Toulouse is a vibrant city in south-western France, renowned for its sublime monuments, the lilting accents of its inhabitants, its generous gastronomy and overflowing cultural offerings. Cradle of aviation and space, Toulouse is also a student city, with lively neighborhoods from morning to night. Boasting lush green parks, the banks of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, the city is an inviting place to stroll and recharge your batteries. Whether you're here for 2 days or a long weekend, you'll always leave with a smile on your face . Le Petit Futé has put together a program to make sure you don't miss out on any of the city's must-sees.
Day 1: Place du Capitole, Saint-Sernin Basilica, Abattoirs..
Saturday morning:
The tour begins with a stop at Place du Capitole, one of the 11 things to see and visit in Toulouse. It's the emblem of the city, with its many pink-brick monuments, the Hôtel de Ville, the theater and several hotels. It's also the place to admire the huge Occitan cross that decorates the ground. Well on the way to seeing Toulouse's finest monuments, we then head for the Saint-Sernin basilica, one of the largest Romanesque buildings in the West. Beneath its immense nave lies a crypt housing several relics. For architecture buffs, two other monuments are a must: the Jacobins convent, a jewel of Southern Gothic art, and the Hôtel d'Assézat, a Renaissance marvel. You can also opt for a 70-minuteminibus tour of the heart of Toulouse, which you can book here: you'll discover the highlights of the Ville Rose and its secrets thanks to an audioguide provided on board. At lunchtime, the Carmes district is the place to go to choose from the many restaurants there.
Saturday afternoon:
In the afternoon, we continue in museum mode with a visit to Les Abattoirs, a cultural venue featuring exhibitions of modern art and creations by contemporary artists. Check out the cultural calendar, as the museum also offers lectures, dance performances and concerts. In fact, it's music we're talking about on our next visit, which takes us to the Maison Nougaro. The singer-songwriter and poet was born in the Ville Rose. In a setting listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the curious enter on a peniche to immerse themselves in the artist's life. The site features a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and workshops on the poet's work and life. After spending time indoors, there's nothing like a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, facing the stream populated by ducks, swans and geese, to get some fresh air and breathe before the evening.
Saturday evening:
Several options are available to visitors in the evening. They can head off in search of a restaurant to sample some of the local specialties, cassoulet and many other Toulouse sausage dishes. Particularly comforting in winter. Place Saint-Georges is always a lively place, with numerous bars where the atmosphere is in full swing as night falls. Let's not forget that Toulouse is alive with young people, and one of the 10 best cities to study in Europe. You can also choose to go to the Halle aux Grains for classical music, or to the Bikini if you're more into rock and contemporary music.
Day 2: Covered market, Quai de la Garonne, Musée des Augustins, Canal du Midi...
Sunday morning:
A busy Sunday for this weekend in Toulouse. Early in the morning, a trip to the Victor Hugo covered market, the oldest covered market in France, allows you to stock up on good regional produce and stop for a drink. When the weather's right - and it's often mild in Toulouse - you can plan a picnic on the banks of the Garonne. The views offered are magnificent, including those of the Pont Neuf and the Dôme de la Grave. An emblematic panorama of the Ville Rose. And don't hesitate to cross the bridge into theSaint-Cyprien district. Here, you'll discover the ramparts and the charming Saint-Nicolas church, still made of pink bricks! And we end on the Place de l'Estrapade for a coffee.
Sunday afternoon:
Those wishing to start the afternoon with a visit to a museum can head for the Musée des Augustins, a magnificent building housing a large collection of paintings from the 14th to the 19th century, as well as numerous sculptures from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Alternatively, you can head straight for the Canal du Midi, one of the 10 most beautiful places to visit in France in autumn. Designed by Vauban and Paul Riquet, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can walk or cycle along the water's edge, protected by the many plane trees. Depending on the time of year, you can also plan a trip on an electric boat or a barge. A must for a weekend in Toulouse, and a great idea for an EVJF destination in France! Then it's time to head home. If you're in Toulouse for a long weekend, you can take advantage of the evening to stroll through the Bourse-Daurade district, a stone's throw from the Place du Capitole. Busy during the day with its designer boutiques, vintage and second-hand shops, it's also a great place to dine in the evening.
Day 3: Cité de l'Espace, Japanese garden, Saint-Aubin district...
Monday morning:
Those wishing to discover the Cité de l' Espace during their long weekend in Toulouse can schedule the day. Please note, however, that it may be closed on Mondays, depending on the month of the year. It takes 20 minutes by car from the Ville Rose to reach the site. Public transport is also available. A good idea for those who want to discover Toulouse and the surrounding area by motorcycle. The Cité de l'Espace offers an immersion in space and the conquest of space. A place that appeals to children and adults alike, with exhibitions, workshops, a life-size replica of the Ariane 5 rocket, a planetarium and another replica, that of the Mir space station. You'll also want to keep an eye on the agenda, as many exciting conferences are held here. Visitors wishing to stay in the center of Toulouse can take advantage of their Monday morning to stroll through the Japanese Garden. A place that surprises with its exoticism and gives the impression of having joined Japan for a few moments.
Monday afternoon:
Another Monday alternative to the Cité de l'Espace is a stroll through some of Toulouse's most beautiful neighborhoods to take photos. Saint-Aubin is a kind of Montmartre for Toulouse, with many artists, craftsmen and shopkeepers keeping the area lively. You'll also quickly fall under the spell of the chic Saint-Étienne district, with its private mansions and medieval streets. A place where you come face to face with architectural treasures.
Where to stay in Toulouse?
The heart of Toulouse is very lively. If you've come to party, you're welcome to move closer to it. For a more relaxing stay, it's best to move further away.
- Villa du Taur, the best-placed hotel
Located on rue du Taur, one of Toulouse's best-known streets, the Villa du Taur is ideally placed. Although it's a little far from the Capitole, it's still close to all points of interest. You'll appreciate its high level of comfort, as well as its terrace, which has been converted into a small green area. Book your room your room.
- La Maison Soclo, the coziest establishment
In the heart of an 18th-century building, the owners of La Maison Soclo welcome you to a charming setting. You'll enjoy top-of-the-range services in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just a stone's throw from the Capitole, this well-placed establishment promises a pleasant stay. Click here to book in just a few clicks.
- Ibis Ponts-Jumeaux, the cheapest hotel
There's no fuss here, but quality services nonetheless. At the Ibis Ponts-Jumeaux, you can book beautiful, comfortable rooms right here , at low prices. You're right next to the Canal du Midi and close to the city's points of interest. The best!
What to do on a romantic weekend in Toulouse?
Toulouse is a great idea for a romantic weekend getaway. What could be more romantic than a walk, bike ride or barge trip on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site? There are many walks to be enjoyed hand in hand. On the banks of the Garonne, in the Jardin Japonais, the Jardin Royal or the Square Boulingrin. You can also schedule a visit to the Maison de la Violette and treat yourself to a few products such as sweets, cosmetics or tea. What's more, the store is located on a pretty barge. Depending on the program, a good idea for a romantic evening is to attend an opera at the prestigious Théâtre du Capitole.
What to do on a family weekend in Toulouse?
There are plenty of things to do on a family weekend in Toulouse. Like a trip to the Cité de l'Espace, with exhibitions and events that appeal to everyone. The Aéroscopia museum is a must-see. A place to follow the evolution of aeronautics and admire legendary aircraft. Another museum, the Muséum de Toulouse, exhibits a formidable collection of over two million items in modern, interactive spaces. A great idea is to visit the Halle de la Machine. This timeless space brings to life the impressive show machines of Compagnie La Machine and François Delaroziere. You can also download thisself-guided treasure hunt to discover the city with the whole family!
What's free on a weekend in Toulouse?
In Toulouse, you can visit monuments such as Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Saint-Sernin Basilica, two jewels of the local heritage, free of charge. The Japanese garden is also open free of charge, offering a journey to the land of the rising sun. The quays of the Garonne River offer some of the finest panoramic views of Toulouse, while the Canal du Midi invites you to enjoy the countryside. Right in the center of town, the Jolimont observatory invites the public to dive headlong into the stars, every Friday evening at 9.30pm. And then there's theMusée Départemental de la Résistance et de la Déportation. With its permanent and temporary collections, this museum accurately recounts the history of the Resistance and Deportation. Toulouse is a great destination for a cheap weekend in France.
