Toulouse walking tour & city guide
La Ville Rose: pink brick, the Garonne and the home of Airbus.
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Toulouse is known as 'La Ville Rose', the Pink City, for the warm terracotta brick of its buildings, which glow at sunset. France's fourth-largest city is a lively student town, the heart of the European aerospace industry and the gateway to the Pyrenees.
The Capitole and the old center
The Place du Capitole is the heart of Toulouse, a vast square dominated by the long pink and white facade of the Capitole, the city hall, which also houses an opera house. Inside, the Salle des Illustres is decorated with grand paintings. A large Occitan cross is set into the paving of the square.
From there, narrow streets lead through the old town to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe, and the Couvent des Jacobins, a Gothic masterpiece with a famous 'palm tree' vault.
Along the Garonne
The quays of the Garonne River are favorite gathering places at sunset, especially the lawns of the Prairie des Filtres and the quai de la Daurade. The Pont Neuf, despite its name the oldest bridge in the city, spans the river beautifully. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also runs through Toulouse.
Space and aviation
Toulouse is home to Airbus, and visitors can tour the Aeroscopia aviation museum, which includes a Concorde. The Cité de l'Espace is a space theme park with a full-size Ariane 5 rocket and a replica of the Mir space station. The city is also famous for rugby and for violets, used in sweets and perfumes.
Top sights in Toulouse
- 1
Place du Capitole
The grand main square and city hall.
- 2
Basilica of Saint-Sernin
A great Romanesque basilica.
- 3
Couvent des Jacobins
A Gothic convent with a palm-tree vault.
- 4
Cité de l'Espace
A space-themed park with a real Ariane 5 rocket.
- 5
Pont Neuf and the Garonne quays
Riverside spots loved at sunset.
- 6
Canal du Midi
A UNESCO-listed canal lined with plane trees.
Food markets & where to eat in Toulouse
Marché Victor Hugo
A covered market with small restaurants on the upper floor.
Place Saint-Georges
A square full of café terraces.
Carmes district
Bistros and wine bars in the old town.
Quai de la Daurade
Riverside spots for a sunset drink.
Food to try in Toulouse
Cassoulet
A slow-cooked bean stew with duck and Toulouse sausage.
Saucisse de Toulouse
The city's famous fresh pork sausage.
Violet sweets
Candied violets and violet-flavored treats.
Fénétra
A traditional apricot and almond cake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Toulouse
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ToulouseCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Toulouse.
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