Visiting Toulouse for a weekend is the perfect time to tour its historic heart, to enjoy the banks of the Garonne and of course to taste its gastronomy and its gentle way of life!
As I am from Toulouse and I love my city deeply, I will tell you below the visits not to be missed and my ideas for itineraries to discover the real pink city in 2 days.
Why organize a weekend in Toulouse?
Toulouse, nicknamed "the pink city" because of the color of its bricks, is known for its rich historical heritage, its delicious cuisine and its lively atmosphere. Far from being as bourgeois as Bordeaux or as bling bling as Paris, Toulouse is a city with a strong character and a southern atmosphere which is the pride of Toulouse residents.
For tourists, Toulouse is also an essential destination for its rich architectural, artistic and gastronomic heritage. The historic center of Toulouse is a collection of buildings and monuments dating back several centuries. The Saint-Sernin Basilica, from the 11th century, is one of the city's most emblematic sites. The Capitole de Toulouse is another architectural gem which houses the Hôtel de Ville as well as the Théâtre du Capitole. The square itself is a lively meeting place, lined with cafes and shops.
But what I like most about Toulouse is its festive side and its slightly Spanish atmosphere. In Toulouse, for example, you can take advantage of best wine bar in the world but also tapas bars and memorable rugby evenings! The joy of living of Toulouse residents is contagious and contributes to making Toulouse a unique and endearing city.
What visits should you not miss in Toulouse?
If you only spend 2 days in Toulouse, you are probably wondering what are the best visits to do? Well, here is the list of visits that I consider to be the most beautiful and interesting for your weekend:
- Place du Capitole
- The Basilica of Saint-Sernin
- The Jacobins convent
- The banks of the Garonne
- The Hôtel d’Assézat
- Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Toulouse
- The Augustinian Museum
- Garden plants
- The City of Space
Itineraries to visit Toulouse in 2 days
Visiting Toulouse can be done very easily in 2 days but you need to do the tour well and not miss the beautiful nuggets and hidden treasures of the pink city. you need to know the right routes.
So, here are my itinerary tips to discover both the must-see sites and what is most unique about the city!
Day 1: Discovery of the emblematic sites of Toulouse
To begin your immersion in the vibrant heart of Toulouse, here is a recommended itinerary to discover the must-see attractions of the pink city (see map of my tour to visit Toulouse in 1 day:
- Morning: Historic Center
- Visit the Capitol, Basilica of Saint-Sernin, and the Jacobin Convent. Admire the unique architecture and rich history of these iconic landmarks.
- Enjoy the charm of the city, with the sun reflecting off the brick buildings.
- Noon: Victor-Hugo Market
- Explore the market and its surroundings, full of restaurants and bistros. This is the perfect opportunity to taste local products and exchange recommendations with locals.
- Afternoon: Cultural exploration
- 14 p.m.: Saint-Etienne district : Stroll through the streets lined with cafes, second-hand booksellers and antique shops.
- 15 p.m.: Hôtel d’Assézat : Discover the Renaissance courtyard of this mansion.
- 16 p.m.: Saint-Cyprien district : Cross the Pont Neuf to explore the Château d’eau and Les Abattoirs, highlighting modern and contemporary art.
Your first day in Toulouse will end on a gourmet and festive note, with a dinner at the Saint-Georges Square (see restaurant recommendations at the end of the article).
Day 2: Discovery of Toulouse off the beaten track
Toulouse is a city full of surprises and hidden treasures. By getting off the beaten track, you will discover an authentic side of this city.
For example, the historic center of Toulouse is particularly rich in mansions dating from the 16th century. It was thanks to the pastel trade that the great Toulouse merchants were able to enrich themselves and have these magnificent residences built.
I therefore offer you a walking tour which allows you to better discover the most beautiful mansions in my city but also the Garonne and its magnificent quays and other more unusual places.
Here is the Toulouse discovery itinerary off the beaten track:
- Morning : Visits from the left bank to the right bank of the Garonne to the Place de la Daurade
- Midi : Lunch break at Bistro'Quai
- Afternoon : Departure from Dalbade to visit the most beautiful mansions in Toulouse and finish at the Jardin des Plantes.
Toulouse circuit off the beaten track
For your 2nd day in Toulouse, here is the map of the route to follow to visit Toulouse off the beaten track:
And here are the visits offered in this tourist circuit:
Abattoirs Museum on the Left Bank of Toulouse
From your hotel, take the metro line A and exit to the Saint Cyprien republic station.
The Toulouse Modern Art Museum is located at 76 Allées Charles de Fittes: the Abattoirs museum. This museum is the result of the transformation of the old walls of Toulouse meat slaughterhouses. These pink brick buildings with neo-classical architecture have been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1990.
Catalans Bridge
Continue on the Pont des Catalans to benefit from a beautiful viewpoint on the banks of the Garonne.
Bazacle space
Immediately after the bridge, turn right towards the promenade du Bazacle to join theBazacle space which can be visited from 11 am (discovery of the hydraulic universe, exhibitions and terrace with a superb view).
Nuggets around the Place Saint-Pierre
Then turn rue de la Boule to discover theSaint-Pierre-des-Cuisines church. It is the oldest church in southwestern France. It is built on an old Gallo-Roman necropolis and classified as a historical monument. It is also known for its auditorium whose impeccable acoustics allow you to enjoy concerts in a magnificent setting.
Don't miss theSaint-Pierre-des-Chartreux church, rue Valade right next to the Saint Pierre Square !
This square has two totally different atmospheres. During the day, it has the calm and peaceful atmosphere of a charming square well located on the banks of the Garonne.
In the evening and at night, it is a particularly lively and noisy place (especially Thursday and Saturday evenings) because it is the meeting place for students who come there or even have a go or to party there.
Place de la Daurade to end the morning
Take the Lucien Lombard quay and walk along the Garonne to arrive on the Place de la Daurade.
Good restaurant deal – Bistro'Quai
It's time for a well-deserved lunch break!
A stone's throw from the Place de la Daurade, I recommend the Bistroquai (1 rue Jean Suau). It's a small, very simple restaurant that offers tasty food and a beautiful terrace! And, as it is good, cheap and not very big, it quickly sells out… So don't hesitate to book.
The church and quays of La Daurade
Set off along the Daurade quays towards the basilica Our Lady of the Sea Bream. This beautiful church, with a classical facade, was completely rebuilt at the end of the 18th century. It adjoins theSchool of Fine Arts whose splendid facade must be admired.
The Dalbade
Turn left into the Metz street then right in the rue des Couteliers.
Then take rue de la Dalbade where theDalbade church that deserves a visit. This XNUMXth century churchrd century owes its name to the original whiteness of its walls (albade). Restored and enlarged, its whiteness gave way to the red of the brick. I love its Renaissance portal and its colorful tympanum!
Some mansions
Continue until thePierre's hotel rue de la Dalbade. This hotel has an incredible XNUMXth century facade, built in stone while brick is omnipresent in Toulouse, hence its nickname of stone hotel.
Don't miss theMolinier hotel and his portal from 1556, still a magnificent testimony of the Renaissance!
Continuing rue du Languedoc you can admire theVieux-Raisin hotel whose facades in red ocher fairground bricks bear caryatids carved in limestone, as well as various statues representing the ages of life.
Finally, when you turn into rue Ozenne, you will discover the mansion "l 'Dahus hotel » (where Crédit Agricole Banque Privée has set up its offices).
Jardin des Plantes and Museum
Going to the end of Rue Ozenne, you will reach the Jardin des Plantes. It is a public garden that I particularly like for its bridges, its kiosk, its footbridges and its pretty waterfall.
Right at the entrance to this garden is the Toulouse Museum. If you still have a little time, I invite you to discover its collections of natural history and, more particularly, ornithology, prehistory and ethnography.
When the day of sightseeing is over, you can then head to the Courthouse to take the metro or tram to your hotel.
And if you are looking for a hotel very close to the Palais de Justice, I recommend the Pier Toulouse Hotel.
What awaits you for your weekend in Toulouse
If you come in summer, you will experience the relaxed and sunny atmosphere of Toulouse and discover the unique characteristics of Toulouse residents:
- Relaxation is one of the important values in Toulouse. You will often find Toulouse residents seated in cafes and restaurants, enjoying a good meal accompanied by a glass of local wine.
- Pay attention to Toulouse vocabulary: To immerse yourself more in the local culture, know that certain expressions should not be taken literally. Butt of the idiot or it breaks my balls are not real insults in Toulouse but are part of the punctuation in the sentences of Toulouse residents.
- Rugby is a true religion in Toulouse. Stade Toulousain has won numerous titles and is considered one of the best rugby clubs in France. The people of Toulouse are proud of their team and their support is unwavering. The city's bars fill up during big matches, creating an electric and festive atmosphere.
- Prepare for the heat: During the summer months, Toulouse can be very hot. Don't forget to take hydration regularly and apply sunscreen.
Restaurants to discover during a weekend in Toulouse
Toulouse cuisine is renowned for its richness and generosity. Don't miss out on tasting the famous Toulouse sausage, a must-have in local gastronomy. Accompany it with a glass of regional wine, such as Fronton or Gaillac.
Toulouse has many restaurants offering traditional and inventive cuisine. Here are some recommended addresses:
- Le Genty Magre: This gourmet restaurant offers refined cuisine using fresh, local produce. Don't miss their specialty: cassoulet, a traditional dish from Toulouse.
- Chez Emile: This traditional brasserie is renowned for its generous and friendly cuisine. Try their cassoulets, their duck confit or their duck breast accompanied by a gizzard salad.
- Les Jardins de l'Opéra: Located in a magnificent setting, this restaurant offers creative and modern cuisine using local products. Their tasting menu is an unforgettable experience.
- Le Bibent (a real historical monument) Place du Capitole: Café and restaurant with classic French cuisine.
For those looking for a less conventional experience, Elbows on the Table et The dirty kids' canteen offer quality cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. For a panoramic view of the city, My Doe on the Roof is unmissable (Rooftop of Galeries Lafayette).
Toulouse in 2 days – Where to sleep?
For your weekend in Toulouse, here is a hotel that I recommend because it is very well located in the historic center of Toulouse (100 meters from the Capitol):
See this recommended hotel in Toulouse
With those 2-day tour itineraries, have you been around Toulouse? No no no !
There are still some beautiful walks or important visits missing such as the Canal de Brienne, the Canal du Midi, the Cité de l'Espace ... but for that it will take an additional day that I will mention in another article: Toulouse in 3 days
What to see around Toulouse?
The most beautiful villages of the Lot
Circuit of the most beautiful villages of the Gers
