Hotel Palladia

Visits to Toulouse: discover the emblematic sites of the pink city

Prepare your visits to Toulouse and plunge into the heart of the pink city, with its history, heritage and must-see sites. As the capital of south-west France, Toulouse is a magnet for walkers and lovers of art, architecture and culture. Situated between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, the city offers a rich and lively experience.

In one day, explore the historic centre: the famous Place du Capitole, the majestic Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins Convent and other 13th-century buildings that tell the story of Toulouse.

You can also visit museums such as the Muséum, the Beaux-Arts and the Halle de la Machine. The Saint-Cyprien district, with its Raymond VI garden, completes this immersion in the heart of Toulouse's heritage.

For an original visit, opt for a private guide or a tourist pass including transport, activities, entry to historic sites and suggestions from your hotel. 

🗺️ Interactive map of must-see places in Toulouse

List of places not to be missed in Toulouse

Basilica of Saint-Sernin

Toulouse's emblematic Romanesque church, dating from the 11th century.

Place Saint-Sernin - Toulouse

Canal du midi

Bike hire for a ride along the Canal du Midi.

Avenue de l'URSS - Toulouse

Casino Barrière

Theatre, casino and chic restaurant nearby.

Chemin de la Loge - Toulouse

Saint-Etienne Cathedral

Cathedral combining Romanesque and Gothic styles, seat of the archbishopric.

Impasse de la Préfecture - Toulouse

Space City

Scientific theme park dedicated to space and the planets.

 Av. Jean Gonord - Toulouse

The Touch green corridor

9.5km urban greenway - Ideal for walkers and joggers

75 Chem. des Capelles - Toulouse

Jacobins Convent

A masterpiece of Southern Gothic art with a peaceful cloister.

Rue Pargaminières - Toulouse

Bemberg Foundation

This magnificent Renaissance town house houses a museum.

Place d'Assézat - Toulouse

Halle de La Machine

Exhibition of giant show machines.

Montaudran Aerodrome - Toulouse

Japanese garden

Japanese-style Zen garden in Compans-Caffarelli park.

Compans Caffarelli Garden - Toulouse

Jardin des Plantes

Large wooded park with aviaries and museum.

56 rue Alfred Duméril - Toulouse

Jardins du Barry

An 8-hectare park set in unspoilt natural surroundings.

1 Rue Ernest Dufer - Toulouse

La Halle aux Grains

A symphony concert hall and cultural venue.

Place Dominique Martin Dupuy - Toulouse

The House of the Violet

Museum barge and shop dedicated to violets, the flower of Toulouse.

Boulevard de Bonrepos - Toulouse

L'Envol des Pionniers

A museum retracing the history of airmail and its heroes.

Rue Jacqueline Auriol - Toulouse

Les Abattoirs

Museum of modern and contemporary art.

Allées Charles de Fitte - Toulouse

Let's Visit Airbus

Guided tour of the Airbus factories in Blagnac.

All. André Turcat - Blagnac

Marché des Carmes

Friendly market with a variety of stalls. 

Place des Carmes - Toulouse

Marché Victor Hugo

A large covered market renowned for its fresh produce. 

Rue Rivals - Toulouse

Aeroscopia Museum

Aeronautical museum with Concorde and Airbus aircraft to visit.

Voie Lactée - Blagnac

Musée des Augustins

A fine arts museum housed in a former Gothic convent.

Rue Antonin Mercié - Toulouse

Natural History Museum

Interactive museum on biodiversity, fossils and animals.

Allées Jules Guesde - Toulouse

Georges Labit Museum

Asian and Egyptian objects in a Moorish villa.

Rue du Japon - Toulouse

Saint-Raymond Museum

Archaeological museum with Roman sculptures and ancient art.

Place Saint-Sernin - Toulouse

Nailloux Outlet Village

Brand village 25 minutes from Toulouse with discounts.

Nailloux

Confluence Park

A nature reserve to the south of Toulouse, perfect for walks.

Portet-sur-Garonne

Place du Capitole

An emblematic central square surrounded by cafés and shops.

Place du Capitole - Toulouse

Place Saint-Pierre

A lively square on the banks of the Garonne, famous for its nightlife.

Place Saint-Pierre - Toulouse

New bridge

Historic brick bridge crossing the Garonne, dating from the 17th century.

1 place laganne - Toulouse

Quai de la daurade

A pleasant walk along the Garonne with views over the city.

Quai de la Daurade - Toulouse

Théâtre Garonne

Dance, theatre, music and artists from around the world.

Avenue du Château d'Eau - Toulouse

Wam Park Toulouse

Water leisure park on the Sesquières lake.

Sesquière lake - Toulouse

Toulouse Zenith

Large concert and entertainment venue near the Palladia.

Avenue de Grande Bretagne - Toulouse

🙋‍♀️ FAQ - Visiting Toulouse from the Hôtel Palladia

What can you see in Toulouse in a day?

If you're looking for what to see in Toulouse in a day, start by visiting the historic city centre on foot. The Place du Capitole, emblem of the pink city, is a must. Continue on to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Saint-Cyprien or Saint-Étienne districts, depending on what you fancy. To enhance the experience, opt for a guided tour or a private tour offered by the tourist office.

Must-sees include the majestic Saint-Sernin basilica, the magnificent Jacobins convent, the lively Place du Capitole, and the Toulouse Museum for young and old alike. The Canal du Midi, a World Heritage site, invites you to take a peaceful stroll. These places reflect the soul of Toulouse's heritage, at the heart of the pink city and its history.

To visit Toulouse effectively, we recommend booking a guided tour through the tourist office. Prices vary according to the size of the group and the type of service (e.g. private tour). To choose the best thing to do, consult the available itineraries or draw up your own programme to explore the emblematic monuments and districts.

The best places to visit in Toulouse include :

  • Saint-Sernin basilica

  • Place du Capitole

  • the Canal du Midi

  • the Musée des Augustins

  • Town Hall

  • the Saint-Étienne district

All these sites are a must if you want to appreciate the architecture, history and charm of the pink city.

The most popular activities include :

  • guided tours of the city centre

  • opportunities to discover museums

  • a walk along the Canal du Midi

  • a stroll through the Grand-Rond or Les Plantes gardens
    For a great tourist experience, don't forget to explore the markets, particularly the Victor Hugo market.

  • Saint-Sernin basilica

  • Place du Capitole

  • the Jacobins convent

  • the town hall
    These places reflect the world heritage, the history and the soul of the Saint-Étienne district, the historic heart of the city.

Looking for the best restaurant in Toulouse? Head to the Saint-Georges district or near the town hall to sample the local cuisine. The Victor Hugo market is a benchmark when it comes to gastronomy: you'll find fresh produce, renowned chefs and a unique atmosphere for a tasting experience typical of the pink city.

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