Toulouse Travel Guide - How to Spend a Weekend in Toulouse, France

After this recent visit to Toulouse, I may have to say that this is my favorite city in France that I have visited thus far! The relaxing vibe, slow tempo lifestyle, excellent food and hospitality, as well as the rose, orange hues are just a simple list as to why it tops my favorite place in France. Here’s a quick snapshot of what to do for your first visit to the La Ville de Rose and why it’s so perfect for a weekend getaway! And see here for a list of places to eat in this lovely city.

Dome de la Grave and the Garonne River, Toulouse, France

Day 1

Place du Capitol

Start of your day at the main square of the city, Place du Capitol. Depending on the season you visit, there can be Christmas markets or special festivals. Certain days also cater to farmers’ markets to get some fresh produce and local delicacies!

There are a few cafes and restaurants along the square if you want to grab a quick snack and people watch.

*Tip: if you are driving, there is parking directly at and near the Place du Capitol. The location is super convenient since it’s within walking distance to all the points of interest and the prices are not crazy.

Le Capitol

In addition to the exterior of the plaza, the Capitol itself is open to the public and free! An absolute majestic building with exquisite architecture and interior design, the self-guided tour inside is not to be missed! You can even get a sneak preview of the assembly rooms where the local Toulouse politicians hold meetings and hearings.

Interior of Place Capitol, Toulouse, France

Grand Staircase at Place Capitol, Toulouse, France

Ceiling Painting at Place Capitol, Toulouse, France

Inside of Place Capitol, Toulouse, France

Assembly Meeting Room at Place Capitol, Toulouse, France

Basilica de Saint Sernin

One of the main churches in Toulouse, the Basilica de Saint Sernin sits on the former site of the 4th century basilica that contained the first bishop, Saturnin of Toulouse from 250 AD. The current Basilica began construction in 1080 and continued throughout the years. It remains the largest Romanesque building in Europe.

Majestic Columns and arches inside the Basilica Saint Sernin, Toulouse, France

Stone Arches and Pillars, Basilica de Saint Sernin, Toulouse, France

Explore the streets and shops up to Galaries Lafayette

My favorite part about Toulouse is how walkable the center of town is and how many cute streets, alleyways, and shops there are throughout! If you are in the mood for shopping, Galleries Lafayette Toulouse is a good anchor point and the streets around it have a wide options of stores ranging from international designer labels to boutique stores!

Night walk along Pont Neuf

Cap off your night with a romantic stroll along Pont Neuf. The bridge has wide sidewalks along the side and gives a perfect view into the romantic lights of Pont Saint-Pierre (Saint-Pierre Bridge) and the city with the Garonne River in the backdrop.

Romantic views at night along Pont Neuf, Toulouse, France

Day 2

Cloître des Jacobin

Start of the day at Cloître des Jacobin (Cloisters of the Jacobins), another iconic church in Toulouse with a grand clock tower accompanied by a beautiful cloister. The visit inside the cloister is completely worth it as it gives you a history of the site but also different views of the clock tower.

Courtyard of Cloître des Jacobin, Toulouse, France

Arches of Jacobin Cloisters in Toulouse, France

Large stone pillars and arches of Cloistre des Jacobins, Toulouse, France

Fondation de Georges Bemberg

Unfortunately, the Fondation was closed for renovation so we didn’t get to see the interior of the mansion along with its expansive collection of art. Heard it’s worth the visit so putting this on my itinerary suggestions :)

Sad that the Fondation de Georges Bemberg is closed! - Toulouse, France

Marché de Victor Hugo

For lunch, stop by the Victor Hugo Market to not only soak in the true French local experience but also get some bomb fresh bites - baked goods, cured meats, cheeses, dessert, fresh fruits and more! The first floor has all the markets sectioned by the type of food and the second floor has a few restaurants with seating! Depending on the time of day, the market also has a wide outdoor section with fresh artisanal products!

Fresh Seafood at Marché Victor Hugo, Toulouse, France

Fresh Meat and Charcuterie at Marché Victor Hugo, Toulouse, France

Fresh Bakery at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse, France

Fresh cakes at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse, France

The aisles of a French Market - Marché Victor Hugo, Toulouse, France

This cultural institution has been around the city since 1896 and is sure not to be missed!
Museum de Augustins

Also closed while we visited, heard great things about this museum and definitely worth checking out if it’s open and museums are your thing!

Place de la Daurade

Wrap up the day by finding a nice spot near Place de la Daurade to enjoy the beautiful sunset with the Toulouse skyline of Dome de la Grave and Pont de Saint Pierre (Saint Pierre Bridge) in the background. Either buy some snacks and drinks and have a relaxing picnic or there are a few bars around the plaza to enjoy a few sips while taking in the magnificent view!

Gorgeous views from Place de la Daurade, Toulouse, France

Street Scenes

Before we wrap up this 2 Day Guide, I would like to highlight that Toulouse is just an absolute gem of a city and beautiful to walk around and explore! The breathtaking views from the shades of pink and orange are perfect for a free day of flaneuring to feast your eyes and camera!

Cobble stoned streets in Toulouse, France

Exposed brick at the Pink City, Toulouse, France

Beautiful street architecture at Toulouse, France

Of course, there are so many additional things the city has to offer and I didn’t get a chance to explore this time around but I truly enjoyed this trip with the few days we spent at the beautiful City of the Rose! Definitely going back and will be reporting back on additional recommendations!

XOXO