What to do in Toulouse?

- - Place du Capitole and its amazing architecture The majestic Capitole is much more than a city hall. It is a true icon that plunges us into the history and culture of Toulouse. Bearing witness to the city’s history since the 12th century, behind its neoclassical façade it conceals some artistic gems. For opera fans, this building also houses the opera house of Toulouse.
- - Basilica of Saint-Sernin The Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse is the largest Romanesque church in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This jewel of brick and stone has a majestic appeal and a radiant atmosphere. Its sheer scale is an invitation to stroll among the reliquaries, sculpted capitals and medieval frescos. Prepare for a trip back in time!
- - Church of the Jacobins Toulouse’s Gothic-style Church of the Jacobins is home to the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas. The church’s plain exterior hides a surprisingly bright interior with a shallow vaulted ceiling and a unique stone ‘palm tree’. Guided tours are available to plunge visitors into the history and architecture of this medieval monument.
- - Hôtel d’Assézat Pierre Assézat, a rich merchant from Toulouse, had the Hôtel d’Assézat built in the 16th century as a demonstration of his power. Designed by the architect Nicolas Bachelier, this private mansion became a symbol of success. It is now home to some academic societies and the Bemberg Foundation.
- - Banks of the Garonne The Garonne riverbanks offer spectacular panoramic views of Toulouse and the Pont Neuf (bridge), the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jâcques (former hospital), the dome of La Grave chapel, and the river itself. This is the ideal place to walk in the heart of the city (or stop for a picnic of drinks and nibbles).
- - The Canal du Midi and its bridges Several canals flow through Toulouse, including the famous Canal du Midi, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage feature. This is the perfect place for walks, bike rides and boat trips. The paths shaded by plane trees and the tranquil waters of these canals make a pleasant backdrop to a summer city break.
- - Districts of Les Carmes, Saint Etienne and Les Chalets The district of Les Carmes, among the locals’ favourite spots. There’s no mistaking this district with its indoor market, colourful buildings, narrow streets bursting with life, and great places to eat out in the evening. The charm of the nearby district of Saint-Etienne lies in its Renaissance private mansions and medieval architecture. The Chalets district is truly a village within the city, with its peaceful atmosphere, typical houses and pleasant cafés.
- - Bemberg Foundation Located within the Hôtel d’Assézat, the Bemberg Foundation, is home to a collection of artworks ranging from the Renaissance era to the early 20th century. The Renaissance rooms on the first floor display reconstituted interiors from different periods of history, while modern paintings are exhibited on the second floor. Look up to admire the 16th-century ceilings of the first floor.
- - Notre-Dame-de-la-Daurade Basilica and the Black Madonna On the banks of the Garonne stands the basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Daurade, home to the famous Black Madonna clothed by fashion designers Christian Lacroix and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the church also goes by the name of Notre-Dame la Noire and is said to protect expecting mothers, and the city itself.
- - Jardin des Plantes First created in 1794, this ancient botanical garden is now a 7-hectare public park featuring a stream and a whole diversity of plant species. It has a lively atmosphere and appeals to families, with its play areas and rides for children, including pony rides.

- - Visit the city with an audioguided tour on your smartphone Explore Toulouse at your own pace with this audioguided sightseeing tour for smartphones. You’ll visit the city centre, stopping along the way to admire its iconic sites with the help of the audioguide and with the freedom to adapt the tour to your preferences.
- - Pierce the secrets of Space and gaze in awe at the Ariane space rocket, all at the Cité de L’Espace The Cité de l’Espace offers a fun way to visit, launching you into space with interactive displays, 3D films and amazingly realistic Mars-like settings. A captivating experience for astronomy fans.
- - Come face to face with a flying dinosaur at the Natural History Museum Immerse yourself in the living world with the fascinating exhibitions at Toulouse Natural History Museum, to unveil the secrets of planet Earth, from earthquakes to giant marine creatures. Punch the elephant and Twiga the giraffe are just two of the amazing characters who will be there to welcome you. An informative adventure in the heart of the city.
- - Go swimming at Ancely pool near the city’s most surprising Roman vestige Take a leap back to Toulouse in Roman times by visiting the Purpan amphitheatre, once a venue for gladiator games, and the Ancely thermal baths, where a pool is set aside for swimmers. Come and see these fascinating vestiges of the city’s ancient history.
- - Visit the Halle de La Machine museum Explore this dynamic place where spectacular machines carry you into a world of tales and legends. This museum boasts some fascinating machinery, a cultural programme, a restaurant and bar, and gives visitors the opportunity to meet the creators.
- - Step into the adventure of the Flight of the Pioneers Learn all about the Aéropostale aviation company and its pioneers, including Saint-Exupéry and Mermoz, through an amazing human adventure. See inside an ancient mail van and relive the days of the travelling postmen who sorted the mail in the train between Paris and Toulouse.
- - Purchase tickets for a rugby match at Toulouse stadium In Toulouse, life revolves around rugby, be it live matches at the stadium, events shown on big screens in the city’s bars, or tours of the Ernest-Wallon Stadium, the iconic home of the local rugby team, Stade Toulousain. Enjoy the rugby vibe during your stay in Toulouse.
- - Visit the Château d’Eau Gallery, a modern art museum that once housed the municipal slaughterhouse This water tower converted into an exhibition venue, the Château d’Eau Gallery, is a hotspot for photography enthusiasts, housing a fascinating collection and exhibitions that retrace 47 years of photographic art.
- - Enter the cockpit of the legendary Concorde or an Airbus A380, or attempt air stunts in a flying simulator at the Aéroscopia museum. The Aéroscopia museum invites aviation fans to enjoy a unique experience between interactive displays and legendary aircraft. You can experience how it feels to fly in a stunt plane with a virtual reality simulator, or head for the north tarmac to find out more about the history of aviation in Toulouse.
- - Try cassoulet, a local speciality Cassoulet is a typical Toulouse dish that has to be tried. It contains haricot beans, duck confit and sausages, all slow-cooked and served in a terracotta pot. Enjoy your meal, we’re sure you will!
- - Treat yourself to some woad, an ancestral plant with dermatological benefits ‘Graine de Pastel’ is a Toulouse-based cosmetic brand that harnesses the properties of woad, an ancestral plant grown in the local region and well-known for its nutritional and anti-ageing properties. The shop can be found in the antique dealers’ district of Toulouse, where it highlights the combination of tradition and innovation in its products, all made in South West France and meeting the brand’s promise to provide fair-trade, eco-friendly cosmetics.
- - Explore the surrounding area on the Gaulois trail Follow this tree-lined path to visit sites that were inhabited by the first residents of Toulouse, from neolithic tribes to the Celts and the Romans. These sites also offer superb panoramic views over the southern part of the city, the river Garonne and the Toulouse cable car.