Table of contents
- 1. Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin: exploring history
- 2. Victor Hugo Market and Southwestern cuisine: Gastronomie Enchantée
- 3. Cité de l’Espace: Space Adventure
- 4. Les Abattoirs and Musée des Augustins: Art and History
- 5. Stroll along the Canal du Midi: A magical walk
- 6. Jardin des Plantes, Toulouse
- 7. Quartier Saint-Pierre and nightlife
- Bottom line
Welcome to Toulouse, a city where history blends harmoniously with modernity, and where every cobbled street hides cultural treasures. Toulouse offers you an array of captivating activities. Let’s dive in together on this enriching itinerary, dotted with fascinating statistics and unique experiences.
1. Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin: exploring history
You’ve arrived in Toulouse by ouigo train, car or plane, so let’s get started on your tour of the city! Your journey begins at Place du Capitole, the nerve center that attracts over 3 million visitors every year. Be impressed by the majestic architecture before venturing to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a Romanesque treasure in pink brick, revealing a thousand years of history.
Address: Place du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse
Admission : Place du Capitole – Free, Basilique Saint-Sernin – €5 (full price), free for under-18s.
2. Victor Hugo Market and Southwestern cuisine: Gastronomie Enchantée
Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Marché Victor Hugo, visited by nearly 1.5 million gourmets every year. Discover the delights of local cuisine, from cheeses to wines, for an unforgettable taste experience that reflects the culinary heritage of the South-West.
Did you know ? Toulouse’s emblematic culinary specialty is “cassoulet”. It’s a traditional dish of south-western France, and Toulouse is often considered its city of origin. Cassoulet is a tasty concoction of white beans, pork (often knuckle, sausage, duck confit or loin) and sometimes lamb. Everything is simmered slowly to create a melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavors.
Address: Place Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse
Price : Free access to the market, variable cost for products.
3. Cité de l’Espace: Space Adventure
As Europe’s aeronautics capital, Toulouse invites you to explore the Cité de l’Espace, an attraction that attracts nearly 400,000 space exploration enthusiasts every year. Immerse yourself in the world of stars, rockets and the secrets of space.
Address: Avenue Jean Gonord, 31500 Toulouse
Prices : Adults – €25, Children (aged 5-15) – €20, Free for children under 5.
4. Les Abattoirs and Musée des Augustins: Art and History
Explore the city’s artistic side with a visit to Les Abattoirs, a contemporary art center, and the Musée des Augustins, where a collection ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century will immerse you in Toulouse’s history and artistic expression.
Les Abattoirs Address: 76 Allées Charles de Fitte, 31300 Toulouse
Admission Les Abattoirs: Adults – €10, Free for under-18s.
Musée des Augustins Address: 21 Rue de Metz, 31000 Toulouse
Musée des Augustins admission: Adults – €10, Free for under-18s.
5. Stroll along the Canal du Midi: A magical walk
Relax along the banks of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At 240 kilometers long, this masterpiece of engineering attracts thousands of visitors who come to stroll, cycle or even sail its peaceful waters.
6. Jardin des Plantes, Toulouse
Escape to nature by exploring the Jardin des Plantes, an oasis in the heart of the city. With its green spaces, exotic greenhouses and botanical exhibits, it offers a relaxing and educational getaway :
Area : Toulouse’s Jardin des Plantes covers some 7 hectares.
History: It was created in the 18th century and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in France.
Collections : The garden houses a vast collection of plants, including Mediterranean species, exotic plants, alpine plants, tropical greenhouses, etc.
Events : The Jardin des Plantes regularly organizes events, exhibitions and educational activities for the public.
Address: Allée Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse
Admission: Free.
7. Quartier Saint-Pierre and nightlife
End your day exploring the Saint-Pierre district, where cafés, bars and restaurants liven up the streets. This part of town offers a vibrant nightlife, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Bottom line
Toulouse, with its rich history, exquisite cuisine, space exploration, artistic heritage, canal walks, botanical gardens and lively nightlife, offers a complete tourist experience. Which facet of this exceptional city will you explore first?
Will you delve into its past, savor its culinary delights, venture into outer space, stroll along the canal, discover nature or lose yourself in its night-time alleys? Toulouse awaits you, ready to reveal its treasures.
What’s your first port of call?