Free walking tours in Toulouse and what to see

Must-sees

Toulouse is the Pink City, named for the brick of its buildings, which changes shade with the light. The centre revolves around Place du Capitole, with the town hall and theatre behind its great façade, and decorated halls you can visit. A few minutes away is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a great Romanesque church on the World Heritage list as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobins convent, with its Gothic church of palm-tree columns and its cloister, is another must-see.

Then head down to the Garonne: the Pont Neuf, the quays of La Daurade and the Saint-Cyprien bank fill with people at sunset. Around the centre you will see Renaissance mansions built on the wealth of pastel, the blue dye that made the city prosper. The Canal du Midi, also a World Heritage Site, rings the centre with tree-lined walks. If you are interested in space and aviation, the Cité de l’espace and the Aeroscopia museum are on the outskirts.

Free tours and guided visits

There are two free walking tours, a general one of the centre and another devoted to medieval Toulouse, plus a panoramic tour for seeing the city without so much walking. You can round it off with a boat trip on the Garonne. Day trips leave the city for Carcassonne and for Albi with Cordes-sur-Ciel.

How long to spend

Two days is enough to see the historic centre properly: the Capitole, Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins, the quays and a museum or two. If you want to add the Cité de l’espace, allow another half day. Toulouse is also a practical base for exploring Occitania, so with four days you can add Carcassonne and Albi without rushing.

Where to stay

The best place to stay is the historic centre, between the Capitole, Place Wilson and the Carmes district, where everything is within walking distance. Near Matabiau station there are practical hotels if you arrive by train, with a direct metro to the centre. Saint-Cyprien, across the river, is quieter and has a good neighbourhood feel.