Best 20 things to do in Toulouse, France

Welcome to Toulouse, the city of vibrant colors, delicious cuisine, and Occitan charm! From soaring cathedrals to quirky museums, this article will unveil the top 20 things to do in this enchanting French destination. Prepare to wander through the stunning streets, visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin (also known as Toulouse's Lego tower) and be awestruck by the mighty Airbus factory - where dreams take flight, and wallets cry. So grab a baguette, put on your beret, and let's dive into the fabulous mosaic of Toulouse!

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1. Jardin des Plantes

4.6 (9520)

31 All. Jules Guesde, 31400 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Jardin des Plantes in Toulouse, an enchanting corner of nature that will make you question whether you've landed in the Garden of Eden or a hidden level of a video game! As you meander through this botanical wonderland, prepare to be greeted by an army of ducks who have mastered the art of demanding snacks with their impressively intimidating quacks. And hey, if you ever get tired of gazing at flowers and trees, fear not! The resident squirrels are more than happy to engage in Olympic-level acrobatics, just to remind you of how uncoordinated you truly are.

metropole.toulouse.fr

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2. Musée des Augustins

4.4 (2458)

21 Rue de Metz, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse, where famous masterpieces mix with wacky sculptures like distant cousins at a family reunion. This stunning museum, housed in a former Augustinian convent, is a joyful playground for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Explore the labyrinthine corridors and you might stumble upon such surprises as a stone angel flashing a cheeky wink or a perfectly poised statue secretly practicing its yoga moves.

www.augustins.org

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3. Saint-Étienne Cathedral

4.5 (3997)

Pl. Saint-Étienne, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the enchanting Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Toulouse, a divine place that will make you question your very existence, or at least your choice of socks. Marvel at the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece that has seemingly stood the test of time, like your refrigerator leftovers that you're still debating whether they're still edible after a week. Step inside this heavenly establishment and prepare to be astounded by the intricate details that will make you ponder why you never pursued a career in stone carving, or any career for that matter.

paroissescathedraletoulouse.fr

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4. Capitole de Toulouse

Capitole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Capitole de Toulouse, a.k.a the city hall with serious majesty vibes. Get ready to feast your eyes upon this unmissable architectural wonder that will make you feel like you've stumbled into a real-life fairy tale. Prepare to be wowed by its whimsical pink brick façade, as though it were specifically designed for the world's most sophisticated cotton candy lover. Inside, you'll find a grand staircase so impressive that it might make you question whether you're attending a wedding or simply paying your overdue parking ticket.

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5. Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf, Toulouse, France

Perched proudly on the mighty Garonne River, Pont Neuf in Toulouse stands as the epitome of architectural charm, boasting a charmingly quirky personality that puts other bridges to shame. With a delightful mix of elegant arches and stone stairs that appear to lead straight to the heavens, this bridge whispers sweet nothings to hopeless romantics and selfie enthusiasts alike. Make sure to stop by during sunset to witness the magical moment when the evening light gently kisses the bridge, transforming it into a shimmering apparition that even the most skeptical of travelers can't deny.

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6. Les Jacobins

Pl. des Jacobins, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Toulouse, the city of charming streets and peculiar sights! Nestled in the heart of this vibrant French city is Les Jacobins, a historic gem that will tickle your fancy. Prepare to be captivated by its Gothic elegance, which will make you feel like you've stepped into Hogwarts, minus the owls and wizards, of course. Marvel at the jaw-dropping palm tree-like columns and let your imagination run wild, envisioning the ancient friars swishing their robes like some medieval fashion show.

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7. Musée Aeroscopia

4.5 (8840)

1 All. André Turcat, 31700 Blagnac, France

Welcome to the fantastic world of Musée Aeroscopia, where planes are so big you might mistake them for Godzilla’s long-lost siblings. As you enter, prepare to be blown away by the sheer magnitude of these flying behemoths, and don’t be alarmed if you find yourself ducking to avoid a rogue jumbo jet wing—those things are sneaky! Get ready for an adventure like no other, because Musée Aeroscopia is basically a playground for airplane enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

www.aeroscopia.fr

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8. Japanese Garden

4.5 (14034)

Jardin Compans Caffarelli, Bd Lascrosses, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Japanese Garden in Toulouse, a delightful oasis of tranquility amidst the chaos of this lively French city! As you step inside this enchanting corner, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to the Land of the Rising Sun, or at least a really convincing knock-off version. With meticulously trimmed bonsai trees that could easily win a beauty pageant and Zen-inspired rock formations that may or may not be practicing yoga, this garden is a must-visit for anyone seeking a brief respite from reality.

www.toulouse-tourisme.com

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9. Place Wilson

Pl. du Président Thomas Wilson, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Place Wilson, the bustling heart of Toulouse where visitors can witness the perfect blend of chaos and charm. This lively square, reminiscent of a colorful jigsaw puzzle, is surrounded by an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops, meaning that coffee and croissant lovers (and shopaholics) will feel right at home. Keep an eye out for the quirky street performers who frequent this area; you never know when you'll bump into a juggling mime or a breakdancing accordion player!

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10. Galeries Lafayette

4 (6974)

4-8 Rue Lapeyrouse, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Galeries Lafayette in Toulouse, where shopping is like embarking on an exotic expedition, only without the possibility of getting eaten by lions. This majestic retail wonderland offers a vast selection of treasures, from fashion-forward attire to mind-bogglingly expensive kitchen gadgets for people who still believe they'll magically transform into Gordon Ramsay. Soak in the glorious atmosphere and remember: if you accidentally knock over a mannequin, blame it on its lack of coordination.

www.galerieslafayette.com

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11. Basilique Saint-Sernin

4.6 (10693)

Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse, 7 Pl. Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Basilique Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, where saints and selfies coexist! This magnificent Romanesque church stands tall and proud, daring you to capture its magnificence in one perfect Instagram shot. Prepare to be awe-struck as you marvel at its grandeur, where even the pigeons seem to be auditioning for a spot in the next art blockbuster. Don't forget to say a prayer for that extra dose of holiness before leaving this heavenly hotspot!

www.basilique-saint-sernin.fr

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12. Hôtel d'Assézat

4.4 (1326)

Place d'Assezat, 31000 Toulouse, France

Nestled among the bustling streets of Toulouse, Hôtel d'Assézat stands tall, like a wise old wizard hiding ancient secrets. With its elegant Renaissance architecture and colorful façade, this quirky hotel is a perfect blend of historical charm and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Inside, its rooms are as cozy as a bear's hug, ensuring that even the most exhausted traveler feels as snug as a bug in a rug.

www.fondation-bemberg.fr

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13. Pont Saint-Pierre

4.6 (1986)

Rue du Pont Saint-Pierre, 31400 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Pont Saint-Pierre, the delightful bridge that connects the "oh-so-fancy" neighborhoods of Toulouse! This charmingly elegant structure, affectionately nicknamed the "Bridge of Pretentiousness," promises not only picturesque views of the Garonne River but also a daily parade of posh pedestrians flaunting their designer outfits while walking their equally fashionable dogs. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world where even the street performers demand payment in fine wine and Brie cheese.

structurae.net

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14. Place du Capitole

Pl. du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Place du Capitole in Toulouse, where imposing beauty meets a dose of subtle craziness! Picture this: a grand square surrounded by handsome pink buildings that seem to have undergone an intense Barbie makeover, making this place an architect's playground! Prepare yourself to be impressed by the extravagantly detailed facade of the Capitole building, where even the statues seem slightly confused about their purpose – are they guarding the entrance or just showing off their killer fashion sense?

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15. Musée de Toulouse

4.5 (3495)

35 All. Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France

Prepare to be charmed and entertained at Musée de Toulouse, the city's flagship museum that leaves no stone unturned in its quest to showcase the wonders of Toulouse. As you saunter through the doors of this cultural haven, be prepared to have your mind blown by the mind-boggling array of exhibits that explore everything from dinosaurs to space travel. With enough interactive displays to make even the most enthusiastic child turn green with envy, this place is like a theme park on steroids – just remember to leave your roller skates at the door!

museum.toulouse.fr

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16. Canal du Midi

4.4 (80)

110-116 Bd de l'Embouchure, 31200 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Toulouse, where the Canal du Midi snakes through the city like a mischievous water serpent! Embark on a voyage along this 17th-century marvel, and witness the hilarious scenes of boaters trying to navigate their way around oblivious ducks who seem to have mastered the art of "ducking" the rules. Don't be surprised if you find yourself holding your breath while passing under the low bridges - let's just say, it's the ultimate test of your limbo skills, no fancy dance moves required!

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17. Les Abattoirs

4.3 (3154)

76 All. Charles de Fitte, 31300 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Les Abattoirs in Toulouse, a vibrant art museum housed in what used to be an actual slaughterhouse. Revamped from its gruesome past, Les Abattoirs has become a meat-free zone where visitors can feast on contemporary art instead. With its funky exhibits and colorful artworks, this place guarantees a thought-provoking experience that will leave you wondering why the cows didn't just pick up a paintbrush instead of being turned into steak.

www.lesabattoirs.org

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18. Church of the Jacobins

4.6 (5504)

Pl. des Jacobins, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse, a place where even non-believers struggle to resist shouting "hallelujah!" This architectural marvel embodies elegance with its soaring columns that look like they went through an intense Pilates class. Step inside to witness the jaw-dropping rose-colored ceiling, which will make you wonder if Michelangelo left his mark here with a cheeky drop of strawberry ice-cream.

www.jacobins.toulouse.fr

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19. Musée Saint-Raymond

4.6 (1197)

1 ter Pl. Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Musée Saint-Raymond in the delightful city of Toulouse, where ancient history meets witty anecdotes! Prepare to be transported through time as you step into a world full of captivating Roman artifacts, conveniently located just a stone's throw away from the bustling city center. From jaw-dropping mosaics that might inspire an impromptu living room redesign to statues that will make you want to strike a pose, this museum promises an adventure so entertaining, you might consider challenging Julius Caesar to a gladiator duel (just kidding, please don't actually do that).

saintraymond.toulouse.fr

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20. Cité de l'espace

4.1 (4363)

Av. Jean Gonord, 31500 Toulouse, France

Welcome to Cité de l'espace in Toulouse, where the galaxy comes to say bonjour! This out-of-this-world science museum promises a cosmic experience that will leave you starry-eyed. Prepare to embark on a journey through the universe, marvel at rockets that could make your car envious, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an alien tourist snapping a selfie with Neil Armstrong!

www.cite-espace.com

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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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