Toulouse on a Budget: The Ultimate 3-Day Guide

Experience the charm of Toulouse without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Toulouse is a vibrant city in southern France, famous for its aerospace industry, beautiful architecture, and rich history. Visitors on a limited budget can enjoy this destination by staying in affordable hostels or budget hotels, exploring the many free attractions like the Saint-Sernin Basilica, walking along the Canal du Midi, and sampling local cuisine at traditional markets and bistros. With plenty of affordable transportation options on offer, a trip to Toulouse is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check in at the Hôtel Croix Baragnon, a budget hotel with simple yet comfortable rooms
  • Start the day with a visit to the Capitole de Toulouse, the city's grandest building
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque Jardin Japonais and admire the colorful koi fish
  • Pay a visit to the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a stunning Romanesque church with over 3,000 carved stone figures
  • Wander the narrow streets of the charming Carmes neighborhood and sample some local cheese at La Fromagerie des Carmes
  • End the day with a drink at the lively Place Saint-Pierre, where locals gather for an evening apéritif
Day 2

Canal Du Midi and Wine Tasting

  • Take a morning cruise on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and engineering marvel
  • Visit the Musée des Augustins, a former convent turned art museum with impressive Gothic architecture
  • Enjoy a lunch of cassoulet, a famous Toulousain dish made with white beans and meat
  • Head to the nearby town of Fronton for a wine tasting at Château Bellevue la Forêt, known for its bold red wines made from the Negrette grape
  • Return to Toulouse for dinner at Le Bibent, a historic brasserie with a chic Art Deco interior
Day 3

Markets and Riverfront Walks

  • Start the day at the bustling Marché Victor Hugo, where vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods
  • Head to the Musée du Vieux-Toulouse to learn about the city's rich history through exhibits and artifacts
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Garonne River and soak in the picturesque views of the Pont Neuf and surrounding architecture
  • Have a picnic lunch with local delicacies from Marché des Carmes on the banks of the river
  • Visit the Musée Georges Labit, a museum of Asian art set in a Moorish-style villa
  • End the day at Les Abattoirs, a contemporary art museum housed in a former slaughterhouse, to admire avant-garde exhibitions and installations

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Toulouse by plane is to fly into Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which is the main international airport serving the city. There are direct flights available from major European cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid.

Car

The best way to get to Toulouse by car is to take the A61 motorway if you are driving from Paris, or the A62 if you are driving from Bordeaux. The journey takes around 6 hours from Paris, and around 2 hours from Bordeaux.

Train

The best way to get to Toulouse by train is to take the TGV from Paris to Toulouse. The journey takes around 5 hours and the train stops at Toulouse-Matabiau Station in the city centre.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Toulouse, as it is an inland city. However, you can take a boat tour down the Canal du Midi from other cities in the south of France, which will take you to Toulouse. The journey time and departure points will vary depending on your starting location.

Bus

The best way to get to Toulouse by bus is to take the Eurolines bus from major European cities such as Paris, Madrid or Barcelona. The bus stops at Toulouse Bus Station, located near the city centre.

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