster spot with an expert-level menu for oenophiles.

You can purchase a prepaid card to access up to 30 wines from the Enomatic wine by the glass dispenser. Or, there is an impressive wine list offering 300 wines by the glass and more than 3300 wines by the bottle.

It is also a small and lively tapas bar. The cuisine is a gourmet French take on tapas: creative nibbles like truffled egg, scallop carpaccio, grilled artichoke, and plates of local cheese and charcuterie.

Just be sure to make a reservation if you plan to eat there because the place is tiny.

• Address : 5 rue de la Bourse
• Hours : Open daily except Monday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am

13. La Daurade   Promenade

La Daurade is the promenade located on the banks of the River Garonne.

The river is one of the most popular attractions in Toulouse, both for visitors and locals. Once the sun is out, you’ll see half the city’s population siting on the banks or the quai.

The Daurade is a good place to take a sunset stroll and admire Toulouse’s many old world monuments. you will get to see both bridges, the dome of La Grave hospital’s chapel, and the big wheel.

It’s a nice place for a picnic and there are some good restaurants nearby.

14. Canal du Midi

Running for about 150 miles, UNESCO site Canal du Midi links Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea. The canal is up to 65 feet wide and is about 6.5 feet deep, and is the oldest navigable canal in Europe.

It is lined on both sides by the tall trees, providing shade and a peaceful ambiance. Locals using the banks for either cycling or jogging, and you can too escape in nature away from the teeming buzz of the pink city.

You can rent bikes or take a boat excursion lasting up to 2 hours or the entire day. Or book a dinner cruise.

15. Cité de l’Espace, The Space Museum

If you’re interested in science and space travel, you should not miss the futuristic theme park and museum, Cité de l’Espace .

It’s an interactive museum where, according to one of the museum’s designers, “the general public could come to learn what space exploration was all about, and how it’s done.” If this sounds similar to the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., you’re right.

Take a tour through the original Mir Space Station, gaze up at the towering Ariane space rocket, and vicariously experience travel to Mars. There is even special a playground for children called the Little Astronaut Square.

In July 2017, a completely renovated planetarium reopened with cutting edge technology.

• Address : Avenue Jean Gonord, Parc de la Plaine
• Ticket prices

16. Carmes Neighborhood

I stayed in Toulouse’s fetching Carmes neighborhood, in a lovely renovated red brick Air Bnb with an interior courtyard and stained glass windows.

I was absolutely entranced by this neighborhood. Carmes feels like a small village with ancient streets and an authentic, slightly hipster vibe.

And the architecture and architectural details are stunning. I fell in love with the colorful doors and windows.

Les Carmes is also home to a myriad of small organic food markets, restaurants, music shops, and small cafés.

It’s a perfect neighborhood to stay in Toulouse and only a few minutes walk from the Garrone River and the Capitole.

17. Eglise du Taur

The Eglise du Taur is a 14th century Roman Catholic Church. It commemorates Saint Sernin, who was martyred on this very spot.

The church is a bit dark inside, but don’t let that deter you. Inside, you will find a beautiful gilded fresco retracing the history of Saint Sernin.

• Address : 12 Rue du Taur
• Hours : 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday open 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Ticket : Free to visit

18. Cruising

Taking a cruise along the Garonne River is the perfect way to see Toulouse’s top attractions. Cruises are offered by Les Bateaux Toulousians on the Quai de la Daurade. Cruises last about 75 minutes and operate from March to October.

Tips for Visiting Toulouse’s Top Attractions

Here are some must know tips for your visit to Toulouse.

1. How To Get To Toulouse

Toulouse is easily accessed from Paris via high speed TGV from the Gard du Nord. Toulouse also has an International airport, the Toulouse-Blaganac Airport.

From the airport, you can take a tram, shuttle bus, or taxi to the city center. You can also book a private transfer .

2. How To Get Around Toulouse

Toulouse is a very walkable city. You can also take a guided bike tour , a guided e-bike tour , or take the hop on hop off tourist bus .

3 . Toulouse City Pass :

You may want to invest in the Toulouse City Pass . You can buy a 1-3 day pass. It gives you free entrance to museums and monuments and discounts on the hop on hop off bus and cruises.

4. Where To Stay In Toulouse

Toulouse has some beautiful hotels to further your cultural experience, with both luxury and historic places to stay.

La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa is a stylish luxury property with a lovely terrace and spa.

Le Grand Balcon Hotel is a cool boutique hotel featuring 1930s era decor. Grand Hotel de l’Opera is an elegant boutique hotel with a central location.

Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas is a luxury hotel with modern decor.

5. Day Trips From Toulouse

Toulouse makes a great base for day tripping in southern France. Here’s my guide to some easy d a y trips from Toulouse .

In particular, you may want to book a guided tour to the UNESCO-listed town of Carcassonne . Or a half day tour that combines Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi.

Another amazing guided day trip tour takes you to the UNESCO town of Albi and the medieval village of Cordes-Sur-Ciel.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the top attractions in Toulouse. You may enjoy these other France travel guides and resources:

• 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Paris Itinerary
• 10 Day Itinerary for Southern France
• 30 Hidden Gems in France
• Landmarks in France
• Best Historic Sites in Southern France
• Most Beautiful Villages in Southwest France
• Secret Villages in Provence
• Hilltop Towns of Provence’s Luberon Valley
• Travel Guide to Albi
• Travel Guide to Carcassonne

If you’d like to visit the top attractions in beautiful Toulouse, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

9 Best Day Trips from Toulouse

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Best Places to Visit Near Toulouse

Toulouse is a beautiful city to discover, but if you have extra time during your holiday and would love to explore more of the Occitanie region , a Toulouse day trip is a good idea.

Toulouse’s strategic location will allow you to visit medieval towns, hilltop villages surrounded by the Pyrénées Mountains, important pilgrimage sites, and rolling vineyards with wine-producing châteaux.

Here’s our list of the nine best places to visit near Toulouse: top day trips from Toulouse by train, car, or guided tour with something for every traveler.

Best Toulouse Day Trips

Toulouse day trips in a nutshell.

Best day trips from Toulouse by train: Albi, Foix, Carcassonne.

Book your train tickets with Omio.com or Trainline.com

Best day trips from Toulouse by car: Gaillac Wine Route, Rieux-Volvestre.

Rent a car in Toulouse with DiscoverCars.com . Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France .

Best day tours from Toulouse: Carcassonne and Albi + Cordes-sur-Ciel

Lying along the Tarn River and located 75km northeast of Toulouse, Albi is a gorgeous UNESCO medieval town. Nicknamed “Albi la Rouge,” the whole town is characterized by red-brick architecture that makes strolling around the center a never-ending photo opportunity.

Its most striking feature is the Cathédrale Sainte-Cecile , an impressive fortress-like Gothic Cathedral you can see anywhere in the city. This religious building is pretty unique as it is the largest brick cathedral in the world.

Albi has many historic landmarks, such as the Pont Vieux, the old bridge dating back to the 11th century, the Romanesque Church of Saint-Salvy, and the Palais de la Berbie with idyllic gardens. The Palais de la Berbie hosts the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum , a must-see place for fans of this famous painter.

Visiting Albi is one of the best day trips from Toulouse for history lovers and photography geeks! Albi is super easy to reach by train – the train journey from Toulouse to Albi only takes one hour. To get the most out of your day, book this guided tour that visits Albi and the oh-so-pretty medieval town of Cordes-sur-Ciel.

2. Cité de Carcassonne

At a distance of 95 km southeast of Toulouse is the magnificent Cité de Carcassonne . This UNESCO-listed medieval Citadel will blow your mind if you are passionate about history and architecture.

Cité de Carcassonne is one of the best places to visit from Toulouse and one of the unmissable French landmarks with its impressive 52 watchtowers and the Château Comtal. The Castle sits on a hilltop, and it gives visitors fairytale vibes. Built in the 12th century, inside, you can still see what’s left of the Counts’ private chapel. The Castle also houses a museum with an interesting collection about the Cathars in Carcassonne and Southern France.

Finally, don’t miss visiting the Basilique Saint Nazaire, displaying a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and walking the Citadel ramparts.

A Toulouse to Carcassonne day trip is very easy to organize by train – Click here to buy your train tickets to Carcassonne . Some people, however, prefer the comfort of a minibus and the explanations of an expert guide on this Carcassonne day tour .

3. Gaillac Wine Route

The charming town of Gaillac is 50 km northeast of Toulouse and lies on the Tarn River. Easily reachable by train, the town holds historical monuments like the Abbatiale Saint Michel, a 10th-century Benedictine abbey, and the Maison des Vins, ideal if you want to learn more about wine and do some tastings.

Gaillac is one of the best places near Toulouse to visit for wine lovers. The Gaillac vineyard extends over both banks of the Tarn River to the northeast of Toulouse and is a delight for lovers of wines with a tasty character. If the Romans had already noticed that the terroir of Gaillac was extraordinary, it was the monks who shaped the Gaillac vineyard from the 10th century.

The best way to explore the Gaillac wine route is by car, during which you can admire the panorama. Stop by beautiful wine-producing châteaux, like Château Lastours and Cave de Labastide , to visit the properties and sample their wines (advance booking is necessary). If you can’t resist the allure of a château and a glass of good wine, this day trip from Toulouse is for you!

4. Rieux-Volvestre

South of Toulouse, at a distance of 45 km, is the lovely village of Rieux-Volvestre . With a prestigious heritage, the village is nestled on the edge of the small Arize River.

Strolling around the historic medieval streets, you can admire traditional timber-framed houses, a covered market hall, and a fortified brick-built cathedral. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie et Trésor Episcopal is in Gothic style and features an octagonal bell tower. On the inside, the church displays Episcopal treasures.

A great Toulouse day trip if you are fond of the past and relaxing walks, Rieux-Volvestre also has the Papogay Festival on the first Sunday of May, during which medieval-like archers shoot a wooden parrot off a 45-meter-high pole. You will surely love this historical reenactment!

Although there are direct bus connections Toulouse – Rieux (1 hr one way), it is much easier to visit by car.

5. Cité de l’Espace

Cité de l’Espace is 5.5 km south of Toulouse, at a short 20-minute drive, and is among the top places to visit near Toulouse. This Cité de l’Espace is actually a theme park dedicated to space, so step inside to discover the history of space exploration.

Ideal if you are traveling with kids or want to have a fun-filled day, the Cité de l’Espace is divided into several thematic areas where you will find a planetarium, a real spacecraft, an IMAX cinema, and a space flight simulation area, among the others.

The Cité de l’Espace is also a meeting venue for astronomy and science enthusiasts and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences, and workshops.

The Cité de l’Espace is an easy half-day or day trip from Toulouse. From central Toulouse, you can get to La Cité de l’Espace by bus. Take line 1 and stop at Collège Vernant + 15 min of walking or use the Cité de l’Espace stop on line 37. You can catch bus line 37 by taking metro line A to Jolimont or metro line B to Ramonville, then bus line 37, Cité de l’Espace stop.

A pilgrimage site 72 km north of Toulouse, Moissac is well-known for the wonderful Abbaye Saint-Pierre . This UNESCO-listed religious building was built between the 12th and the 15th century, and it features an ornamental Romanesque architecture epitomized by the magnificent façade and the richly decorated interior.

The Abbey has been part of the Camino de Santiago (Chemin de Saint-Jacques) since the Middle Ages, making Moissac an interesting place for history geeks.

But this riverside town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, creating a romantic and bucolic atmosphere perfect for everyone looking for a relaxing day trip. During the summer, Moissac hosts many cultural events, such as the Festival of the Voice (in July) and classical music concerts.

There are many direct trains from Toulouse to Moissac. You can reach Moissac in less than one hour (one way).

7. Canal du Midi by Bike

The Canal du Midi passes through the very heart of Toulouse, stretching for 240 km from the Atlantic coast all the way south to the Mediterranean Sea. This artificial Canal is considered one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century.

The Canal’s main purpose was to transport merchandise across the area; nowadays, it is a tourist spot where you can have fun walking, biking, or navigating along. If you are looking for a fun day trip for the whole family or a sporty one, hop on a bike and embark on a 40 km cycling adventure that connects Toulouse to the municipality of Avignonet-Lauragais via the Voie Verte du Canal de Midi .

While in Toulouse, head to Le Petit Cyclo shop to rent your bike and get ready to discover the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi.

Lourdes is 175 km southwest of Toulouse and is Europe’s most important Catholic pilgrimage site. The Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes is the main reason visitors come into town and includes several religious buildings and monuments around the Grotto of Massabielle . This Grotto is the very place where the apparitions occurred. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to a local girl named Bernadette 18 times!

Lourdes is among the places to visit near Toulouse for religious tourism. If you are not into that, a Toulouse to Lourdes day trip is also interesting: Lourdes’ Cathedral is stunning in its own right, and the town boasts another fantastic sight, the Château Fort. Reach it by riding the Pic du Jer funicular to marvel at the views of the forested mountains of the Pyrénées – Click here to buy your train tickets from Toulouse to Lourdes

Among the best day trips from Toulouse is the one to Foix , a must-stop along the Cathar Route . Foix is located 87 km south of Toulouse and lies close to the borders with Catalunya and Andorra.

The town is famous for its medieval castle – Château de Foix – featuring three well-preserved machicolated towers and high walls. This imposing fortress now hosts the Ariège Departmental Museum, where you can learn the town’s past through themed exhibitions and a permanent collection of medieval everyday objects and weapons.

Château de Foix boasts stunning views over the roofs of the old town, the Ariège Valley, and the surrounding mountains. Besides being a perfect spot for history lovers, Foix will delight those looking for a relaxing one-day-long getaway.

Foix is an easy day trip from Toulouse by train. If you visit by car, don’t miss to explore the underground River Labouiche . Located 6 km from Foix, you will navigate 60 m below the ground!

And there you have it, the best day trips from Toulouse, France. Which Toulouse day trips tempt you most?

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Ligue 1 : pas de vainqueur entre le Racing Club de Strasbourg et Toulouse

• Laurent Weisskopf
• France Bleu Alsace ,
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Le Racing Club de Strasbourg se déplaçait ce dimanche, pour le compte de la 28e journée de Ligue 1, à Toulouse. Le RCSA augmente sa marge sur Lorient, barragiste, après ce match nul (0-0).

Le RCSA se déplaçait ce dimanche, pour le compte de la 28e journée de Ligue 1, à Toulouse.

Toulouse et Strasbourg se quittent dos à dos (0-0) dans une partie cadenacée avec seulement 3 tirs cadrés. Une rencontre au score de parité logique qui a vu les défenses prendre le dessus. Les deux équipes restent 11 et 12e au général.

Prochaine étape pour le Racing, samedi prochain à la Meinau à 17h00, face à Reims. Débriefing dans 100% Racing ce lundi 8 avril de 18H à 19H sur France Bleu Alsace.

Revivez la rencontre minute par minute

Le tour des stades, classement de la ligue 1, alsace : l'info en continu, alsace : les plus consultés.

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Entrées de villes "moches" : Schiltigheim et Illkirch vont recevoir des subventions

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Travel , South West

21 best day trips from toulouse, france.

Toulouse is a bustling city in south west France and while there is a lot to do in the city itself, the surroundings are also worth exploring.

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of day trips from Toulouse that you can take!

After living in Toulouse for years and spending most of my life in South West France , I know this region like the back of my hand and that’s why in this blog post, I’ll share with you the best day trips to take from Toulouse.

Some of these include exploring medieval castles, kayaking on lakes and rivers or just enjoying a leisurely stroll through one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Let us help you plan your next day trip from Toulouse by reading on!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Table of Contents

Carcassonne

Let’s start with the most famous (and popular!) day trip from Toulouse: the beautiful town of Carcassonne.

Carcassonne is a medieval fortress city ideally located about 1 hour from Toulouse.

It has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997 and is perfect if you’re interested in history, architecture or French culture – this town was built over several centuries so there are many different places to explore!

The main landmark is the Cité de Carcassonne which is a medieval citadel. No matter what you do, you must visit it!

You will need to buy a ticket to enter the citadel. It costs 9,50 € for adults and can be booked here .

Carcassonne is also a very pretty town so make sure to keep some time to wander through the old streets and alleyways.

Finally, it’s one of the three places (alongside Toulouse and Castelnaudary) that prides itself as the birthplace of the Cassoulet so make sure to order one in a local restaurant.

HOW TO GET TO CARCASSONNE FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. If you have a vehicle, this will be very easy to get there. It’s only a 1h10 drive from Toulouse. You will need to pay for carpark though.
• By train. You can easily take a train from Matabiau station to Carcassone. There are many trains per day and they take between 45minutes and 1h15. You won’t need a vehicle once you arrive so this is an excellent option. Tickets can be booked here.
• Day tour. You can also choose to book a day tour from Toulouse. Prices are here.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Cordes-sur-Ciel is a beautiful medieval village that is located about an hour and a half from Toulouse.

This village is known for its stunning architecture, well-preserved buildings and narrow cobblestone streets.

It’s situated on a hill which gives the impression that it’s in the sky (hence the name, ciel is sky in French).

It is part of the label “Plus beaux villages de France” which includes the most beautiful villages in France.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip from Toulouse, Cordes-sur-Ciel is the perfect spot! You can wander through the village, admire the views from the top of the hill or relax in one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Here are some of the places you should check out: les Halles, maison du Grand Veneur and Saint-Michel Church.

You will also find some cute museums here such as the chocolate and sugar museum and the art museum.

If you are into walking and would like to take beautiful photos of the village, head to the viewpoint near La Mazière or to the church Saint-Antoine in Les Cabanes.

You will also find a mini train that goes around the village. This is particularly good for people travelling with kids and who want to learn more about the history of Cordes.

Finally, don’t forget to go to the visitor centre. They will give you loads of tips to enjoy your visit and they also offer guided walking tours.

HOW TO GET TO CORDES-SUR-CIEL FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. Cordes-sur-Ciel is only 1h10 from Toulouse if you are driving. Once you get there, you’ll find on-street parking (with a fee).
• Bus tour. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus tour which includes transport to both Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel. This one doesn’t include a guide however, it’s very handy since you won’t have to worry about driving or parking. See prices here.

Moissac is a beautiful town located in the Tarn-et-Garonne. This town is best known for its Abbey of Saint-Pierre, which is a Romanesque monastery that was built in the 12th century.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Toulouse that is packed with history and culture, Moissac is the perfect spot!

You can explore the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, wander through the narrow streets of the old town or visit one of the many art galleries.

HOW TO GET TO MOISSAC FROM TOULOUSE:

To get to Moissac from Toulouse, you can opt for either the train or driving.

The journey takes around 55 minutes whether you are going by car or train.

If you have a vehicle, then you should use it but otherwise, the train is particularly convenient. Tickets can be booked here.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Toulouse that is packed with history and culture, Albi is the perfect spot!

Albi is a beautiful small city located in the Tarn, less than 1 hour away from Toulouse.

It is best known for its UNESCO world heritage listed cathedral, Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, which is one of the largest brick buildings in Europe!

When you get to Albi, first head to the cathedral but then make sure to keep some time to wander through the narrow streets of the old town or visit one of the many museums (the fashion museum and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum are particularly good).

If you are a couple and would like to do a romantic activity, you can also rent a bike and go cycling along the river. It’s very pretty.

HOW TO GET TO ALBI FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. The quickest way to get to Albi is by car (55 minutes) however, you will need to pay for carpark once you get there and it’s not always easy to find a spot.
• By Train. The train is another good option. It’s a bit longer (1h15) but very convenient since the stations are well located and you can then explore on foot. See tickets here.
• Bus tour. Another option is to book a bus tour. It only includes the bus trip (not a guide) but you’ll get to also stop in Cordes-sur-Ciel which is well worth it. Prices are here.

Looking for an unusual day trip from Toulouse? This one is for you!

Najac is a small village located in the Aveyron. It is best known for its medieval castle, which is perched high on a cliff overlooking the village, and is one of the prettiest villages in France ( Plus beaux villages de France ).

While most people rush to Cordes-sur-Ciel or Rocamadour, you will get to enjoy a quieter but yet just as authentic (if not more) South West village.

The best thing to do here is to wander around the village and walk down the narrow streets of the old town before heading up to the castle.

The views are absolutely stunning. You’ll be impressed!

Also, if you are into hiking, you will find loads of walking paths in the area.

If kayaking is more of your thing, you’ll be glad to know that the Gorges de l’Aveyron are one of the best kayaking spots in France !

Finally, you’ll find quite a few local restaurants here where you can try the local speciality: l’Aligot.

• By car. It takes 1h40 to get to Najac by car from Toulouse. Make sure to avoid rush hours.
• By train. The train is a bit longer (1h50) but quite convenient since it’s direct and leaves from Matabiau. You can also stop in Cordes along the way. Tickets are available here.

Looking for day trips from Toulouse by train? Cahors is an excellent choice then!

It’s the capital ( préfecture) of the Lot department. But don’t let that fool you, it’s actually a fairly small city.

The Lot is one of the most beautiful regions in France. It’s located just to the north of Toulouse and offers a wide range of things to do from history, culture, gastronomy or relaxation.

Cahors is particularly well known for its medieval centre which is home to the Pont Valendré (UNESCO world heritage site).

It’s also famous for its many wine cellars. If you are visiting France for its wine culture, this is one of the best places to go.

Best of all, most tourists don’t know about it. They all go to Bordeaux or Burgundy so here you’ll get to be with the locals and learn more about the local culture.

It’s a nice town to stroll around and explore.

There are also many other things that you could do here: visit one of its museums, go hiking or cycling along its beautiful river Lot, take an excursion on one of its boats…

HOW TO GET TO CAHORS FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. The drive from Toulouse to Cahors takes about an hour and a half on the A20 motorway (exit 41). However, it’s a toll road so you’ll need to take that into consideration.
• By train . You can take a direct train from Matabiau to Cahors station. It takes between 1h10 and 1h30. Tickets can be purchased here.

If you are looking for day trips from Toulouse by train, Lourdes is a great option!

Lourdes is about 2 hours away from Toulouse which is a bit further than the other destinations mentioned in this article however, it’s well worth the trip.

It’s one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.

The town is located in the Hautes-Pyrénées and can be easily reached by car or train.

The main attraction in Lourdes is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.

The sanctuary was built around the cave where Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have had her visions of the Virgin Mary.

To make the best of your visit, you should consider joining a guided tour of Lourdes. It can be booked here and is a great way to learn more about everything that happened here.

If you are not religious, don’t worry, there is still plenty to see and do in Lourdes. The town is quite small but has a nice old centre with narrow streets and a few historic buildings.

As it’s also located in the Pyrenees, it’s great for hiking or skiing.

HOW TO GET TO LOURDES FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about 2 hours to get to Lourdes from Toulouse.
• By train . There are also quite a few trains from Toulouse Matabiau to Lourdes station. Tickets can be purchased here.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

The village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie is a must-see for anyone visiting the south of France and it’s definitely one of the best Toulouse day trips.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie of the most beautiful villages in France.

It was built on top of a cliff and offers some of the most amazing views over the Lot Valley.

It’s a great place to wander around, take photos and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

You will love to wander around the street and discover the picturesque alleyways. The drive up to the village is also very pretty since the views are fantastic.

There are also a few restaurants and cafes in Saint-Cirq Lapopie if you want to have lunch or just a drink.

Finally, if you are up for some water activity, you can choose to kayak on the Lot. From there, you’ll get to the see the village and the church from the river. It’s a very unusual angle but well worth your time.

Kalapca is a local business in Bouziès where you can rent kayaks. They also have a pretty cool zip-line.

HOW TO GET TO SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about an 1h45 to get to Saint-Cirq Lapopie from Toulouse. The drive is pretty interesting, especially along the Lot river. Once you make your way up to the village, you’ll find a large carpark at the back (fee).
• Day tour. Another option is to join a guided tour from Toulouse which includes a visit of the village and the Pech Merle cave. See prices here.

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val may not be the most famous place near Toulouse but it’s for sure worth a visit if you want to learn more about the local culture.

This small town is about an hour and a half away from Toulouse. Once you get there, you will be rewarded with a lovely village with stone houses and a church.

Make sure to head to the bridge and walk a bit along the river Aveyron. It’s very pretty.

There are also some restaurants in the village, as well as a few small shops.

HOW TO GET TO SAINT-ANTONIN-NOBLE-VALE FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. it takes about an hour and a half from Toulouse. The drive is pretty easy since most of it is on the motorway. Please note that this is a toll road though. There are alternative roads that will be free but also a bit longer.

Rocamadour is a bit further away from Toulouse than the other places on this list but it’s also one of the most famous villages in France so it had to make the list!

It takes a bit over 2 hours to get there so while this is a bit long, it’s definitely feasible in one day if that’s somewhere you really want to see.

The village of Rocamadour is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France and attracts more than two million visitors every year.

The three main attractions are the Notre-Dame chapel, the statue of the Black Virgin and the Calvary Walk.

Rocamadour is also known for its cheese and wine. The goat cheese Rocamadour is a type of ‘cabécou’ that is extremely popular amongst the locals.

No matter what, you can’t leave Rocamadour without trying one.

There are other things to do in Rocamadour, such as hiking and water activities (kayaking…).

Travelling with kids? Check out the Forêt des singes (Monkey Forest) or the Rocher des Aigles (Eagles show).

HOW TO GET TO ROCAMADOUR FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about two hours to get there by car from Toulouse. Parking in Rocamadour can be a hassle so make sure to leave early.

Bruniquel is a small village located in the Tarn and Garonne. This is another ‘plus beaux villages de France.

It’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The village is famous for its stone houses and its medieval castle.

The castle is definitely the star attraction of Bruniquel. It hangs over the cliff and boasts fantastic views of the river.

There are also a few restaurants in the village, as well as bakeries where you can grab a bite.

HOW TO GET TO BRUNIQUEL FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Bruniquel from Toulouse.

Auch is a small city located in the Gers. It’s about an hour and a half away from Toulouse, making it the perfect day trip destination.

The town is known for its beautiful houses, historical monuments and its cuisine.

Some of the most famous attractions include the cathedral Sainte-Marie, the stairs of Auch and the statue of Artagnan.

If you like walking, make sure to take a walk along the river Gers. It’s very pretty.

But that’s not all. The Gers (region in which Auch is) is one of the best places to visit in France for foodies.

This region is known for its foie gras, chicken, duck and plenty of other delicacies.

If you want to try some authentic duck confit, it will be the best place to do so.

Want to bring something back? The local market is one of the biggest in the region and you’ll find everything from fresh produce to local delicacies.

HOW TO GET TO AUCH FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. it takes about an hour and a half from Toulouse to get to Auch. Make sure to avoid rush hours.
• By train. There are several local trains (TER) going to Auch from Matabiau. Tickets can be purchased here.

Gaillac is a small town located in the Tarn, only 50 minutes from Toulouse.

The town is famous for its wine (the Gaillac AOC), as well as its architecture and historical monuments.

Some of the most famous attractions include the Château de Foucaud, the Foucaud park and the Saint Michel abbey which is ideally located on the edge of the river.

If you’re a fan of wine, make sure to visit one of the local vineyards. You can also do a wine tasting in town. There are loads of cellars and they will be more than happy to help you choose a wine.

Finally, Gaillac is also home to many sunflower fields. While this is not as famous as the vineyards, they are still very pretty.

If you are travelling by car and in summer, make sure to take a drive around the town so you get to see all these beautiful fields.

HOW TO GET TO GAILLAC FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It’s an easy 50 minutes drive to Gaillac from Toulouse.
• By train. There are loads of direct trains from Toulouse Matabiau to Gaillac. It only takes 45 minutes and is pretty cheap. Tickets can be purchased here.

Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s a great day trip destination from Toulouse because it’s only about a two-hour drive away.

Admittedly, it would be better if you could stay overnight however, be reassured, a lot of locals are going there on day trips so it’s totally feasible.

The country is known for its tax-free shopping, making it a popular destination for people who want to buy cheaper products and souvenirs.

It’s also home to fantastic ski resorts (so a great winter day trip from Toulouse!).

Some of the most famous attractions in Andorra include the capital city of Andorra la Vella, the lakes of El Grau and Engolasters, and the Sant Jordi cable car.

There are also loads of hiking trails that are worth checking out in summer.

In terms of food, Andorra is known for its pork dishes. If you’re looking for something hearty and tasty, this is the place to go.

If you are tempted to opt for a day trip to Andorra from Toulouse, I’d highly recommend going to the Pas de la Casa since it’s closer and a great ski resort.

HOW TO GET TO ANDORRA FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about two hours and a half to get there by car from Toulouse. The roads are in good condition and there are signs that will guide you all the way. If you are going in winter, make sure to check the weather conditions first and that your car has winter tyres (or even chains).
• Blablacar. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can book a spot on a carpooling trip. Blablacar is a very popular website in France and you’ll find loads of people going to Andorra from Toulouse.

One of the most obvious destinations for a one day trip from Toulouse is Montauban.

The smaller city is famous for its beautiful architecture and historical monuments. Some of the most famous attractions include the Place Nationale and the cathedral.

If you’re travelling with kids, make sure to visit the local toy museum (musée des jouets) which is home to an incredible collection of toys and games.

Finally, Montauban is also home to some lovely parks which are perfect for a relaxing stroll on a sunny day.

HOW TO GET TO MONTAUBAN FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It’s an easy one-hour drive to Montauban from Toulouse.
• By train. There are loads of direct trains from Toulouse Matabiau to Montauban. It only takes about 50 minutes and is pretty cheap. Tickets can be purchased here.

Montolieu is a small town in Languedoc-Roussillon, roughly between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne.

This is a great place to check out on your way back (or to) Carcassonne but you can also easily spend the day here.

The picturesque village has preserved its medieval architecture which makes it very charming and unique.

It is nicknamed the ‘Village of Books’ because there are 15 bookshops and that’s quite a lot for a village that has less than 1,000 inhabitants.

HOW TO GET TO MONTOLIEU FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car . It’s an easy 1h15 drive to Montolieu from Toulouse. If you are going in summer, make sure to check the traffic conditions before leaving! The roads can get pretty busy during holidays and weekends so it might take longer than expected.

Ax-les-Thermes

Ax-les-Thermes is a small spa town in the Pyrenees. It’s also one of the closest ski resorts to Toulouse (Ax 3 Domaines), making it the ideal winter day trip.

The town was built on top of hot springs and it’s known for its therapeutic properties (many people go there to take cures). The water temperature ranges from 36c to 42c so you can imagine how nice this place must be during a cold winter day!

There are lots of spa hotels and spas in Ax-les-Thermes so it’s easy to spend the whole day here.

If you are into winter sports, you will be in for a treat here. Ax 3 Domaines is a great ski resort and is very popular. You can easily get there, park and walk to the slopes.

You’ll find loads of local shops renting equipment as well.

HOW TO GET TO AX-LES-THERMES FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car . The drive to Ax-les-Thermes is about 1h45 long. Make sure to check the traffic conditions before leaving as it can get quite busy on weekends and you may need your car to be equipped for the snow.
• By train. There are several direct trains from Toulouse to Ax-les-Thermes every day. It takes about 2 hours. Tickets can be purchased here.

Castres is a medium-sized city in the South of France, around an hour and a half drive from Toulouse.

This gorgeous city is nicknamed the “Venice of Languedoc”. Here you can find loads of houses hanging above the river. It’s very pretty!

It’s also known for its pretty architecture and cobbled streets.

Castres was also part of an important stop in the Cathar Crusade back in 1211. If you want to learn more about the Cathar history, make sure to head to the Cathar museum in Castres. It’s very interesting.

Other places worth visiting include: the Goya museum, the Jean Jaures museum, the city mansions and the jardin de l’Évêché.

There’s definitely a lot to see and do in Castres so it’s definitely worth a day trip!

Finally, if you are into rugby, you will be in for a treat here. Castres is one of the best teams in France so make sure to book a ticket to go see a match.

HOW TO GET TO CASTRES FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes 1h20 to drive from Toulouse to Castres.
• By train. There are several direct trains from Toulouse. They take 1h30 and can be booked here.

Saint Lary Soulan

Saint Lary Soulan is a small village in the Pyrenees, around an hour and a half drive from Toulouse.

This place is known for its amazing ski resort which makes it the perfect winter day trip! It’s one of the largest ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Here you will find 53 slopes for all levels.

The village itself has kept its traditional charm and you will find lots of wooden chalets here.

Saint Lary Soulan is also a great place to go hiking in the summer.

HOW TO GET TO SAINT LARY SOULAN FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about two hours to drive from Toulouse to Saint Lary Soulan. If you are visiting in winter, make sure to check the weather conditions and that you have winter tyres and chains.

Foix is a small town in Ariège, at the doorstep of the Pyrenees.

Foix is known for its beautiful medieval castle (Château des Comtes de Foix) and old town. The castle was built in the 10th century and has been restored several times since then. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Other places worth visiting include the Saint-Volusien church and the Croix de Saint-Sauveur.

HOW TO GET TO FOIX FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes just over an hour to drive from Toulouse to Foix.
• By train. There are direct trains from Toulouse to Foix. The trip is 1h30 long. Tickets are available here.

Narbonne is one of these places that can be considered as good day trips from Toulouse but yet, aren’t popular choices amongst locals.

This is mainly due to the fact that although it only takes 1h45 to get to Narbonne, there are actually 160 kilometres. It’s quite a quick trip because most of it is on the motorway but I’ll admit it can be a bit tiring.

If you are determined to see the Mediterranean sea though, it will be worth your time and effort.

Narbonne is a seaside city with a gorgeous medieval old town. There are loads of places to visit here including the Saint-Just Cathedral and the Sainte-Marie de Fontfroide Abbey.

Narbonne is also known for its amazing food so make sure to taste it while you are here! Les Halles are a fantastic covered market in Narbonne where you can grab delicious food and buy local produce.

Finally, Narbonne is known as one of the best seaside towns on the Mediterranean so if you fancy going for a swim or working on your tan, head to Narbonne Plage.

HOW TO GET TO NARBONNE FROM TOULOUSE:

• By car. It takes about an hour 45 to drive from Toulouse to Narbonne in good traffic conditions. It can be much busier in summer though.
• By train. There are direct trains from Matabiau to Narbonne. They are between 1h20 and 2 hours long and can be booked here.

Here we go, now you know everything about the best destinations for a day trip from Toulouse.

From exploring medieval villages and taking in impressive views of the Pyrenees mountains, there is something for everyone!

Whether it be with family, friends, or solo – these day trips are perfect to discover the most beautiful places around Toulouse.

Happy travels!

You may also be interested in:

• Toulouse 1-Day Itinerary: Exactly How to spend 1 Day in Toulouse, France
• Toulouse Travel Tips: 10 Things you need to know before visiting Toulouse, France
• 13 Prettiest Villages near Toulouse, France

FrancePocketGuide

Privacy overview.

Lourdes Day Tour from Toulouse

• Pick up and return at hotel if possible
• Services of an English speaking driver (other languages on request)
• transportation in a minivan
• 8 hours tour
• Entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions
• Personal insurance and expenses
• Meals and drinks
• Departure point : your Toulouse centrally located hotel
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Tour requires 2 adults minimum to operate
• This tour is not available on 25th of December, 1st of January and 1st of May
• Please note that the infant seats are available upon request, please inform us at the moment of the booking (number and age of the children)
• Most travelers can participate
• Pets are not allowed on the tour
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Lourdes Stop: 8 hours Discover thought our private tours the second Catholic pilgrimage site in the world after Rome, the town of Lourdes. It became famous after the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous at various times between 11 February and 16 July 1858. Today, the sanctuaries of Lourdes located on the banks of the Gave de Pau river attract millions of visitors and pilgrims each year. The key sites of the Religious Town (Cité Religieuse) are the Rosary Esplanade (Esplanade du Rosaire) – dominated by the neo-Byzantine Our Lady's Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame), the Crypt and the Immaculate Conception Basilica (Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception) – the famous miraculous grotto where the Virgin appeared on 18 occasions, the underground St Pius X Basilica (Basilique Saint-Pie X), the Espace Sainte-Bernadette pilgrimage centre and the Way of the Cross (Chemin de Croix) and its 15 stations. The entire place is imbued with a very special spiritual and mystical atmosphere. follow our guide driver for a full day tour on the Bernadette's steps. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Taveaholic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour amazing guides We went on a wine tour in Bordeaux organized by this company & the wineries & chateaux were incredible & the guides first class.We had Ellen for a day & a half on 2 private tours & Rudolph & Julie on regular tours. All the guides were compassionate & knowledgable individuals.I have a bad knee & they ensured I had a chair available to sit down & minimum walking.This company has passionate committed guides with knowledge who have a heart. Pls choose them.U will live their tours. Sharmini Szymanski Read more Written September 27, 2019
• drjeffh 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The Best Way to See Center City The bus is more of an expanded mini-van as many of the streets are narrow and tortuous. Sights on your own can be easily missed that are discovered on tour. I agree the recorded commentary is somewhat weak and needs to be improved. Also be aware that even though there is hop on / hop off capability, pending on the operating schedule, there can be long waits for the next bus. The driver was personable and was outstanding at handling her road management skills. Read more Written April 25, 2018
• Diane S 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Historical City. Magnificent city. Lots of history which I love. Great to wander around and the people are so friendly. Read more Written July 16, 2015
• travele0948 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great planning, great guides We took a 3 week guided trip with Ophorus to Alsace and Burgundy. I worked with Christophe (owner) to plan out the custom itinerary. We came up with day trips for each day for 3 weeks. There were two guides assigned--one (Daniele) for the two weeks in Alsace and one (Brigitte) for the one week in Burgundy. The entire trip came off without a single hitch. Christophe also arranged for a driver to return us from Burgundy to Paris and for another driver to take us from Paris to CDG the day of our departure. I cannot speak highly enough regarding the overall professionalism shown by everyone we encountered through the Ophorus connection. I would strongly recommend anyone desiring a truly first class service to use Ophorus. Read more Written October 1, 2014
• liz M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles tour to Carcassone from Toulouse the SNCF labour dispute made it difficult to get to Carcassone by public transportation. we were lucky to find Pierrick Corlouer (Le Van d'Autan) a local tour guide with lots of local knowledge. We took a 41/2 hour tour to and from Carcassone in a very comfortable van. Pierrick was extremely informative, personable and easy to get along with. Liz and Dave Read more Written June 18, 2014
• Khourym11 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Tour or Bordeaux, Sarlat and Toulouse My husband contacted Orphorus through tripadvisor to hire a driver and guide from April 29th to May 2nd, 2014 for four people to tour Bordeaux, Sarlat and Toulouse. Orphorus did a great job of providing a driver and guide for four days. The guide was very professional and punctual. She was very knowledgeable and did a great job in providing us information on the places we visited. She also did an amazing job of getting us from place to place. We would have never been able to visit the many places we saw if it had not been for her ability to navigate the area. The guide was also very friendly and easy to work with. If we needed time on our own she was able to accommodate that request. She also helped us to learn a little French. Read more Written May 28, 2014
• ThunderDownUnder111 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private excursion to Carcassone and Winery We had a fantastic private excursion from Sète, France (where our cruise ship docked) to Carcassonne, France (fortified town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as a local winery. Our tour guide Anne was quite professional, informative and friendly and helped make for a wonderful day of touring - which also included a visit to a local family-owned winery. We can highly recommend Ophorus for personalised tours in France - whether the south of France, Bordeaux, Alsace or the Dordogne regions. Read more Written August 29, 2013
• Melinda080 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Roquefort and Millau Viaduct Tour When in France you must see this magnificent bridge spanning a beautiful valley. It you are lucky, you will be taken there by Stephanie, who was our fabulous guide. We looked down on the valley and across to the Viaduct from a great viewing spot. Awesome. The cheese place was interesting enough and we enjoyed lunch with Stephanie in Roquefort. It was a good day trip. Read more Written August 16, 2013
• Sara J 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely day out around Toulouse Despite myself messing up, booking for the wrong day and arriving over an hour late once we realised our mistake, Ophorus were very accomodating and allowed us to complete the full day tour and finish later than normal, for a small amount of extra cash. Our guide was friendly and informative and we had a lovely day. Our tour consisted of Albi, Cordes and Gaillac wine tasting. An excellent (if somewhat pricey) day out for people not wishing to hire a car. Read more Written October 7, 2012
• ladysignaller 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day out! as frequent "city weekenders" we always find Sunday a bit flat, so we book a day tour, to get out of the city to see further afield,Toulouse was no exception, we read the reviews on here, and the tour was as good as the reviews! Stephanie the guide was waiting, we found we were the only ones on the tour that day, and the tour lived up to the description. we visited Albi, Cordes, & Gaillac wine tasting, Albi was beautiful, the Cathedral was spectacular, Cordes where we had lunch, was so interesting the views were to be seen to be believed, and the wine tasting?? nothing could go wrong there! so helpful not just on a sales push, which made a lovely change. very well worth the cost of the "small tour" service, so much better than the organised "coach" trips. Stephanie was a delightful guide, and really knew the things you need a good guide to know! Read more Written September 9, 2012
• Roadrunner32 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A very enjoyable tour We don't normally rely on packaged tours, but circumstances nudged us towards Ophorus so that we could easily and comfortably visit Dali's museum. Not only was our visit to Figueres worth the cost of the tour - we got a very pleasant bonus in our visit to Girnoa, a city we'd never otherwise have considered. The tour guide was fluent in both English and Spanish and treated speakers of both languages equally. Directions were clear, insights were interesting, time spent was jsut about right. We'll consider Ophorus again for our next trip to Spain. Read more Written August 21, 2012
• nchar 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful day We toured with Annie to Albi, Cordes and Galliac wine tasting. The cathedral at Albi was amazing in both size and preservation of the interior. Annie provided us with the history, not only of the church, but of what was occurring in the country at that time. In our free time we wander the farmers market and found out mouths watering at the delicious looking cheeses, meat and pastries. The medieval town of Mont Miral was fascinating and the wine tasting fun at the end of the day. Annie delivered us safely back to Toulouse....a very good day. Read more Written August 17, 2012
• BigRuss1213 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Day trip to Lourdes Spent an interesting day at Lourdes with our guide. There was just the two of us and our guide. Picked us up at an agreed spot, but dropped us back to our hotel. Which was appreciated. Found this company via tripadvisor, they have a small selection of day trips from Toulouse. A guide was casual, and flexible. If we wanted to change the schedule, or wanted to hang around parts of Lourdes longer than planned he was ok with that. Read more Written July 30, 2012
• 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of Albi I enjoyed my recent tour of Albi. The cathedral was magnificent and like seeing a museum. I appreciated having a guide who knew details about the church and town and spoke English. She was also kind enough to drop me off at the train station. It was a very positive experience and I would recommend it to anyone! Read more Written July 13, 2012
• JeffreyHK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tours to Carcassonne & Albi We had a great time in Carcassonne & Albi. It was rather a headache to find a good English local tour co. while I was planning my trip to Carcassonne. So we wrote to the Tourisme de Toulouse and the Office recommended Ophorus to us. Ophorus gave us quick responses and confirmed us that we could do two tours in a day : Carcassone & Albi. We were fortunate to meet our driver and guide, Stephanie. She was resourceful who told us many stories about the history of the areas. She also brought us to some scenic spots and gave us sufficient time to explore the areas ourselves. Although we did the two tours in a day, we did not feel rush and tiring. We were highly impressed by the serene beauty of Carcassone, the renowned castle town as well as Albi, the pink city, where both have been listed as Unesco’s world heritage sites. We thanked Ophorus for helping us getting to these two charming, medieaval towns from which we took lots of great pictures. We also thank Stephanie again for her professionalism who brought us lots of cherished memories in our trip. Read more Written June 16, 2012

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Lourdes Day Tour from Toulouse provided by Ophorus