Discover the glowing Pink City
Known as the ‘Ville Rose’, thanks to the glow of its streets in the sunshine, Toulouse is a glittering gem in southern France. The architecture and beautiful streets are just the beginning of the story on a holiday to Toulouse.
Excellent museums tell the tales of Toulouse’s past, display examples of the region’s culture and entertain visitors with their exhibits. With around a two-hour flight time from London, you could be enjoying some of the region’s best wines in a Toulouse square in no time. Walk around Toulouse’s Jardin Japonais to see wildlife such as turtles and birds without leaving the city. Whether you’re sightseeing, wine tasting or exploring the historic buildings, we think you’ll love Toulouse as much as we do.
Explore our map of Toulouse City
Why book with us?
Your Toulouse City questions, answered
Crêpes, excellent charcuterie, rich cassoulets, foie gras and violet infused treats are all local delicacies worth trying while you’re in town.
Visit at the end of July for the Argentinean Tango Festival or between July and August for the Toulouse Summer Music Festival.
With the long days and low chance of rain, summer is the best time to see Toulouse in all its glory. Temperatures remain as high as 22°C through till mid-September, making this a good time if you want to avoid large summer crowds or save some money on accommodation. Or you can come to Toulouse just before the tourist season kicks off. Toulouse is just a short drive from dozens of idyllic villages and beauty spots. Spring near Toulouse means lush green fields, forests in full bloom, and fields of flowers stretching for miles.
Toulouse has a city pass that gives access to many of the popular tourist sites, including the Museum of Fine Arts and The Chateau d' Eau. A city pass lets you travel on any form of public transport and gets you good discounts at dozens of restaurants and bars. And it includes tickets for a canal cruise or guided city tour of your choice. Prices range from €18-34 per person for a one, two, or three-day pass. Buy your passes online in advance, then collect them from the city tourist office when you arrive.
Toulouse is an ideal city for wandering on foot but it's also well served by a public metro transportation service.
City breaks are about exploring interesting places and sampling good food and wine. You'll find all that in Toulouse. Start day one with a trip to The Abattoirs. The old slaughterhouses are now one of the most famous modern and contemporary art spaces in France. Then visit The Bemberg Foundation gallery. Its collection includes works by Degas, Gauguin, and Picasso. The restaurants in Toulouse represent the finest elements of French cuisine. Sample the duck confit, fresh oysters, and potatoes dauphinoise. Or indulge yourself with some decadent goose liver pate spread on bite-sized toasted bread.
If you're visiting Toulouse with the family, go for a picnic in Jardin Royal Park. This beautiful green space is the largest public park in Toulouse, and it's just a short walk from the city centre. There's a nearby market where you can pick up freshly-made cheese, baguettes, meats, and sweet treats. After lunch, relax in the sun while the little ones spend an hour at the park's adventure playground. The city’s Natural History Museum is another fun place for kids. Stroll down to Thomas Wilson Square in the evening. There's a host of family-friendly restaurants and a giant retro carousel ride.
Toulouse is a large modern city that's famous for its art, culture, and history. The city has countless churches, museums, galleries, and royal gardens. Stand-out attractions include the Pont Neuf Bridge. The city's oldest bridge was built in the mid-17th century and has stunning views of the Garonne River. It's the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Then there's the food. Toulouse cuisine combines delicate French flavours with more hearty favourites, including Toulouse sausages. These pork, bacon, and garlic bangers have protected status and are only sold in or around Toulouse.
Most city breakers spend three days in Toulouse. That's enough time to visit some museums, see the local architecture and sample the delicious food. But Toulouse is also an excellent summer holiday destination if you're looking for a longer break. There's enough in Toulouse to keep you occupied for up to seven days. If you decide on a 10 or 14-day summer holiday, it's well worth exploring the surrounding countryside and villages. Toulouse is less than an hour’s drive from dozens of idyllic towns, romantic chateaus, and natural beauty spots.