Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, and home to one of the country’s largest Universities. Because of this, Toulouse is an upbeat city with a vibrant student population. Known as France’s “Pink City,” Toulouse is radiant and worth visiting. The city features beautiful, blushing brick basilicas, rose-tinted store fronts, and sienna rooftops that are incredible to behold. The streets come alive at night as a hotspot for young people across the globe. During the week, this town likes to relax, and is the perfect city for a stroll amongst historic monuments, a lovely bike ride through narrow streets, or a simple picnic in one of its beautiful parks. Come to Toulouse to enjoy the simpler side of life, or to take in an upbeat, youthful city in the heart of Southern France. Either way, this itinerary is built to maximize your time in this giant city.
Day one
Visit some of Toulouse’s important monuments every traveler must-see.
Morning: The Church of Saint Sernin
This incredible fourth-century church was built in honor of Toulouse’s first bishop, Saint Saturnin. Today, this historic church now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the main stopping points in the Pilgrimage of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. A beautiful sight to behold, the crown jewel of the church is an eighteenth century painting of the night sky in the Baroque Dome of the church’s central naive. A spiritual tour of Toulouse might also tickle your fancy, if you have the time.
Afternoon: The Jacobins Convent
The Couvent des Jacobins de Toulouse is a beautiful historic monument in the downtown area of Toulouse. Here, a massive 92-foot center column defines the Earth-defying height of this massive church, and breathtaking stained glass lines the walls displaying a rainbow of color to rival La Sagrada Familia. Here, you can also find the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, or explore the adjoining church or peaceful cloister.
Evening: Place de la Duarde
Place Duarde is a waterfront property right along the Garonne River. Here, people stay out late into the night, watching the lights turn on the bridges along the river, and sipping wine from the bottle. This is a perfect place to take in an authentic evening in Toulouse. Amongst the locals, feel free to bring a blanket, settle in, and prepare for along night of drinking, talking, and taking in the sites.
Day two
For your second day in the city, take in some of Toulouse’s top sightseeing attractions.
Morning: The Capital of Toulouse
The capital building of Toulouse is not only gorgeous to view from the outside, it also features incredible sites once indoors. Inside, you’ll find the Court of Henry IV. This beautiful area is full of many floors of floor to ceiling murals, as well as frescos galore. Among them, you can also tak ein captivating sculptors that make the Capitol building rival many of the museums throughout Toulouse.
Afternoon: Les Abattoirs
Les Abattoirs is known as the “Museum of France.” Here, you’ll experience art from the 20th and 21st centuries. This three-story gallery is built into an old slaughterhouse, and features a skate park right outside its front doors. Walking around the exhibits is truly an interesting experience, you’ll take in unique exhibits from Pablo Picasso to digital media exhibitions. A mind-bending experience, you’re sure to leave with more questions than you had when you arrived.
Evening: Place de Tiercerettes
The Place de Tiercettes is a square nearby the local University in Toulouse that many young people frequent. Lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs, this place is overflowing with students late at night. Place de Tiercerettes fills up early in the evening, and is the perfect place to grab dinner and settle in with a bottle of wine for the rest of the night.