Located in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, Haute-Garonne is a department that stretches from north to south, bathed by the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi. To the south, the Pyrenees mountains offer sparsely populated, rural landscapes, and the rivers and streams are ideal for river trips. In summer, Haute-Garonne is an ideal playground for hikers and cyclists. The Via Garona, which runs alongside the Garonne, passes through 41 communes and crosses 6 UNESCO World Heritage monuments, offering a colorful landscape. In this article, we invite you to discover the 13 must-sees in Haute-Garonne.
1. Toulouse, the pink city
Welcome to the capital of the Occitan region, bathed by the Garonne River and nicknamed the "Pink City" for its buildings constructed mainly of terracotta bricks. A former stronghold of the Visigoths, Toulouse is now a university, research and industrial city, specializing in the aeronautics and space sectors. On the route to Santiago de Compostela, saint-Sernin basilica, a blend of brick and stone, is one of the most imposing Romanesque buildings, and rivals in splendor the Couvent des Jacobins, a jewel of medieval Gothic art. Other must-sees include the Cité de l'Espace, the Renaissance Hôtel d'Assézat, the Museum and its gardens, and the Château d'Eau. Toulouse also invites you to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the banks of the Garonne and the magnificent Canal du Midi.
Good to know: In the 19th century, Toulouse enriched its palette by specializing in the cultivation of violets. Since then, the city of violets has produced a wide variety of flavors. However, it's cassoulet, one of the most typical dishes in French gastronomy, that remains the most popular local specialty !
Read more: Visit Toulouse in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend? and Where to go for a weekend in France? 25 destination ideas.
2. Toulouse's Cité de l'Espace: a must-see for Astronomy enthusiasts
Spending a weekend in Toulouse and wondering what to visit in Haute-Garonne? Don't miss the Cité de l'Espace, a must-see for all space and space travel enthusiasts. In this park, you can admire a life-size model of the Ariane 5 rocket and explore the cosmos by entering real spacecraft, such as the replica of the MIR space station. The IMAX theater, completely renovated in 2020 with a 400 m² screen, offers breathtaking cinematic projections. In the rooms of the main building, you can discover the life of astronauts, relive the first steps on the Moon and experience weightlessness and the challenges of space for mankind. This unique park, ranked among France's top amusement parks, offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Tempted? Discover our tips and tricks to prepare your visit to the Cité de l'espace in Toulouse.
Book your tickets click here to reserve your 1-day E-ticket for the Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse.
3. What to visit in Haute-Garonne Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of France's most beautiful villages
Welcome to the balcony of the Pyrenees! The charming town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, ranked among France's Most Beautiful Villages, is a must-see destination in the Haute-Garonne region. This fortified town bears witness to its medieval splendor, but doesn't forget its past as a Roman colony. Stroll through its narrow streets and you'll discovera wealth of architectural treasures. Take the time to stroll and meet the local merchants and craftsmen, and enjoy some great encounters. Hiking enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this region, which offers verdant panoramas and is crossed by the fifth route to Compostela (GR 78).
Read more: Top 13 hikes in the Pyrenees
4. The Canal du Midi, a natural treasure in Haute-Garonne
The Canal du Midi, once a trading route, is now a natural and architectural treasure to be discovered along the way. Renting a boat without a license is the key to experiencing this adventure to the full. On this journey, the relationship with time changes, and you move forward, amazed by magnificent landscapes and intoxicating scents. This jewel of France's heritage stretches over 240 kilometers, linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17th-century engineering masterpiece is much more than just a waterway; it's one of the oldest canals in Europe. With its picturesque locks, shady towpaths and picturesque villages, it's full of treasures to explore on foot, by bike or ona cruise.
Read more: What to do on the Canal du Midi Top 15 places to visit and Everything you need to know about slow travel.
5. The remains of Château de Montespan via the village of Montespan
What to visit in Haute-Garonne Loaded with history, the magnificent remains of the 13th-century Château de Montespan are impressive. The seigneury of Montespan acquired its fame thanks to the Marquise de Montespan, favorite of King Louis XIV for over ten years, with whom she had seven children. A visit to the ruins today reveals the scale of this vast fortified complex, the center of power and principal residence of the powerful Montespan family of Spain. At the heart of the site still stands the remarkably well-preserved keep, which dates back to the 12th century and around which the château was gradually built until the 15th century.
Good to know: You'll have no trouble finding it, as it's located at the far end of the village, accessible only on foot via a slight climb (between 3 and 8 minutes' walk).
6. Enjoy the thermal waters of Bagnères-De-Luchon
A road winds between the rocks sculpted by the Pique river, which flows into the Garonne under the majestic gaze of the Pyrenees... Louis-Napoléon, Lamartine, Flaubert, Dumas and Rostand came here to enjoy the thermal waters, and have all evoked this charming town in their works. Today, Luchon remains Europe's leading spa for ENT and rheumatology. Stroll along the allées d'Étigny, lined with linden trees and 19th-century hotels, to the Parc des Quinconces, admire the beautiful building of the Thermes Chambert and the vaporarium (a natural hammam unique in Europe), and stroll through the parks and steep alleyways.
7. Martres-Tolosane, one of the Petit Futé's favorite villages
What to visit in Haute-Garonne Nestled on the left bank of the Garonne, at the foot of the Pyrenees, Martres-Tolosane is a charming little town that seems to be emerging from a long sleep. The beautifully restored half-timbered houses in the old town center and the middle-class residences lining the circular boulevard, which marks the site of the old ramparts, bear witness to this. Martres is a round town! Internationally renowned for its earthenware art, it offers all the services and shops you need to stop off for a meal (and a very good one at that!) and a rest in a peaceful, pleasant setting. A city you're sure to fall in love with!
8. What to visit in Haute-Garonne? Rieumes, an ideal getaway near Toulouse
Rieumes is an ideal place to get away from it all, close to the pink city of Toulouse. Don't miss Saint-Gilles church, home to a 19th-century Cavaillé-Coll organ, one of the oldest in the region. Rieumes is also ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings. The town opens onto the Savès region, offering visitors over two hundred kilometers of hiking trails. These itineraries wind among mills and churches, allowing visitors to discover popular traditions and local legends.
Read more: What to do in Occitanie? The 21 most beautiful places to visit
9. Saint-Félix-Lauragais, a hilltop bastide
Welcome to the heart of the Pays de Cocagne! Saint-Félix-Lauragais is a picturesque and charming hilltop bastide, with half-timbered houses and a central square adorned with an old covered market. Situated on a ridge, the village offers magnificent panoramic views over the Revel plain, dotted with wheat and sunflowers, with the gentle hills of the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees in the background. Its gastronomy makes it an unmissable gourmet stopover, and its markets are a harmonious part of daily life: every Friday, a small local market brings the village to life, and in September, a potters' market brings together some twenty craftsmen.
Read more : What to see and do in the Pyrenees? The 20 most beautiful places to visit
10. Wine tourism in Fronton
What to visit in Haute-Garonne? Fronton is a small town halfway between Toulouse and Montauban, with a population of around 6,000. It stands out for its quality of life and attachment to its terroir. This dynamic, modern commune offers good leisure, sports and cultural facilities, but its main activity remains linked to its rich winegrowing past and wine tourism. The Maison des Vins, housed in the magnificent Château de Capdeville, highlights this tradition. Tastings and cellar tours are on the program of the Route des Vins, which crosses the Fronton vineyards, where some forty winemakers welcome you and share their passion.
Read more: Top 11 wine tourism destinations in France!
11. Villemur-Sur-Tarn, ideal starting point for a nature break
When you arrive in Villemur-sur-Tarn, you gradually leave behind the Frontonnais countryside to discover the "valley of water", or Val' Aïgo in Occitan, which leads up to the balconies of the Tarn. The existence of the castellum of Villemur-sur-Tarn is attested as early as 1035, making this fortified site a historic landmark. You'll see that the imposing ramparts are still clearly visible along the banks of the Tarn. Villemur-sur-Tarn is an ideal starting point for a nature break, whatever your mood: whether you'd like to take a stroll through the valleys, observe the wildlife, take a family bike ride in the forest, or simply relax with your feet in the water.
Read more: The 15 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
12. What to visit in Haute-Garonne Villefranche-De-Lauragais, an ancient fortified town
Founded in the 13th century by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse, Villefranche-de-Lauragais is an ancient bastide on the route to Santiago de Compostela, close to the Canal du Midi. Here you can admire a central market hall with high arcades, the ruelle des Prêtres (Priests' lane) with its typical medieval covered passageways, and a number of half-timbered houses. The Barelles castle and water mill are also worth a visit. Last but not least, don't miss a visit to the beautiful red-brick Southern Gothic church, built in the 13th century, with its imposing Toulousan-style double-tower bell tower. Admire also the pretty mermaid carved in wood on the entrance portal.
Further reading The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela: 12 tips for success
Which villages to visit in Haute-Garonne?
Haute-Garonne is full of picturesque villages steeped in history that are well worth a visit. Here are some of the most beautiful villages to visit in this region:
- Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: Classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, this medieval village boasts charming alleyways, half-timbered houses and Roman remains. The Sainte-Marie cathedral and the ruins of the ancient Roman town are a must-see.
- Martres-Tolosane: Nestling on the left bank of the Garonne, this charming little town is famous for its earthenware and half-timbered houses. The old town center and middle-class residences lining the circular boulevard make it a pleasant place to explore.
- Revel: Located in the Lauragais region, Revel is famous for its 14th-century covered market, one of the finest in France. Nearby Lac de Saint-Ferréol offers water sports and pleasant walks.
- Villefranche-de-Lauragais: Founded in the 13th century, this bastide town on the route to Santiago de Compostela, near the Canal du Midi, boasts a red-brick Gothic church, a central hall with high arcades and a number of half-timbered houses.
- Saint-Félix-Lauragais: Perched on a ridge, this village offers panoramic views over the Revel plain and the Pyrenees. Its half-timbered houses and central square with an old covered market make it a picturesque and charming place.
