Discover Toulouse: France’s Pink City of Space, Art and Riverside Charm

Toulouse is the aerospace capital of Europe, and its world-class attractions prove it. Blast through the cosmos at the Cité de l'Espace, walk beneath a real Concorde at the Musée Aeroscopia, and book an Airbus factory tour to see how the world's largest aircraft are built. These experiences are unmissable things to do in Toulouse for families and curious travellers alike.

Discover why Toulouse is known as La Ville Rose, its rose-coloured brick glowing at golden hour. Stand in the vast Place du Capitole, admire the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin, step inside the soaring Couvent des Jacobins, and cross the historic Pont Neuf over the Garonne. These are some of the best places to visit in Toulouse for first-time travellers.

Toulouse rewards culture lovers with treasures such as the Musée des Augustins, the elegant Fondation Bemberg, the contemporary art of Les Abattoirs, and the Muséum de Toulouse natural history collection. Wander the city's galleries and historic squares to experience centuries of art and heritage in southwest France.

Taste the soul of southwest France in Toulouse. Sample the city's legendary cassoulet, savour Toulouse sausage and duck confit, and seek out sweet violet treats unique to the Pink City. Explore the Marché Victor Hugo, known as the belly of Toulouse, for fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie and regional specialities.

Slow down along the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi and the banks of the Garonne. Take a relaxing river cruise, cycle the tree-lined towpaths, join a guided walking tour, or hop on a sightseeing bus to see the city from a fresh perspective. It's one of the most scenic things to do in Toulouse on a sunny day.

The beating heart of Toulouse, the Capitole district surrounds the city's grand main square and its neoclassical city hall. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, museums, shops and the best cafés, making it the ideal base for first-time visitors who want everything on their doorstep.

Toulouse's most elegant and atmospheric quarter, Carmes is a maze of narrow rose-brick streets lined with antique shops, wine cellars, bistros and boutiques. Lively yet refined, it sits just minutes from the centre and offers some of the city's best dining and a buzzing local scene.

Across the Garonne from the centre, Saint-Cyprien is an authentic, lively neighbourhood full of cobblestone alleys, riverside views and local character. Home to the striking Hôtel-Dieu and Les Abattoirs museum, it offers a true taste of everyday Toulousain life away from the crowds.

An upscale and tranquil district built around the historic Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, this is one of Toulouse's most refined areas. Expect grand townhouses, antique dealers, leafy squares and the elegant Fondation Bemberg, perfect for travellers seeking a quieter, sophisticated side of the city.

A bohemian, village-like quarter known for its colourful Sunday market beneath the Saint-Aubin church. With independent cafés, craft beer bars, street art and a relaxed creative vibe, it's a favourite among locals and visitors wanting to experience the trendier, alternative side of Toulouse.

A charming residential neighbourhood just north of the centre, Les Chalets blends handsome 19th-century brick villas with leafy streets and a calm, local atmosphere. Well connected by metro and close to the action, it's ideal for longer stays and travellers who prefer a peaceful base.

We recommend: Toulouse in 2 Days

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We recommend: Best Day Trips from Toulouse

Just an hour from Toulouse by train, Carcassonne is home to Europe's largest medieval walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander cobbled lanes, explore the Château Comtal, and step back in time within its fairy-tale fortress ramparts.

Around an hour away, the UNESCO-listed town of Albi is famous for its towering red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Its beautifully preserved old town and riverside setting make it one of the most rewarding day trips from Toulouse.

The UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi winds out of Toulouse beneath shady plane trees, perfect for a relaxed boat cruise, a cycling excursion or a leisurely towpath walk through the heart of the southern French countryside.

A short trip north of Toulouse, Montauban is one of France's oldest bastide towns, built in warm pink brick. Discover the elegant Place Nationale, the Ingres Bourdelle Museum and graceful bridges spanning the River Tarn.

Perched dramatically on a hilltop, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a stunning medieval village often voted one of France's favourite villages. Climb its steep cobbled streets, admire Gothic façades, and enjoy sweeping views over the rolling Tarn countryside.

For a more adventurous escape, head south to the Pyrenees and the mountain principality of Andorra, known for skiing, hiking and tax-free shopping. Roughly three to four hours away, it makes a memorable longer excursion from Toulouse.