Toulouse | The 10 Best Adventures in the Pink City

Famous for lavender and warm smiles, Toulouse earned its “Pink City” moniker thanks to the many red-bricked buildings that fill the culturally rich and vibrant city. While the stunning architecture is reason enough for this regional capital to be one of the top places to visit in France, there are many other adventures to be had here as well. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Toulouse.

A Capitole Welcome

An attraction that is not be missed, the red-bricked Capitole, Toulouse’s City Hall, dominates the main square that bears its name. With an iconic red and white exterior that captures the city’s unique architectural voice, it’s easy to stop and admire its grandeur while enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the outdoor cafés facing it. Should you be visiting the city on a Saturday, you may want to stroll around the many stalls of the weekly market or simply observe as the square comes to life.

Pay Tribute to Claude Nougaro, a French Jazz Icon

Toulouse is also the hometown of one of France’s best known Jazz artists, Claude Nougaro. In 1966, he released the song ‘Armstrong’, in honor of the great singer Louis Armstrong. The song expresses Nougaro’s sincere admiration for the Jazz master and is also an anthem for racial equality, which school students are sometimes required to learn. In 2018, Nougaro’s daughter inaugurated a river boat museum in her father’s name that is definitely worth checking out. Exhibitions change every 4 months and various events take place throughout the year. If you’re looking for a highly Toulousian experience, this is it!

Soak in the Local History at Saint-Sernin Basilica

Those looking to add a little more history to their visit should head to Saint-Sernin Basilica. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the church was named after the city’s first bishop. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the largest Romanesque church in France, and is also a stop for pilgrims taking the route to Santiago de Compostela. More than just its historic architecture, however, the Basilica also holds art and music events in addition to its weekly and dominical masses.

Indulge Your Inner Artist at the Musée des Abattoirs

For those with a thirst for contemporary and modern art, the Musée des Abattoirs lies just a few metro stops away from the Capitole. For a fee of 3€ (with free entry for children under the age of 12), you’ll be able to indulge yourself in a variety of 20th and 21st-century art exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also offers free access to their library, which contains over 30,000 documents on contemporary and modern art.

Explore the Final Frontier at La Cité de l’Espace

While Toulouse is an ideal location for those with artistic and historical interests, it also caters to outer space aficionados. La Cité de l’Espace allows you to gain a better understanding of the universe that surrounds us. The museum offers great insights into our galaxy complemented with interactive activities to create a holistic experience suitable for all ages.

Solve the Mystery of Basilica of la Daurade

For some history with a little more mystery, head to the 5th-century Basilica of la Daurade to view a peculiar statue of a black Virgin Mary. The original statue was once believed to protect pregnant women and new mothers; tragically, it was burnt during the French Revolution. The statue on display today is a replica dating back to 1807, sculpted and painted in the image of its original model, and the reason for its unusual chromatic choice remains unknown to this very day.

Go Crazy for Great Music at Rio Loco

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the Rio Loco music festival, which is dedicated to a different part of the world every year. Renowned artists from these areas are invited to perform and will transport their audience to a different world through their music.

Relax by the Riverside

After a day filled with educational activities, allow yourself to daydream alongside the majestically beautiful Garonne River. The 4th longest river in France, it contributes immensely to the picturesque appearance of the city. Feel free to participate in the city’s vibrant river life through activities such as rowing and canoeing, or by exploring the canals that often harbors beautiful private river boats. If you visit in the summer, be sure to drop by the beaches and recreation sites that pop up along the river, as they are filled with activities for the whole family.

Take an Intriguing Airbus Factory Tour

The famed Airbus aeronautical company has its roots in the outskirts of Toulouse, and have set up several attractions in the area with visiting. Aviation lovers have the chance to increase their knowledge of the company at the Aeroscopia museum, or even book a tour to learn more about the manufacturing process of the world’s largest passenger airplane – the Airbus A380. Advance booking for the tour is a requirement and – for those outside the European Union – booking at least two working days ahead of your visit is a prerequisite. If you are traveling with young children, an Airbus Discovery tour is also available.

Reconnect with Nature at Jardin des Plantes

Complete your city tour by paying a visit to Toulouse’s botanic gardens at Jardin des Plantes. Created in 1794, these gardens was designed to provide medicinal herbs to students of Medicine. Today, they are accessible to all those in need of a change of scenery. Gorgeous and purposefully designed, the gardens are laid out so as to allow areas of relaxation as well as recreation sites for children and families. An oasis in the middle of the Pink City, Jardin des Plantes is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and oneself.

Lodging

No adventure is complete without accommodation, and Toulouse has plenty of options available for any budget. Keep in mind that while certain hotels are further away from the city center, Toulouse has a robust public transit system that will get you anywhere you want to go. If you’re looking for a truly vibrant experience in the city, visit during the spring or summer; this is the time when Toulouse really comes to life. This is a bit of an open secret, so it’s not a bad idea to book your hotel early if you’re visiting during one of these seasons.

Those looking to save money can’t do much better than La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin. Just a short walk away from the Saint-Sernin basilica, this hostel generally runs under US$50 a night and is the perfect base of operations for those looking to explore the city on foot. For a slightly more refined stay, check out the riverside for hotels such as Residhotel Toulouse Centre (~US$55), which offers beautiful views and a short walk to the Muséum de Toulouse. 

If you don’t mind shelling out a little extra cash, Toulouse’s hotel scene has even more to offer you. Both Le Grand Balcon (~US$100) and Villa de Taur(~US$130) are just steps away from the Capitole, and allow you to fully soak in the city’s romantic atmosphere. Both hotels offer breakfast and balconies from which you can enjoy breathtaking views.

Restaurants

Toulouse’s accommodations aren’t the only way to recharge, however; the city also offers some of the finest French and provincial cuisine this side of Paris. One of the best places to get breakfast in Toulouse is O Delices d’Emilie ($), a small cafe close to the Capitole square. Dishes change daily, but are always delicious. There’s a variety of serving sizes here, too, in case you’re just looking for something small to get you going.

Move away from the city center, and you’ll find even more of Toulouse’s finest restaurants. La Creperie ($$) offers fantastic crepes and galettes in a gorgeous former wine cellar. The setting is nearly as delectable as the cuisine, though the food itself is hard to beat. Other great mealtime options include Le Chat Noir Bistrot ($), a beautiful bistro with a cheaper price point, and L’hippi’curien ($$$), a fine dining establishment that will give you the quintessential French restaurant experience.

Trivia

• Chances are you won’t get far into Toulouse before your nose picks up the fragrance of lavender. The city is famous for its many lavender-based products; you’ll find everything from lavender soap to lavender candy. Just don’t confuse the two!
• In 2013, Toulouse was nominated as Europe’s capital of culture; unfortunately, it lost out to fellow French city Marseille. 
• Toulouse is a rugby town through and through. Its club, Le Stade Toulousian, is also known as “les rouge et noir” thanks to the team’s red and black uniforms.
• Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, in part thanks to its status as a leader in aerospace research.

While these are but a few of the activities that might interest you in this warmhearted and welcoming city, there are sure to be plenty more that you’ll discover on your own. Bon voyage!

Header photo by larahcv on Pixabay