9 amazing activities to experience in Toulouse, France

The fourth-largest city in France is nestled in the expansive southwest, between a bend of the Garonne River and the impressive Canal du Midi.

However, Toulouse has never hesitated to make its presence known.

Designated a UNESCO “city of music” in 2023, this sun-drenched metropolis boasts a captivating soundscape. Picture the ringing of church bells in the old town, the roar of aircraft, the rhymes of street-performing rappers and hip-hop artists, the splashing of canal boats navigating locks, the hissing of a mechanical Minotaur, and the clinking of pastis glasses on a sweltering summer day.

A rhythmic flow has always defined urban life here. Medieval pilgrims journeying on foot to Santiago de Compostela in Spain passed through, paying homage to relics and the tomb of Toulouse’s 4th-century bishop-turned-saint at Basilique St-Sernin. Aviation enthusiasts have flocked to Toulouse since the 1960s when Airbus established its presence on the city’s outskirts. Music lovers rave about the town’s lineup of star-studded festivals. Toulouse’s university, which has educated students since 1229, ranks among Europe’s oldest.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, this lively student city offers something enjoyable (often free) every month of the year. During the summer, activities like boating on the Canal du Midi and enjoying the beach life along the Garonne are as integral to the urban experience as art, culture, and exceptional cuisine.

Not sure where to begin? These nine incontournables (must-see attractions) will guide you.

1. Experience the French art of flânerie in the Old Town

The best way to immerse yourself in Old Toulouse is by strolling on foot. Admire it from the waterside at the 17th-century stone bridge, Pont Neuf, before diving into the charming maze of coral-brick shop fronts, elegant hôtels particuliers (private mansions), delightful boutiques, and cozy cafes where you can enjoy a chocolatine (the local take on the classic French pain au chocolat). From Place du Capitole, a neoclassical gem of a central square, meander along peaceful backstreets to the medieval Couvent des Jacobins with its serene cloister garden. Follow the scent to the striking, slightly-tilted “wedding cake” bell tower of Romanesque Basilique St-Sernin. Discover Roman Toulouse at the honey-colored Musée St-Raymond, and try to blend in with the city’s 130,000 students hanging out in the trio of gardens converging at Jardin du Grand-Rond.

Local tip: Toulouse is a city of places. Visit Place St-Georges and Place de la Trinité for vibrant cafe scenes, Place St-Pierre for outdoor dining and street performers, and the upscale Place St-Etienne for chic shopping and art galleries.

2. Explore local produce and savor a traditional cassoulet for lunch

In France’s culinary Southwest, the gastronomic standards are high. Consequently, the stalls at Toulouse’s Marché Victor Hugo, the oldest covered market in the country, overflow with seasonal delights. Take a stroll to discover what’s in season in the fertile lands surrounding Toulouse—think artichokes and pink garlic in spring, strawberries in summer, and hearty cabbage and root vegetables perfect for a garbure (smoky pork stew) in winter.

Head upstairs to one of five cozy eateries, where you can enjoy a satisfying, reasonably-priced lunch alongside the bustling vendors at a wooden table. The lively market atmosphere combined with a bowl of cassoulet—Toulouse’s filling stew of simmered beans, duck confit, and Toulouse pork sausage served in a cassole (earthenware pot) at Le Magret makes for an unforgettable experience.

For a gourmet experience, head to Le Genty Magre, where the chefs triumphed in the 2023 cassoulet championships. If you're craving more of that creamy stew, take a regional train to the quaint town of Castelnaudry (40 minutes away), home to Chez Marty, the 2024 champion.

Planning tip: Book a spot on a 4-hour walking tour with Toulouse Gourmet Tours to enjoy delicious bites prepared by chef Alejandro from his unique “mobile kitchen”—the back of his cargo bike.

3. Dive into the violet culture

Violets have symbolized the city since 1850, when a soldier from Napoleon III’s army returned from Parma, Italy, with a bouquet for his Toulousaine sweetheart. This sparked local flower farms to cultivate these purple blooms, which are seedless and bloom in winter (October to March). In the early 20th century, confectioners began soaking the petals—typically 30 to 50 per flower—in syrup to create candied violets. Today, over 300 varieties flourish at Toulouse’s Conservatoire Nationale de la Violette (National Violet Conservatory).

Every year, the first weekend in February sees farmers, florists, and artisans gather in Place du Capitole for Toulouse’s Fête de la Violette (Violet Festival). Throughout the year, indulge in violet-flavored ice cream from artisan glacier Toulouse Moustache at Place St-Pierre, or savor a Paris-Toulouse cake filled with violet-flavored whipped cream from Boulangerie B.Authié at Place Victor Hugo.

Local tip: Mingle with locals in the early evening for an aperitif on a café terrasse: try a local kir de Toulouse (a blend of white wine and violet liqueur).

4. Enjoy a leisurely float down the river or canal

Whether you're fascinated by the engineering marvel of the 17th-century Canal du Midi or just looking for a refreshing escape from city life, exploring Toulouse’s two lush waterways is a must. Experience the grandeur of neoclassical architecture from a unique vantage point on a sightseeing boat cruise along the Garonne River with Les Bateaux Toulousains. Alternatively, take charge of your own charming electric boat, complete with a royal-blue sun awning, from Les Caboteurs on the Garonne’s left bank.

Step out of Toulouse’s central train station and gaze at one of the 77 locks that form the remarkable Canal du Midi, built under Louis XIV to connect the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Cruising along this stunning waterway embodies the essence of French charm.

Detour: You don’t need a license to rent a canal boat from Locaboat in Négra, located 18 miles south of Toulouse.

5. Discover Toulouse’s impressive impact on aviation history

Toulouse boasts a remarkable aviation legacy. It’s where the first aircraft were produced in 1918, where Concorde took to the skies for its initial test flight in 1969, and the birthplace of every Airbus model since the first Airbus A300 flew in 1974. Discover how Toulouse emerged as a center for Europe’s aeronautical and space industries through three extraordinary museums located just outside the city: Aeroscopia (showcasing commercial airliners, including two Concordes), L’Envol des Pionniers (focusing on postal aviation), and Cité de l’Espace (space exploration). The highlight? Airbus factory tours offering glimpses of the A321 or A350 XWB assembly lines.

Planning tip: Reserve your visits to Aeroscopia and Airbus tours in advance; weekends tend to be the busiest but also the most rewarding. Dedicate a full day for a thorough exploration.

6. Appreciate art at a diverse array of venues

Experiencing the exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic art from the 15th century to WWII at Fondation Bemberg is not just about the art—it’s also about the stunning Renaissance architecture, as the museum occupies a lavish hôtel particulier (mansion) built in 1562 for a wealthy merchant. The city’s other traditional fine arts museum, Musée des Augustins, housed in a former monastery, is set to reopen in 2025 after extensive renovations.

Don’t miss out on Les Abattoirs, a vibrant cultural hub and contemporary art gallery located in a repurposed municipal slaughterhouse. Be sure to explore the outdoors as well: a family-friendly pathway of 16 fascinating sculptures leads from the central courtyard to the river.

Planning tip: Entry to Les Abattoirs is included with the Pass Tourisme, a discount card from the tourist office. Priced at €26, it grants access to multiple museums, a complimentary city tour, and a ride on the Grande Roue (Ferris wheel).

7. Cycle to Halle de la Machine for a ride on a colossal Minotaur

Things get wonderfully whimsical at Halle de la Machine, located on what was once an airport runway. Climb aboard a towering 14m (46ft) mechanical Minotaur built from wood and steel, get your thrills with a massive moving mechanical spider, or enjoy a spin on a giant buffalo or fantastical insect on a vintage carousel. Inside the hangar, a multitude of mechanical wonders will mesmerize visitors of all ages.

Throughout the year, keep an eye out for spectacular performances and 'operas' by the street theater group La Machine. These shows brilliantly combine around 50 mechanical creations from Halle de la Machine with a variety of musical acts, including classical orchestras, DJs, and live bands.

Planning tip: Biking the 4 miles from Place du Capitole to Halle de la Machine takes about 25 minutes, primarily along the towpaths of the Canal du Midi. Toulouse boasts over 370 miles of cycling lanes and around 200 miles of marked routes. You can easily grab a set of shared bikes from one of the 400 VélôToulouse stations.

8. Dive into urban street culture at a vibrant music festival

Dive into Toulouse’s vibrant music scene, featuring jazz at Le Taquin, classical performances and opera at Théâtre du Capitole, or live shows at Le Saint des Seins in the lively Place St-Pierre. The city’s reputation as a 'city of music' is bolstered by its array of world-class music festivals during the warmer months, so don’t forget to secure your tickets early for the August Rose Festival, which celebrates rap and emerging regional talent from the hip-hop duo Bigflo & Oli.

Planning tip: The Mediterranean music festival Rio Loco is another must-attend event that’s worth organizing your trip around.

9. Enjoy summer fun at Toulouse Plages

No need to travel to the coast to enjoy the beach in summer! Across from Toulouse’s Old Town, the riverside park Prairie des Filtres transforms into a summer paradise with deck chairs, slacklines, spikeball, pétanque courts, and sandy volleyball and badminton areas during Toulouse Plages (late July to late August). Expect plenty of games, kayaking near Pont Neuf, and outdoor concerts as the sun sets. Bon été!