When is the best time to explore Toulouse, France?

In a city of France known as la Ville Rose (the Pink City), it’s evident that the seasonal light adds to its enchanting allure.

This is why the timing of your visit to Toulouse is significant. It’s easy to fall in love with this charming old Roman stronghold, reimagined in pink terracotta brick during the 17th century.

From the iconic Pont Neuf stone bridge over the Garonne River to the riverside park Prairie des Filtres, these classic viewpoints offer the perfect backdrop to take it all in: the Vieille Ville (Old Town) across the water, the grand neoclassical architecture, and the summer sparkle of guinguette fairy lights draped over the riverside trees. The city’s rich aviation history, the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, and the whimsical giant mechanical creatures wandering the streets only enhance its diverse charm.

With music, markets, biking, or boating along its picturesque waterways, there’s always something extraordinary to uncover in this treasure of Southwest France. Here’s our guide to help you decide when to visit.

April through June is ideal for peaceful walks or boating adventures

Spring is when Toulouse truly blossoms. Sunlit, pleasantly warm days are perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike (consider using Toulouse’s convenient bike-sharing program, VélôToulouse). Charming walking routes and cycling paths meander through the Old Town and along the shaded greenways beside the Garonne and Canal du Midi.

Cafe terraces awaken from winter slumber, spilling into pavements and squares. Temporary guinguettes like Racines and Canaille Club emerge along the riverbanks. Additionally, péniches (river barges) set off for a new season of culinary cruises, offering early-evening cocktails or dinner with DJ sets (a local favorite is Péniche Horizon at Port Viguerie).

May is a vibrant month for urban culture, highlighted by the hugely popular international festival Rio Loco, which contributed to Toulouse’s recognition as a UNESCO “city of music”. By June, cruises on the Garonne offer a refreshing escape as summer heat approaches; Les Caboteurs rents out electric boats from June to mid-October.

July and August are perfect for festival festivities and beach escapades.

There’s no better time to enjoy Toulouse’s vibrancy and flair than in peak summer. Music, theater, and cultural festivals abound. The international tango festival Tangopostale features outdoor bals (dance balls) on Place St-Pierre and Place St-Georges, while the Festival Cinéma en Plein Air (Open-Air Film Festival) takes place in the courtyard of La Cinémathèque de Toulouse—both are must-attend events in July. August sees the city quiet down as locals head out for summer holidays, but the Fabulous Festival (combining gastronomy and techno), Rose Festival (featuring rap and hip-hop), and various electric open-air concerts at Halle de la Machine keep the summer cultural energy alive.

As temperatures rise, you can cool off at the riverside park Prairie des Filtres. Each summer, the grassy banks of the Garonne transform into Toulouse Plages, an urban beach featuring sandy volleyball and badminton courts, pétanque areas, deck chairs, outdoor bars, and endless entertainment options. As another hot day winds down, take a leisurely 10-minute stroll north along the river to the seasonal Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) on Place Bernard Lange for a ride under the stars in the refreshing night air.

Still feeling the warmth? Venture out to the nearby Pyrenees. In the city’s expansive outdoor playground, you can enjoy scenic hikes, wild swimming in lively mountain lakes, zip-lining, and rides on Europe’s highest open-air train. Prepare for thrilling adventures and a refreshing mountain breeze.

September is a lovely time for boating on the Canal du Midi.

For many, September is the ideal month for boating on the Canal du Midi (though some argue that April, with its vibrant greens and pink blossoms, is better). In September, boat rental companies provide a wide variety of vessels, locks are significantly less busy, and the waterways are wonderfully tranquil (keep an ear out for wildlife and bring binoculars to spot water birds up close). Cycling along the towpaths is also more comfortable now—both temperature-wise and in general. The Canal du Midi cruising season spans from March to October.

September’s shorter yet sunny days invite one last round of starry drinks at trendy rooftop bars and delightful Sunday brunches by the water at L’Écluse. For a more local experience, visit the nearby Marché Victor Hugo for picnic supplies and join the crowds enjoying the riverside.

From October to March, expect a vibrant blend of culture, violets, and hearty cassoulet.

As the leaves in the nearby Pyrenees mountains turn brilliant shades of red, gold, and amber in autumn, life in the city resumes its regular rhythm. Fall is an excellent time for sightseeing and cultural events, with the opera, theater, and ballet in full swing at the renowned Théâtre du Capitole. Museums are serene, with only school groups visiting the popular space museum Cité de l’Espace, and accommodation prices drop to their lowest for the year. By December, the Christmas market fills Place du Capitole with festive scents of vin chaud (mulled wine) and cheesy aligot. However, some attractions revert to winter hours, closing one or two days a week, and Halle de la Machine closes entirely from January to mid-February.

To witness France’s Rose City adorned in purple hues from local blooms, visit Toulouse during the Fête de la Violette, celebrated on the first weekend of February. Winter is also the perfect time to indulge in Toulouse’s famous dish, cassoulet—a hearty stew made with haricot beans, duck or goose confit, pork, and Toulouse sausage. This dish is sure to keep you warm.