Toulouse on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Experience the charm and culture of Toulouse without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Explore the charming city of Toulouse on a limited budget, with an array of affordable accommodation options offering clean, comfortable rooms. Feast on delicious traditional cuisine at local markets and cafes, while walking the picturesque streets and admiring the city's unique blend of modern and historical architecture. Discover Toulouse's rich cultural heritage at the many museums and galleries, including free admission to some of the best galleries in town.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Bonjour Toulouse

  • Check into the Hotel Ibis Toulouse Centre, centrally located for easy access to all the sights.
  • Head to the famous Place du Capitole, the main square of Toulouse, to explore the beautiful architecture and people-watch.
  • Visit the stunning Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest remaining Romanesque basilicas in the world.
  • Stop by Les Abattoirs museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
  • For dinner, try the local specialty of Cassoulet, a hearty dish made with white beans, sausage, and duck confit, at La Cave au Cassoulet.
Day 2

Pink City on Foot

  • Join a walking tour to discover the city's hidden gems and learn about Toulouse's rich history from a knowledgeable guide.
  • Explore the charming streets of the Carmes district, known for its narrow passageways and quaint boutiques.
  • Visit the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden with over 6,000 plant species.
  • Admire the pink façade of the Hotel d'Assezat, now home to the Bemberg Foundation art museum.
  • For dinner, head to Les Jardins de l'Opéra for a French fine dining experience in a beautiful garden setting.
Day 3

The Airbus Experience

  • Take a guided tour of the Airbus assembly line at the Toulouse Blagnac airport, where you can witness the construction of some of the world's most advanced aircraft.
  • Visit the Cité de l'Espace, a space-themed park with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
  • Grab lunch at Les Sept Deniers market, where you can taste local cheeses, meats, and pastry specialties.
  • Take a stroll along Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and watch the boats go by.
  • For dinner, try the trendy tapas and cocktails at Le Comptoir de l'Opéra.
Day 4

The Vineyards and Castles of Gaillac

  • Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Gaillac, 45 minutes from Toulouse, to explore its historic vineyards and castles.
  • Visit the Château de Saurs and sample its award-winning wines.
  • Explore the ruined castle of Penne, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Tarn River.
  • For lunch, try the delicious quiches and cakes at La Fabrique de Théron, a charming café in the heart of Gaillac.
  • Take a scenic drive along the vales of the Gaillac vineyards and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Day 5

Last Days in Toulouse

  • Visit the Musée des Augustins, a former Augustinian monastery turned fine arts museum.
  • Take a relaxing boat ride along the Garonne River and enjoy the views of the city from a different perspective.
  • Grab lunch at Marché Victor Hugo, a bustling indoor market offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood.
  • Visit the Canal du Midi Museum and learn about the fascinating history of this important waterway.
  • For one last taste of Toulouse, enjoy a glass of Armagnac and some local cheese at Bar du Matin before departing for home.

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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