16 Famous Things to See and Activities to Do in Toulouse, France

December 1, 2024 Mustafa Natalwala 131 Views

Toulouse is a city in the Occitania region of France. For several decades, the city has been at the centre of the aerospace industry in France. Some of the top things to do in Toulouse with family revolve around the space and aviation theme. The city has HQs of Airbus, Aerospace Valley, ATR, and SPOT satellite systems. Two of the top Toulouse attractions are museums and amusement parks built on aerospace engineering and space exploration.

People also visit Toulouse for its history. It was founded by Romans in the 5th century. It has been an important political and cultural centre. There are some beautiful things to see in Toulouse that are renowned for their architecture. Toulouse is nicknamed the pink city because of the faded red bricks used in building many of the old buildings.

You will see a rich blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles in the historical sites. The majority of these places to visit in Toulouse are centred in the old town area. The churches and mansions are also adorned with rich interiors. You will see ornate furniture, antiques, sculptures and paintings.

The city is also home to several renowned artists including Henri Martin, Antonin Mercie, Edmund Dulac, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and several others. There are several places to go in Toulouse that trace the life and works of these artists. You will also get to explore the works of renowned artists from around the world in the city.

Toulouse attractions include art galleries and museums that feature the works of masters like Picasso, Monet, Modigliani, and many more. The city is also hometo museums featuring modern and contemporary art.

There are also some interesting places to visit near Toulouse, France. The Canal du Midi and the Lombrives Cave are both amazing spots. One is an incredible feat of engineering while the other is a wonderful work of nature.

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Table of Contents

The Best 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Toulouse, France

1. Chapelle des Carmélites

Built in the 17th century, the construction of this convent began under King Louis XIII. It is known for its historical significance and unique architectural elements. The facade draws inspiration from the Gothic style of the 14th century.

The interiors are adorned with artworks by two different artists. Paintings and murals were painted in the 18th century by Jean Baptiste Despax and in the 17th century by Jean Pierre Rivalz. These are some of the best things to see in Toulouse, France. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this conveniently.

2. Basilica of Saint-Sernin

This is the largest Romanesque church in all of Europe. It was built between 11th and 13th century. It is one of the top places to visit in Toulouse, France. The basilica is also a major stop on the route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

The church is included among UNESCO Wolrd Heritage sites for its history, architecture, artworks, and cultural importance. The rose and gold stonework gives this church a grounded yet ethereal look. The interiors are incredibly ornate and feature amazing historical artworks. You will need about 2 hours to tour this church when you visit Toulouse, France.

3. Musée Saint-Raymond

This archeological museum is housed in a former 16th century college building. The museum exhibits various artifacts that tell the story of the city. Some of them date back to the 4th century. It is one of the best Toulouse tourist attractions for history buffs.

The museum primarily focuses on the Roman, Celtics, and early Christian eras. You will get a peak into the life of people during these times. The collection also features antique paintings and sculptures. This is an ideal spot to begin Toulouse sightseeing as you get to see what the city used to be and get context on its present. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

4. Church of the Jacobins

This church is one of the most revered places to go in Toulouse, France. It is the final resting place for Saint Thomas Aquinas. He was one of the early heads of the Dominican Order and was buried under this church’s altar.

The red-brick church also has an imposing architecture. The Gothic architecture along with dark red bricks creates a powerful aura. However, the interiors are light and colouful. You will see several pieces of medieval artwork. It is one of the must-see in Toulouse for its aesthetic features. You will need about an hour to tour this church.

5. Place du Capitole

This square is the historical heart of the city. The square is surrounded by monuments and is steeped in history. It is also surrounded by great cafes and restaurants known for French delicacies. This is where tourists and residents come for some of the best things to do in Toulouse at night.

The capitol building dominates the scenery and the exquisite architecture is wonderful to look at. You will also see the Theatre du Capitole and Hall of the Illustrious. You can dedicate an evening to this square and tour the Toulouse attractions around it.

6. Canal du Midi

This 241-kilometer-long canal was built to connect the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. It is a masterpiece of civil engineering from the 17th century. The project was designed and architectured by Pierre Paul Riquet and took 15 years to complete. It is one of the best places to visit near Toulouse, France.

It was commissioned by King Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can tour parts of the canal and learn about the majestic engineering feat. The boat tour is also among the best activities to do in Toulouse for the scenic beauty around the canal. You will need about 2 to 3 hours for the tour.

I suggest you should book your Private Cruise Tour of Canal du Midi in advance.

7. Musée Paul-Dupuy

This museum holds various artifacts and artworks from medieval times all the way to 1939. This collection was assembled by Paul Dupuy. It is one of the most interesting attractions in Toulouse, France.

You will see religious artworks, medical pharmaceutical equipment, ceramic jars, wooden sculptures, ornate furniture, glasswork decoratives, and more. You will need about an hour to tour this museum during Toulouse travel.

8. Toulouse Cathedral

This cathedral was built over 5 centuries. It started in the 12th century and developed in stages till the 17th century. Hence you will see a blend of architectural styles.

For instance, the Romanesque square bell tower of the 12th century is topped by an ogival gothic nave from the 16th century. It is one the finest places to see in Toulouse for its interior as well. You will see artworks and artifacts from different eras inside the church as well. One of the top features is the suspended church organ. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church during Toulouse travel.

9. Musée des Augustins

This fine arts museum is housed in a 14th-century Augustine monastery. The exhibits primarily include the original artifacts from the church. The museum has 4000 exhibits including sculptures, paintings, altarpieces, religious artifacts, and even a few treasures from the conquests of Napoleon.

It is also one of the top things to do in Toulouse for those interested in architecture. The church features a blend of Mediterranean and Gothic styles with the echoing stairwell being a distinct feature. You will need about an hour to tour this church.

10. Hôtel d’Assézat

This hotel is housed in a 1555-built mansion. It is one of the most famous places in Toulouse. It was designed by Nicolas Bachelier who was among the finest Renaissance architects. The mansion houses are an incredible collection of artworks and artifacts.

This includes paintings, bronze figurines, sculptures, antique furniture, and more. You will get to see pieces by historical masters such as Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, Degas, Modigliani, and several others. It takes about 2 hours to tour the place.

11. Pont Neuf

Dating back to 1544, this is the oldest bridge in the city and an important historical Toulouse attraction. This too was designed by Nicolas Bachelier. At its time, it was one of the finest of its kind in France. The bridge took 9 decades to build. The bridge features 7 arches with openings to see the piers. You will need 15-20 mins to explore this bridge.

12. Les Abattoirs

This museum is housed in a former slaughterhouse built in 1823. The museum exhibits modern and contemporary artworks. There are more than 4000 displays including paintings, graphic art, sculptures, installations, photography, and more.

It is one of the best places to visit in Toulouse for art admirers. You will see works by Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Marcel Duchamp, Robert Mapplethorpe, and several others. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

13. Jardin des Plantes

This public park is also a historical site with a history going back 200 years. Built-in 1886, it is the oldest park in the city. The park is known for fun things to do in Toulouse.

The garden is spread over 7 hectares and has a variety of features for a day of leisure. The botanical garden has 1300+ species of plants and there are rides and playgrounds for children. It also has beautiful pathways with sculptures and curated spaces for a nice peaceful stroll. You can easily spend an hour or so in this park.

14. Aeroscopia

This museum is dedicated to aviation and aircraft. The museum exhibits a vast collection including actual Airbus A380B. You will get to know about the history of aviation and the evolution of aircraft. However, it is one of the top places to see in Toulouse for its collection. You will see sleek Air France Jets, A400M Bomber planes, fighter jets, model planes, and more. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to the Aeroscopia Museum in advance.

15. Space City

This amusement park is designed based on the space. It is one of the most fun things to do in Toulouse for family. The park has a huge model of the solar system. It also gives you a glimpse of the international space station and a rocket.

The park has a true-to-life replica of the Ariana 5 rocket. You can also experience a walk on the moon at one of the interactive rides. Finally, there is the IMAX theatre that takes you on a journey of space. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the place when you visit Toulouse.

16. Lombrives Cave

These caves have sheltered humans since the Neolithic age. They are one of the best places to visit near Toulouse, France. The cave system is one of the largest in Western Europe.

Aside from history, it is also known for its rock and crystal formations. Some of the tunnels stretch for multiple levels and open into caverns with pools. The cave system also has a cathedral inside it. It is among the most interesting places to see near Toulouse. The tours are about 2 hours long and are hosted throughout the day.

If you are looking for more things to see and do in Toulouse, check out the sections below. We have listed all the attractions and activities to enjoy in the city and around it.

Things to do in Toulouse, France

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Toulouse, France

Basilique Saint Sernin de Toulouse
Cite de l’Espace
Musee des Augustins
Museum de Toulouse
Georges Bemberg’s Foundation
Couvent des Jacobins
Les Abattoirs
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Musee Saint Raymond
Halle de la Machine
Musee Aeroscopia
Jacobins Church in Toulouse
Musee Paul Dupuy
Gallerie le Chateau d’Eau
Les Augustins
La Salle des Illustres

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Toulouse, France

Lombrives Cave

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Toulouse, France

Pierre Baudis Japanese Garden
Jardin des Plantes
Theatre du Capitole

Shopping in Toulouse, France

Victor Hugo Market
Centre Commercial Escape Saint Georges
Gramount Shopping Center
Galeries Lafayette
Les Boutiques Saint Georges
Victor Hugo Market
Rue Saint Rome
Rue Alsace Lorraine
Carmes Market
Rue Croix Baragnon
Saint Georges District

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Toulouse, France

Hiking
Cave Exploration

Sightseeing in Toulouse, France

Pont Neuf
Le Capitole
Fountain Bemberg

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Toulouse, France

Au Pois Gourmand
Les P’tits Fayots
Le Concorde
L’alouette
Oh la Vache
Hortus
Campagne
Agapes
Peche Mignon
Le Cenacles
Stephanie Tournie
Solides
Marche Victor Hugo
Cecile
L’Air de Famille
Mantesino
Le Detaillant
Cartouches
Genty Magre
Les Sales Gosses
Flower’s Cafe
Michel Saran
Emile
Le Cenacle

Where to Stay in Toulouse?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Toulouse. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Toulouse.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Toulouse

How to Reach Toulouse, France?

By Air

The Blagnac airport is the closest one to Toulouse. It sits about 11 km west of the city. You can get direct flights to visit Toulouse from several cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. This includes Athens, Dublin, Constantine, Casablanca, Montreal, London, Brussels, Nice, Paris, Milan, Faro, Madrid, Istanbul, and many more. You can get shuttle buses to reach the Jean Jures station. You will get metro and buses from this station to reach other places to visit in Toulouse.

By Road

The city one the rail route connecting Narbonne and Bordeaux. This route connects Toulouse to several major towns and cities in the country. You can also get direct trains to reach Toulouse from Barcelona and Andorra.

You can get direct buses to reach Toulouse from all around France. You can also visit Toulouse by bus from Barcelona, Paris, and London.

If you are planning to travel to Toulouse by car, you should head for routes A62, A68, A680, A61, or N124. These routes converge around the city connecting to peripheral routes.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Toulouse.

Image Reference

Chapelle des Carmélites – Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
Basilica of Saint-Sernin – Don-vip / Wikimedia Commons
Musée Saint-Raymond – Carole Raddato / Flickr
Church of the Jacobins – Lawrence OP / Flickr
Place du Capitole – Benh LIEU SONG / Wikimedia Commons
Canal du Midi – VIGNERON / Flickr
Musée Paul-Dupuy – charlotte henard / Flickr
Toulouse Cathedral – Felipeh / Wikimedia Commons
Musée des Augustins – Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
Hôtel d’Assézat – Pom² / Wikimedia Commons
Pont Neuf – Frédéric Neupont / Flickr
Les Abattoirs – M.Strīķis / Wikimedia Commons
Jardin des Plantes – M.Strīķis / Wikimedia Commons
Aeroscopia – Gilbert Sopakuwa / Flickr
Space City – Pierre Anquet / Flickr
Lombrives Cave – Oscar / Wikimedia Commons