Toulouse Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Eat & Know Before Visiting France’s Pink City

Toulouse, France’s “Pink City” (named for its pink-toned brick buildings) is the capital of the Occitanie region in southern France near the border of Spain.  The city is relaxed with a large student population thanks to its numerous universities.  In full transparency, Toulouse has not been my favorite city in France.  However, if you’re set on visiting or you want to try one of my favorite French dishes – cassoulet; I’ve got you covered.  Although Toulouse didn’t blow me away, it does have some gems, incredible food, great shopping, and fun neighborhoods.  In this Toulouse travel guide you’ll learn how to get to Toulouse, how to get around Toulouse, the food and drink of the region, and more!

 

If you’re traveling to France, don’t miss…

• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to France
• A Guide to Renting a Car in France
• The Best France Packing List

 

Where is Toulouse?

Toulouse is a city in southwestern France, the capital of the Occitanie region, set on the Garonne River.  It sits roughly halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, about 90-miles north of the Pyrenees mountains.  From Paris, there are direct trains (about 5 hours) or flights (about 1 hour).  The city is known for having a river in the middle, brick-red center, and easy access to both the mountains and the coast.

 

Best Things to See & Do in Toulouse

One of the reasons that I didn’t love Toulouse was because I didn’t feel like there were so many great things to see and do.  However, there are a few things that I would recommend in Toulouse, mentioned below…

 

COUVENT DES JACOBINS

The Couvent des Jacobins is one of Toulouse’s most striking Gothic buildings, known for its soaring columns and rose-colored brick interior.  Stepping inside brings you back in history as you picture what it was like when nuns and monks roamed the halls.

 

GEORGES BEMBERG’S FOUNDATION

Located inside the elegant Hôtel d’Assézat, the Bemberg Foundation is a beautiful art museum showcasing the private collection of Georges Bemberg – a writer, musician, and passionate art lover.  Inside you’ll find everything from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist paintings, along with decorative arts displayed in ornately decorated rooms.  It’s a quieter gem in Toulouse – perfect for a lazy afternoon.

 

PLACE DU CAPITOLE

Place du Capitole is at the center of Toulouse – a grand, open square lined with lively cafés and surrounded by the city’s most photographed architecture.  The Town Hall and Théâtre du Capitole dominate one side with their elegant pink-brick façade.  It’s a central gathering point for festivals, markets, and everyday people-watching.

 

PONT NEUF & GARONNE RIVER WALK

Even though “Pont Neuf” translates to “New Bridge,” this is the oldest bridge still standing in Toulouse, and one of the most beautiful.  Stroll along the Garonne River at sunset and watch the city’s pink buildings reflect on the water while locals picnic along the embankments.  It’s one of the best spots in the city for photography and slow moments between sightseeing.  In the summer, outdoor bars and temporary terraces pop up nearby, turning the riverfront into one of Toulouse’s most social areas.

 

SHOPPING

From chic French boutiques to small artisan shops, Toulouse is a fantastic place to browse and bring home something special.  The streets around Rue Saint-Rome, Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine, and Rue du Taur offer a great mix of fashion, books, and home goods – plus local products like candles, soaps, and gourmet treats. If you prefer independent designers and vintage finds, check out the boutiques in the Carmes or Saint-Cyprien neighborhoods. And of course, don’t forget to look for something infused with Toulouse’s famous violet flower.

Some of my favorite boutique shops include…

• Ma Jolie Bougie
• Nach
• ZAG Bijoux

 

VICTOR HUGO MARKET TOUR

Known as the “belly of Toulouse,” Marché Victor Hugo is a must for food lovers.  Inside this bustling market, you’ll find fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, breads, pastries, and plenty of local specialties like Toulouse sausage and foie gras.  And after you’ve wandered the food stalls, head upstairs where several small restaurants serve dishes made with ingredients sourced directly from the market.  It’s the perfect way to dive into the local culinary scene.

If you want to join a tour to the market, this is the one I’d recommend.

 

What to Eat in Toulouse

When traveling, I love to try local food and drink and in true France fashion – Toulouse (and the surrounding region) has some incredible local dishes.  Here are some dishes from Toulouse and the greater Occitanie that you should aim to try…

 

CANARD

Both “magret de canard” – duck breast – and “confit de canard” – duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat – are staples throughout Toulouse.  Although neither of these dishes were created in Toulouse, they are traditional specialties of the region.  I had both dishes in Toulouse and they are both incredible, but if I had to choose, I would go with confit de canard every time!

 

CASSOULET

Cassoulet is the most iconic dish that comes from Toulouse and is a slow-cooked stew made with white beans, duck confit, Toulouse sausage, and pork (or a variation of those meats).  The dish is made in a casserole and is how it gets its name.

 

FOIE GRAS

Foie gras is produced throughout Southwestern France but Toulouse (and the surrounding region) are major producers.  If you’ve never tried foie gras, I would highly encourage it (although when you learn what it is, it will take some guts).  The dish is creamy and hearty and generally comes with a crusty bread and a fruit accompaniment.  Foie gras is liver from a duck or goose.

 

TOULOUSE SAUSAGE

Toulouse sausage is a pork sausage that’s generally grilled, pan-fried, or used in stews.  The sausage is usually made from pork belly or pork shoulder and is so famous that it’s protected under French law – Label Rouge designation – which signifies a mark of quality.

 

Best Food Tours in Toulouse

If you want to try the local food, but feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, there is nothing better than joining a local guide on a food tour!  Here are the food tours in Toulouse that I recommend…

• Toulouse Food & History Tour With a Chef
• Toulouse Food Tour – A Full French Meal
• Toulouse Victor Hugo Market Small Group Tour

 

Best Bars & Restaurants in Toulouse

As I mentioned earlier, there are some fabulous restaurants in Toulouse.  And lucky for me, before visiting, I was able to connect with a local about the best restaurants in Toulouse.  I was able to visit a good amount and here are my top recommendations for dining and drinking in the city…

• Assoiffes – Low-key dinner spot (not known for local dishes)
• L’Air de Famille – Local dishes
• L’Alouette – Local dishes
• Restaurant Emile – Local dishes best for cassoulet (previously #1 cassoulet in the world)
• L*Agence – Speakeasy cocktail bar with small plates
• Ma Biche sur Le Toit – Rooftop bar
• Nabuchodonosor – Wine bar

 

When to Visit Toulouse

The best time to visit Toulouse is during the spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and the city’s cafés, gardens, and riverfront are perfect for enjoying life outdoors.  These shoulder seasons offer fewer tourists and a relaxed atmosphere for exploring Toulouse’s pink-hued architecture and vibrant food scene.  Summer (July to August) is warmer and livelier, with festivals and events, but some smaller shops and restaurants may close for holidays.  Winter (November to February) is quieter and cooler, but still pleasant enough for museum visits and cozy dinners in traditional bistros.

I visited Toulouse in October and the weather was decent.  Warm when the sun was shining but also experienced some wet, windy days.  However, in terms of crowds, October was a great month to visit.

 

How to Get to Toulouse

You can get to Toulouse by car, train, or flight depending on where you’re coming from.  Toulouse does have an international airport – Toulouse-Blagnac Airport with connections from inside and outside of France.  There is also the option to take a high-speed train from Paris which takes around 4-5 hours.  The main train station in Toulouse is Toulouse Matabiau and you can search for train tickets on Omio.  Finally, your third option would be to arrive to Toulouse via car.  You don’t need a car in Toulouse but it’s perfect if you plan to day trip to places like Carcassonne or Dordogne; or it’s part of a larger trip around Southern France or even Spain!

 

Getting Around Toulouse

Toulouse is a walkable city and when you can’t walk you can take public transportation or rideshare.  For starters, Toulouse’s historic center is relatively compact, flat, and designed for pedestrians.  Plus, wandering through the narrow, pink-brick streets, is part of the charm so bring comfortable walking shoes!

In the event you can’t walk, there is also public transportation in the form of buses and metros.  Toulouse has two metro lines and an extensive bus network – all of which are reliable, clean, and easy to navigate.  You can buy single tickets or day passes at the stations or via the app “IDF Mobilites”.

And finally, you can also get rideshare in Toulouse.  Make sure to download both Uber and Bolt before traveling to the city and check both apps to compare prices when requesting a ride.

 

Where to Stay in Toulouse

There are tons of great places to stay in Toulouse, and when visiting, I highly suggest staying near the historic centre or near Pont Neuf.  Here are the top hotels in Toulouse that I recommend…

• Boutique Hotel SOCLO
• Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre
• La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa Toulouse
• Le Grand Balcon Hotel
• Mama Shelter Toulouse
• Plaza Hotel Capitol Toulouse

 

FAQ About Visiting Toulouse

Here are the most frequently asked questions about visiting Toulouse…

Q:  “Is Toulouse worth visiting?”

• A:  Toulouse is not my favorite city in France, but if you’re in the region it’s worth stopping by.

Q:  “How many days do you need in Toulouse?”

• A:  You can see most of Toulouse in one afternoon, but if you enjoy slow travel I would say two days is the perfect amount of time.

Q:  “Is Toulouse or Bordeaux better?”

• A:  In my opinion, Bordeaux has more to offer than Toulouse and I personally prefer Bordeaux over Toulouse.  If you’re considering visiting Bordeaux, make sure to check out my guide here!

Q:  “Do people speak English in Toulouse?”

• A:  Yes!  Most people in Toulouse speak English, especially those working in hospitality.

 

France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France

 

If you’re planning a trip to Toulouse, I hope that this Toulouse travel guide helped give you some context and guide you through the city.  If you have any questions about visiting Toulouse or France in general, let me know in a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in France, make sure to check out my Instagram page (search #KyleeinOccitanie), TikTok, and YouTube channel

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