Toulouse is famous for many things—its pink bricks, which give it the nickname “Pink City,” its ever-winning rugby team, and its status as an aerospace hub in Europe thanks to Airbus. Still, the city has plenty more to offer visitors. So, let me show you what are the top things to see in Toulouse !
- Le Couvent des Jacobins
- Capitole
- Japanese Garden
- Garonne River
- Basilique St Sernin
- Old Toulouse
- Hotel Assézat
- Perlette
Le Couvent des Jacobins
Built over time, the Jacobins Convent construction began in 1230 with the church. As the number of followers grew, several extensions like the dining hall, dormitories, and an infirmary were added.
Your visit starts in the church, where you can admire its stunning stained glass windows. From there, you can explore the convent, including its serene central garden and covered corridors. The convent often hosts exhibitions about life within its walls, offering an insightful glimpse into its history.
I recommend taking your time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable place.
Capitole
The main city square of Toulouse, Capitole Square, is home to the city’s most iconic building. It houses important activities such as the mayor’s office, the town council, and a venue for wedding ceremonies. The Capitole’s stunning façade dates back to the 1750s. Inside, you can climb the grand staircase to admire the beautiful ceiling paintings and explore the remarkable artworks on the first floor.
Visiting the Capitole is one of my favorite things to show in Toulouse—it’s a perfectly preserved, truly magical building!
Japanese Garden
Located just outside the city center, the Japanese Garden is a small oasis of tranquility. Imagined by Toulouse’s former mayor Paul Baudis, it was built in the 1980s. It draws inspiration from various traditional Japanese garden styles. You can take in its beauty at the tea house, stroll along the pond, or unwind on a bench beneath the cherry blossoms.
The garden is open daily, but my favorite time to visit is on Sundays. With everything else closed, it’s the perfect spot to fully relax and soak up the Toulouse sun.
Stroll along the Garonne
The Garonne is Toulouse’s river, and it’s a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll during your visit. You can start at Quai de la Daurade which serves as a gateway to the river from the city center. The place is filled with plenty of nearby restaurants offering lovely views of the water.
For a scenic walk, you can start at the Quai de la Daurade and follow the path to the Pont des Catalans. Although it’s a bit of a distance, the bridge offers the best panoramic view of Toulouse. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can cross at Pont St Pierre and enjoy the view from the opposite side.
Basilique St Sernin
TThe St. Sernin Basilica is a landmark of Toulouse’s architecture. It is the largest church in the city and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998. While its exact construction date is unknown, it was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. The basilica is named after Saint Saturnin, Toulouse’s first bishop and a revered martyr.
The first time I visited, I was amazed by its sheer size. The nave is vast, with plenty of space on either side to admire the architecture and various statues. At the back of the nave, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and a large crypt that houses several relics, adding to the basilica’s rich history.
Old Toulouse
The narrow streets of Old Toulouse are a key part of the city’s charm and the reason it’s known as the “Pink City.” While you’ll find many international brands here, Toulouse stands out with its abundance of independent shops. You can find many its board game stores, bookshops, and stationery shops.
One of the most remarkable landmarks in Toulouse is its oldest building, which dates back to the Middle Ages—a true testament to the city’s rich history!
Hotel d’Assézat – Bemberg Fundation
Built in 1562, Hôtel d’Assézat is one of Toulouse’s historic hôtels particuliers, and unlike many others, it is open to the public. Owned by the city, it was lent to Georges Bemberg, an art collector, in 1995 to showcase his remarkable collection.
The building features a beautiful central courtyard, which is free to access if you simply want to enjoy its exterior charm. For those interested in exploring further, Bemberg’s exhibits inside include both permanent and temporary collections, offering a fascinating glimpse into art and history.
The exhibit entrance fee can be a bit pricey, so if you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend checking out Toulouse’s tourist pass—it’s a great way to make the visit more affordable!
Perlette
With four locations in the Toulouse city center, Perlette has become a go-to spot for an afternoon treat. I recommend visiting their tea house on Place de La Bourse , where you can sit down and enjoy their incredible cakes and delicious drinks.
My favorites ? Their lemon tart and refreshing green lemonade. You can also stop by for lunch or brunch on Sunday mornings—perfect for unwinding with one of their amazing desserts after a day of exploring!
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