Toulouse, France
The perfect 5 days itinerary
Toulouse, the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region, is bisected by the Garonne River and sits near the Spanish border. It’s known as La Ville Rose ('The Pink City') due to the terra-cotta bricks used in many of its buildings. Toulouse is a city of art and history with a rich architectural and artistic heritage. It's also a vibrant city with a renowned gastronomy, and it's the heart of the European aerospace industry.
What to do in Toulouse?
This 5 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Toulouse. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Toulouse
Morning
Start your day at the Capitole, the city's town hall and theater, and admire its stunning neoclassical facade. Take a stroll in the Place du Capitole, the city's main square, surrounded by red-brick buildings.
Afternoon
Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Europe. Later, explore the Jacobins Convent, a remarkable example of southern Gothic architecture.
Evening
Enjoy a traditional French meal at a local bistro in the Saint-Georges district.
Day 2: A Day of Art and History
Morning
Visit the Musée des Augustins, home to a vast collection of sculpture and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Then, head to the Musée Saint-Raymond, which houses antiquities from the Roman period.
Afternoon
Explore the Carmes district, known for its old mansions and antique shops. Visit the Hôtel d'Assézat, a 16th-century mansion that now houses the Bemberg Foundation's art collection.
Evening
Dine at a restaurant along the Garonne River and enjoy the beautiful views.
Day 3: Exploring the Aerospace Industry
Morning
Visit the Cité de l'espace, a theme park focused on space and the conquest of space. Explore the full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket, the Mir Space Station, and the Soyuz modules.
Afternoon
Take a tour of the Airbus factory and discover the secrets of the A380, the world's largest passenger airliner.
Evening
Enjoy a meal in the Saint-Cyprien district, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants.
Day 4: A Day of Leisure and Shopping
Morning
Visit the Victor Hugo Market, where you can find a variety of local products, from cheese and wine to fruits and vegetables. Take a stroll along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon
Head to the Saint-Aubin district for a shopping spree. Visit the boutiques and art galleries in this bohemian neighborhood.
Evening
Enjoy a jazz concert at the Halle aux Grains, a 19th-century grain market turned concert hall.
Day 5: Exploring the Surroundings of Toulouse
Morning
Take a day trip to the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the city's double-walled fortifications and the Château Comtal.
Afternoon
Visit the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus in Carcassonne. Then, take a boat ride on the Canal du Midi.
Evening
Return to Toulouse and enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in the Capitole district.