Toulouse-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Toulouse

  • Morning: Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) or take a train from nearby cities
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Le Grand Balcon, a stylish hotel with a beautiful view of the city (around €120 per night)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Place du Capitole, the heart of Toulouse’s historic center, featuring stunning architecture and lively atmosphere
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Le Grand Balcon’s restaurant, serving local cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients (around €20-€30 per meal)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the charming streets of the Quartier des Carmes, filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a River Garonne sunset cruise, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline (around €20-€30 per person)
  • 9:00 PM: Head to the Marché Victor Hugo, a bustling night market with street food, drinks, and live music

Day 2: History and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the impressive Toulouse Cathedral (La Basilique Saint-Sernin), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning Romanesque architecture
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Musée des Augustins, an art museum showcasing French and international art from the 15th to the 20th centuries (free admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Maison de la Pierre, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Toulouse cuisine (around €25-€35 per meal)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Cité de l’Espace, a science museum offering interactive exhibits and a planetarium experience (around €10-€15 per person)
  • 7:00 PM: Treat yourself to dinner at La Maison du Fromage, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined French cuisine (around €50-€60 per meal)

Day 3: Parks and Gardens

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Jardin National, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring gardens, a lake, and walking trails
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Parc des Princes, a large public park with playgrounds, sports facilities, and plenty of green space for picnics or relaxation (free admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Le Jardin du Musée, a charming restaurant serving light meals and sandwiches (around €15-€25 per meal)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et d’Entres-Deux-Mers (MATED), showcasing decorative arts and design from the 18th to the 20th centuries (free admission)
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Maison de la Rivière, a riverside restaurant serving local cuisine with stunning views of the Garonne River (around €30-€40 per meal)

Day 4: Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Marché Victor Hugo, one of Europe’s largest night markets, featuring street food, drinks, and live music
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the charming Quartier des Carmes, filled with unique shops, cafes, and historic buildings (free admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Le Comptoir du Marché, a cozy restaurant serving light meals and sandwiches (around €15-€25 per meal)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Château d’Elnon, a 19th-century castle turned shopping center, featuring boutiques, art galleries, and cafes
  • 7:00 PM: Treat yourself to dinner at La Maison de la Vieille, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined French cuisine (around €50-€60 per meal)

Day 5: Day Trip

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to the charming town of Albi, located about an hour’s drive from Toulouse (free admission)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the stunning Cathedral of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive Gothic architecture
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Maison de la Rivière, a riverside restaurant serving local cuisine with stunning views of the Garonne River (around €25-€35 per meal)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the charming streets and shops of Albi’s historic center (free admission)
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Toulouse for dinner and relaxation

Day 6: Departure

  • Check-out at Hotel Le Grand Balcon
  • Depart from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport or take a train back home

Things to Know:

  • Toulouse is generally a safe city, but as with any major tourist destination, be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions during peak season (June-August).
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of the Garonne River from the top of the Place du Capitole or from a sunset cruise.

Transportation:

  • The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams. A single ticket costs around €1-€2.
  • Toulouse also has a bike-sharing system, Velo’, offering 24/7 access to bikes for around €1 per hour.
  • Walking is also a great way to explore the city’s charming streets and historic center.

Tips:

  • Try local specialties like cassoulet, confit de canard, or tarte Toulousaine at traditional restaurants.
  • Don’t miss the lively atmosphere and street food at night markets like Marché Victor Hugo.
  • Be prepared for occasional rain showers during spring and autumn months (April-May, September-October).

Other Recommendations:

  • Visit the charming town of Collioure, located about an hour’s drive from Toulouse, featuring stunning beaches and scenic views.
  • Explore the beautiful Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour’s drive from Toulouse, featuring stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views.