Toulouse - Do & See

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Toulouse

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Europe France Toulouse Do & See

Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Young, family-friendly, and with lots of cultural activities, Toulouse never gets boring. As France's fourth largest city, there is no shortage of things to see and do, and taking a leisurely stroll along the Garonne and Canal du Midi is an excellent way to spend the day.

Boasting a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, Toulouse is a haven for architecture and museum enthusiasts. However, for the more adventurous traveller, there are also plenty of options. Rent a bike and embark on the scenic 40km journey from Toulouse to Port Lauragais on the south bank or venture out of the city to explore one of the region's stunning parks.

Manatour — Let's Visit Airbus

Manatour — Let's Visit Airbus

As the world capital of aeronautics and the birthplace of the renowned Airbus, Toulouse is a hub for aviation enthusiasts. For a really exceptional visit, head to the Lagardère site, 10 km from Toulouse, and learn everything there is to know about how a plane is built, how a plane functions, and how it is tested. Several tours are organised on different themes: discovery experience, panoramic visit, and green tour.

Basilica of Saint-Sernin

Basilica of Saint-Sernin

The Basilica of Saint Sernin, Europe's largest Romanesque church, is home to the tomb of Saint Sernin, a bishop and martyr who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Toulouse. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent basilica is a must-visit destination that boasts impressive ceilings and marble decorations that serve as a testament to its illustrious history, including its significant role as a pilgrimage site.

Church of the Jacobins

Church of the Jacobins

Comprised of a church, a convent, and a cloister, the Convent of the Jacobins houses the remains of its patron, St Thomas Aquinas. Its stunning walls and ceiling provide a beautiful backdrop for concerts and exhibitions that are regularly hosted in the building. If you only have time to visit one church in the city, this should be it.

Cité de l'Espace — Space City

Cité de l'Espace — Space City

Follow the stars and discover the mysteries of the universe in this fascinating scientific discovery centre located on the outskirts of Toulouse. Top sights and activities include the Astreala planetarium, real spaceships, the weather forecast planner you can partake in and the space training for adults and children.

Musée des Augustins

Musée des Augustins

Located in the heart of the city, this museum of fine arts provides visitors with a unique opportunity to stroll through the historic surroundings of an Augustinian monastery and marvel at its impressive collection of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi

Take a peaceful break from the city with a walk along the canal banks pathways or an energetic bike ride on the 40km bike path stretching from Toulouse to Port Lauragais on the south bank. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Place du Capitole

Place du Capitole

Impossible to miss — all the roads in Toulouse lead to this beating heart of the city. Plenty of dining options, shopping, and entertainment are available in and around the square. You can also have a look at the Capitole theatre and its entertaining program.

Museum of Toulouse

Museum of Toulouse

The Museum of Toulouse is an interdisciplinary institution that bridges the fields of science, culture, education, and social issues. Serving as a means for exchanging and questioning knowledge, the museum offers a platform for informed discussions and information-sharing that delves into the relationship between humans, nature, and the environment.

Jardin Japonais

Jardin Japonais

Nestled in the heart of Compans-Caffarelli park, the Jardin Japonais is a charming Japanese garden that features a tranquil pond crossed by a picturesque red bridge and a tea pavilion that overlooks the serene landscape.

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes

This public garden has abandoned its medicinal functions to become a popular family outing in Toulouse. It offers a breath of fresh air in the centre of the city and a large range of sights and activities such as playgrounds, ponds with swans and ducks, a small coffee place, pony rides, and beautiful bridges.

Animaparc

Animaparc

Animaparc offers a large range of activities such as trampolines, water activities, and amusement rides in a 14-ha park. It is an attraction for all ages but especially great for young children who will be able to discover over 150 animals and even dinosaur reproductions.

Les Abattoirs

Les Abattoirs

Former slaughterhouse turned museum of modern and contemporary art, Les Abattoirs hosts exhibitions, concerts, and performances as well. Located by the river and sided by a garden, this impressive brick building is not to be missed when visiting Toulouse. Its masterpiece is a Picasso from 1936.

Garonne

Garonne

Whether you decide to take a walk on the river banks or to book a cruise, which you can combine with lunch on board, the Garonne offers plenty of sights for a delightful afternoon or early evening. One company that offers cruising activities in the city is Les Bateaux Toulousains and they have three boats located at Port de la Daurade, Port de l'Embouchure and Port Saint-Sauveur.

Le Chateau d'Eau

Le Chateau d'Eau

The Château d'Eau, a 19th-century brick water tower located on the banks of the Garonne river was once used to supply 90 fountains. It has been repurposed as a photography gallery hosting exhibitions and a library selling books on photography.

Cave of Niaux

Cave of Niaux

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Pyrenees, the Niaux Cave stands out as one of Europe's most remarkable Palaeolithic rock art galleries, featuring an array of awe-inspiring cave paintings. The cave extends over a vast expanse of two kilometres, comprising spacious galleries, low vaults, and underground lakes. The walls and ground of the cave bear a hundred or so animal representations and several hundred signs, showcasing the exceptional creativity and talent of our ancient ancestors.

Grotte du Mas d'Azil

Grotte du Mas d'Azil

The Grotte du Mas d'Azil is a significant prehistoric site, renowned globally for its importance during the Magdalenian and Azilian periods. The cave boasts impressive illumination that showcases its natural beauty, and with the help of virtual techniques, visitors can explore the inaccessible decorated galleries. The tour also includes an educational experience that covers the geological formation of the cave, the lives of prehistoric humans, the work of the first diggers, the challenging construction of the road, and many other exciting surprises.

Natura Game

Natura Game

Only 15 minutes away from Toulouse, this natural park offers a variety of activities that will delight families and groups of friends. These include climbing, jumping, playing, zip-lining, and a 20-hectare paintball field.

Zoo African Safari

Zoo African Safari

Close to Toulouse, there is a zoo that has an African safari theme. The animals are in semi-freedom and often cohabited, so it feels very natural. The excursion begins with a two-kilometre drive along the trail where you can observe creatures such as lions and ostriches from your car, then continues on foot where you'll encounter 600 animals, including farm animals.

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