You are planning a trip or a stay in the pink city and you are wondering about the dangerous areas, the red light districts, in short all the districts of Toulouse to avoid.

Indeed, the first question that tourists ask themselves when choosing their accommodation in Toulouse is which district is best to choose?

So, being from Toulouse myself, I will help you find the right place to stay safely in Toulouse.

I will tell you which areas of Toulouse to avoid in the city center and which are the best areas to stay for tourists.

Is Toulouse a dangerous city in 2026?

Toulouse is in the average of French cities in terms of crime with an improvement in its crime level over the past 2 years.

Indeed, two years ago, Toulouse was among the 20 most dangerous cities in France according to the ville-data.com ranking.

Fortunately, in 2026, Toulouse no longer appears in this top 20 of the least safe cities in France, unlike Paris , Marseille , Lyon , Bordeaux or Montpellier.

If we compare on the Numbeo ranking, with an average crime index (49.89), Toulouse is less dangerous than Barcelona , ​​Rome , London or Dublin.

However, in this ranking, the crime index is an average for the city of Toulouse, while in fact crime only affects certain geographical areas of Toulouse. Apart from a few neighborhoods to avoid, the city of Toulouse is not at all dangerous for tourists or residents!

Areas of Toulouse to avoid in the city center

Before telling you which are the sensitive or dangerous areas on the outskirts of Toulouse, here are the few areas of the city center to avoid at night.

Indeed, even if the heart and the historic center of the pink city are not dangerous, there are some less safe areas in the city center where there is more delinquency, theft, drugs and trafficking. These neighborhoods are often safe during the day but less recommended for walking in the evening or at night.

Empalot

Part of the center of Toulouse (7 minutes by metro from the Capitole), Empalot is a district located in the south of the city, next to the Île du Ramier. With its long apartment blocks, few green spaces, and high unemployment rate, Empalot is a disadvantaged area of ​​Toulouse.

The three Cuckolds and the Izards

North of Toulouse, Les Trois Cocus and Les Izards are social housing districts but also more traditional residential areas (residences and individual houses).

Designated as priority neighborhoods by the Toulouse City Hall, these areas are plagued by significant drug trafficking and numerous homicides. See this article from Le Monde which describes the drug war in the Izards district.

Arnaud-Bernard

Right next to the Matabiau district, the Arnaud-Bernard district is also a working-class area with a lively nightlife. Consequently, it's not exactly a dangerous neighborhood, but there's a lot of noise and some unsavory characters frequenting it in the evenings and at night.

The Fourguette and the Faourette

La Fourguette and La Faourette are two neighborhoods in Toulouse located on the left bank of the Garonne River and right next to the Bagatelle housing project. Because this project has a reputation for being troubled, the surrounding neighborhoods are also areas to avoid.

Red light district of Toulouse – Matabiau

Matabiau is a neighborhood surrounding the Toulouse-Matabiau train station. Enjoying a prime location on the banks of the Canal du Midi, this working-class area is quite central, very lively, and boasts numerous small food shops. It has always had a reputation as one of Toulouse's rougher neighborhoods. However, it is undergoing significant change, and this reputation is no longer justified.

Indeed, apart from Rue Bayard and Boulevard de Strasbourg which are indeed very poorly frequented at night, this residential area is home to beautiful modern buildings and old beautiful Belle Epoque style houses.

Other areas to avoid

According to a comment from an Internet user, the Roseraie, Avenue de la Gloire and Soupetard districts are also experiencing security problems.

This map will help you identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Toulouse listed above: Google Maps

Dangerous neighborhoods of Toulouse on the outskirts

The most problematic neighborhoods in terms of insecurity are located in the Toulouse suburbs. These are mainly housing projects where gangs and drug traffickers are established and generate crime.

Here are the neighborhoods known to be dangerous on the outskirts of Toulouse:

The Mirail most dangerous district in Toulouse

When we talk about Mirail we are actually talking about 3 districts that make up the city of Mirail:

• The Mirail-University district
• Reynerie district
• The Bellefontaine district

Le Mirail is the “hottest” place in Toulouse. Indeed, it is a neighborhood where there are numerous incidents of violence, delinquency, burned cars, chases, drug trafficking, etc.

Despite all the efforts of associations on the spot, neighborhood life is difficult for the inhabitants of this city.

Bagatelle dangerous neighborhood near the center

To the south-west of central Toulouse, surrounded by the Cépière racecourse and the Faourette district, Bagatelle is also known for being a sensitive city in Toulouse. With its neighboring districts like Papus or Tabar, Bagatelle is not a place where peace and security reign.

The 3 best neighborhoods in Toulouse

For tourists seeking both safety and proximity to tourist attractions in Toulouse, the following neighborhoods are recommended:

1. Capitol / Hypercentre (Place Dupuy, Saint Sernin, Ozenne):
   • Proximity : This is the heart of Toulouse. The Place du Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Couvent des Jacobins, and the shopping streets are all within walking distance.
   • Safety : It is a busy, lively and well-lit area, offering very good perceived safety, especially around the main places of interest.
2. Carmelites :
   • Proximity : Located just south of the Capitole, this is a historic and chic neighborhood, with its renowned covered market. Close to the center, the Pont Neuf, and the Musée des Augustins.
   • Safety : Considered one of the most pleasant, charming and safe neighborhoods in the city center, offering a “small village” atmosphere while being central.
3. Saint-Etienne / Saint-Georges :
   • Proximity Neighboring the Carmes, this area is known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and its cathedral. Very central.
   • Safety : Very popular, it is a chic, quiet and safe residential area.

Which hotel to choose in Toulouse?

To be as close as possible to the most beautiful sites and to be able to visit Toulouse on foot , I recommend staying at the Grand Balcon Hotel for several reasons:

• Hyper-Centrality: The hotel is located directly on or in the immediate vicinity of the famous Capitol Square, the vibrant heart of Toulouse. It is the tourist, commercial and historical epicenter of the city.
• Proximity to Attractions: You are within walking distance of the main sites: the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Couvent des Jacobins, the Musée des Augustins, the Pont Neuf and the best shopping streets.
• Accessibility: The Capitole metro station is a few minutes' walk away, providing easy access to the entire city.
• Mythical Place / Aeronautical History: The hotel occupies a historic building from the 1930s and pays tribute to the pioneers of airmail (like Mermoz and Guillaumet).
• The Saint-Exupéry Room: A unique asset is the Single Room, which was the room ofAntoine de Saint-Exupéry itself, and which is listed as a place of memory.
• Contemporary Chic Design: The interior was renovated by the famous architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, offering a successful blend of 30s Art Deco charm and contemporary, luxurious and warm design.

And if you are looking for a cheap hotel in Toulouse but located in a safe and convenient area for tourism, then here are: 3 best cheap hotels in Toulouse.