3-Day Toulouse, France Travel Itinerary

Introduction:

Toulouse is a vibrant city located in the south of France. It is the capital of the Occitanie region and is famously known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) because of its distinctive terracotta brick architecture. Toulouse is both a historical and modern city, as it is home to beautiful Romanesque churches and the headquarters of Airbus, Europe’s leading aerospace company. The city is known for its unique blend of culture, science, cuisine, and student life. This 3-day itinerary is crafted to help travelers explore Toulouse’s best landmarks, historical attractions, culinary experiences, and local charm.

Places to Visit:

1. Place du Capitole: This central square is the heart of Toulouse, with the grand Capitole building housing the city hall and Théâtre du Capitole.
2. Basilique Saint-Sernin: This UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque church is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and a major stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
3. Couvent des Jacobins: A Gothic Dominican convent known for its stunning palm-tree-shaped vaulted ceiling and peaceful cloister.
4. Cité de l’Espace (City of Space): A scientific discovery center dedicated to space and astronomy, featuring life-size rocket replicas and planetariums.
5. Musée des Augustins: A fine arts museum housed in a former convent, showcasing medieval to early modern sculptures and paintings.
6. Canal du Midi: A UNESCO-listed canal that offers scenic walks, boat tours, and bike rides along its tree-lined paths.
7. Pont Neuf: The oldest bridge in Toulouse, built in the 16th century, offers beautiful views over the Garonne River.
8. Jardin des Plantes: A botanical garden with exotic plants, duck ponds, and shaded walkways, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
9. Les Abattoirs – Museum of Modern Art: A contemporary art museum located in a former slaughterhouse, featuring bold exhibitions.
10. Hôtel d’Assézat and Fondation Bemberg: A Renaissance mansion housing an impressive private collection of classical and modern art.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Historic Core and Cultural Landmarks

• 9:00 AM – Begin at Place du Capitole: Explore the square and admire the Capitole building’s neoclassical façade (30 minutes).
• 9:30 AM – Visit Basilique Saint-Sernin (10-minute walk): Tour the church’s Romanesque architecture and relics (45 minutes).
• 10:30 AM – Walk to Couvent des Jacobins (7 minutes): Admire the Gothic vault and relax in the peaceful cloister (45 minutes).
• 11:30 AM – Coffee break at nearby Café Bibent on Place du Capitole (30 minutes).
• 12:00 PM – Visit Musée des Augustins (5-minute walk): View religious sculptures and Renaissance paintings (1 hour).
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Le Genty Magre: Enjoy traditional southwest French cuisine like duck confit or cassoulet (1 hour).
• 2:30 PM – Walk along the Garonne River to Pont Neuf (15 minutes): Take scenic photos and enjoy the river breeze (30 minutes).
• 3:15 PM – Visit Hôtel d’Assézat and Fondation Bemberg (10-minute walk): Explore this private art collection in a Renaissance mansion (1 hour).
• 4:30 PM – Stop at Glacier Octave for artisan ice cream near Esquirol (30 minutes).
• 5:15 PM – Relax at Jardin Raymond VI (15 minutes): Watch the sunset over the river and unwind (1 hour).
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at Les Coudes sur la Table: Try modern Toulouse-inspired dishes in a trendy setting (1.5 hours).

Day 2: Science and Space Exploration

• 9:00 AM – Take a taxi or bus to Cité de l’Espace (25-minute ride): Explore the life-size Ariane 5 rocket, space exhibits, and planetariums (2.5 hours).
• 11:45 AM – Snack break or lunch at the on-site restaurant (1 hour).
• 12:45 PM – Return to the city center by bus (30 minutes).
• 1:30 PM – Visit Les Abattoirs – Museum of Modern Art: See bold and avant-garde works from post-war to contemporary (1 hour).
• 2:45 PM – Walk to Prairie des Filtres (10 minutes): Sit by the Garonne River or join locals for a picnic or frisbee (45 minutes).
• 3:45 PM – Enjoy a boat tour along the Garonne River (1 hour): Learn about Toulouse’s riverside history and bridges.
• 5:00 PM – Stroll through Carmes neighborhood (10 minutes): Browse wine shops, bakeries, and vintage boutiques (1 hour).
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at La Table des Merville: A Michelin-starred bistro offering refined regional cuisine (1.5 hours).

Day 3: Gardens, Canals, and Local Charm

• 9:00 AM – Start at Jardin des Plantes: Walk through botanical displays, feed ducks, or enjoy the quiet morning air (1 hour).
• 10:15 AM – Visit nearby Natural History Museum (5-minute walk): Discover fossils, skeletons, and ecology exhibits (1 hour).
• 11:30 AM – Walk or bike along the Canal du Midi (15 minutes): Rent a bike and enjoy a scenic canal route (1 hour).
• 12:45 PM – Lunch at L’Emulsion near the canal: Eat seasonal dishes on a shady terrace (1 hour).
• 2:00 PM – Visit Halle de la Machine (20 minutes by tram or taxi): See massive mechanical creatures and theatrical engineering (1 hour).
• 3:30 PM – Return to city center (20 minutes).
  
• 4:00 PM – Final shopping at Victor Hugo Market: Pick up local cheese, wine, and Toulouse sausage to take home (1 hour).
• 5:30 PM – Farewell drinks at Ma Biche sur le Toit rooftop bar: Enjoy sweeping views of the Pink City (1 hour).

See Itinerary Map (Includes Places to Visit and Accommodations)

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit Toulouse is from May to October: during this period, the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for walking or outdoor cafés. Spring (May to June) brings average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. Summer (July to August) is hot, with highs reaching 30°C, and is ideal for festivals like Rio Loco and Toulouse Plages. September and October offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and golden foliage along the Garonne. Winter (November to February) is mild (5°C–12°C), but outdoor attractions may be less enjoyable due to rain.

Activities To Do:

• Join a Cassoulet Cooking Class: Learn how to make the traditional white bean and duck stew with a local chef.
• Ride the Giant Minotaur at Halle de la Machine: Take a short ride on a moving mechanical beast designed by street performers.
• Enjoy a River Cruise on the Garonne: See the city from the water with guided narration on architecture and bridges.
• Watch an Opera or Ballet at Théâtre du Capitole: Experience a high-quality cultural performance in a historic venue.
• Bike along the Canal du Midi: Rent a VélôToulouse city bike and follow the shaded towpaths along this historic waterway.

Accommodations:

• La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa – MGallery: A luxurious 5-star hotel in a historic mansion with elegant rooms and spa treatments.

• Le Grand Balcon Hotel: A stylish 4-star boutique hotel near Place du Capitole with aviation-themed rooms inspired by Saint-Exupéry.

• Hôtel Albert 1er: A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms and a focus on eco-friendly services, near Capitole.

• Hôtel des Beaux Arts Toulouse: Overlooks the Garonne River and offers a mix of traditional and modern art-themed rooms.

• Mama Shelter Toulouse: A trendy and budget-friendly hotel with lively design, a rooftop bar, and smart amenities.

• Le Pere Leon Hotel: Offers affordable and clean rooms in the heart of Toulouse with easy access to the metro and main attractions.

Transportation Options:

• Metro: Toulouse has two efficient metro lines (A and B) operated by Tisséo, ideal for traveling between neighborhoods.
• Tram: Tram lines T1 and T2 connect the city to the airport and the suburbs.
• Bus: An extensive bus network runs throughout the city and complements the metro system.
• Walking: The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, perfect for walking between most attractions.
• Biking: VélôToulouse public bikes are available at numerous stations, and the city offers good bike lanes along canals and major roads.
• Taxis and Uber: Both services operate in the city and are convenient for late-night transport or airport access.
• Train: Toulouse Matabiau is the main train station with regional and national connections (e.g., to Bordeaux or Paris).
• Airport Transfer: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is 20 minutes from the city center by tram (Line T2) or airport shuttle bus.

Tips:

• Speak some French: While many people speak English, a few polite French phrases go a long way.
• Stay central: Choosing accommodation near Capitole or Carmes ensures easy access to attractions and restaurants.
• Book Cité de l’Espace in advance: Tickets are limited, especially in summer and school holidays.
• Avoid peak heat in July–August: Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or in the evening.
• Try local specialties: Don’t miss cassoulet, foie gras, and violet-flavored sweets—Toulouse’s culinary staples.

Toulouse is a city that harmoniously blends history, innovation, and southern French charm. From Romanesque basilicas and Gothic convents to cutting-edge space exhibits and lively riverfront parks, the city offers something for every traveler. This 3-day itinerary covers the city’s most iconic landmarks, cultural centers, culinary spots, and hidden gems, allowing visitors to fully experience the Pink City’s radiant architecture, gourmet flavors, and artistic heart. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning explorer, Toulouse, France promises a uniquely French and unforgettable journey.