Welcome to Toulouse, the Pink City (Ville Rose)!
Whether you’ve decided to settle here or are just visiting for a few days, this magnificent city in the southwest of France has so much to offer. Often overlooked, Toulouse is a true gem of culture, history, and warmth. Nicknamed the “Ville Rose (Pink City)” because of its terracotta brick buildings that light up its streets, once you set foot here, you won’t want to leave. It’s especially popular with students and young professionals because it’s full of must-see spots to explore.
This article will be your guide! We’ll dive deep into the essence of Toulouse so you can discover:
- Its iconic historical monuments, like the majestic Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the grand Capitole, which showcase its rich heritage,
- Its many parks and gardens where you can relax and soak up the sun,
- Activities suitable for all ages, from interactive museums to strolls along the Canal du Midi,
- Practical tips to help you settle in, get around, and fully enjoy your new life in this beautiful pink city.
Whether you’re wandering through lively neighborhoods, discovering art exhibitions, or simply savoring a meal at a typical Toulousain restaurant, count on us to guide you through every step of your Toulouse adventure. Let’s embark on a unique experience in the heart of the Pink City!
Must-See monuments and museums
Toulouse, like any great city, is endowed with a rich heritage. From historic monuments to iconic museums and architectural marvels, these are the must-see stops for anyone visiting the Pink City!
The Capitole
What would Toulouse be without its Capitole and its Place du Capitole?
This ✨ iconic ✨ Toulousain monument is impossible to miss. Recognizable by its pink ochre color, marble details, and façade adorned with sculptures, this majestic building stretches nearly 126 meters in length and is located in the heart of the city.
It was constructed as early as 1190 and originally served as the town council’s headquarters. Today, it houses the city hall, the théâtre of Toulouse, and some itinerant shops.
The Capitole is situated on a vast pedestrianized square of 12,000 square meters—massive, right? It’s the city’s beating heart. Without it, Toulouse wouldn’t be the same. It’s here that various cultural events are held, as well as the market, where you can enjoy Toulouse’s gastronomy with the many restaurants located nearby. But that’s a story for another time 😉
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin
A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is one of the largest churches of its kind in Europe. Just a stone’s throw from the Capitole, it’s a must-see stop on the pilgrimage route of Saint James. Built starting in the 11th century, it captivates with its architecture, both inside and out.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its façade reflects the traditional Toulousain style, made of stone. The basilica has 5 vaulted naves and an impressive scale. It also holds over 200 relics, including remains of several apostles—fascinating 😱— and fragments of the Holy Crown. For those less religious among us, that’s the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore before his crucifixion.
The Couvent des Jacobins
Another iconic monument near the Capitole is the Couvent des Jacobins. This gem from the medieval period, with its southern Gothic style, includes a cloister, a former refectory, and 2 chapels.
Its church is even considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. A serene space where you can reflect, take a break from the world, and admire the architecture: its 28-meter-high “palm tree” supporting several vaults in the church, its sublime 20th-century stained glass windows, and the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Entry to the church is free. If you wish to visit the cloister, the former refectory, and other parts of the site, it’ll only cost you a small fee of €4.
The Bemberg Foundation
Located in the heart of the Hôtel d’Assézat, a beautiful Renaissance-era building dating back to the 16th century, is the Bemberg Foundation. The Hôtel d’Assézat once belonged to a former Toulousain merchant, Pierre II d’Assézat, who made his fortune with the pastel plant in the 1550s. Named after the Argentine collector Georges Bemberg, who purchased the site in the early 1990s, it houses a collection of over 1,000 artworks of all kinds. A collection he couldn’t pass on due to a lack of heirs, so he decided to store more than 1,000 works of art acquired over the years. Paintings, sculptures, and various objects are displayed across the foundation’s two floors. 12 rooms showcase Mr. Bemberg’s different acquisitions, dating from the 15th to the 20th century.
The Aeroscopia Museum
For our final must-see, we move away from the center of Toulouse to Blagnac. If the name of this town just 20 minutes from the Pink City rings a bell, it’s likely because of its airport and aeronautical history. That’s exactly what brings us here. Opened in January 2015, the Aeroscopia Museum traces the entire aeronautical history of the Toulouse region.
Airbus A300B, Concorde, Caravelle—more than 40 aircrafts (or “aeronefs” for enthusiasts) are on display for visitors, who can even board some of them. Cool, right? With its 7,000 square meters of space, themed visits, activities, and workshops, you won’t get bored. We promise. If you’re passionate about aviation, know that the Airbus factories are nearby. It’s a great way to appreciate your time there.
It would take too long to cover all the monuments and museums to see in Toulouse. We’ve shared our favorites, but we couldn’t forget to mention Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the Musée des Augustins, and the Musée Saint-Raymond.
The most beautiful green spaces and relaxation spots in Toulouse
Toulouse isn’t just famous for its airplanes; it’s also known for its gardens. And not just any gardens.
The Pierre-Baudis Japanese garden
This is undoubtedly one of the most famous green spaces in Toulouse. Located in the Compans-Caffarelli neighborhood, north of the city center, it’s a true haven of peace. With its distinctive red bridge, dry garden with rocks and gravel, it’s inspired by the ancient gardens of Kyoto, Japan (an easy guess, right?).
Inaugurated in 1981, its 7,000 square meters are composed of multiple areas, including a lake with Crane Island and Turtle Island. Classified as a “remarkable garden,” it’s a favorite spot for Toulousains who come here to stroll, meditate, and simply relax after classes, work, or during their breaks. It’s especially lovely when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. A guaranteed escape.
The banks of the Garonne rive
Toulouse is filled with small green spaces. Among Daurade’s Gardens, Raymond VI’s garden, Plants Garden or the Maourine Parc, there’s one that might not come to mind right away: the banks of the Garonne river.
Developed into restful spaces, greenery is the key feature here. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited, but to make up for it, you’ll find plenty of lawns perfect for picnicking, relaxing with a good book, or simply enjoying a walk or morning jog. What’s great about the banks of the Garonne is the numerous bike paths. Cycling through this green oasis is pretty amazing, especially with the breathtaking panorama and the stunning view of the Dome of La Grave.
Toulouse for students
All these green spaces make Toulouse a tempting place to settle down, right? It’s one of the reasons students choose it as their new home, but it’s not the only one.
Its university offerings
If Toulouse attracts over 12,000 students, it’s primarily for its educational opportunities. The city boasts more than 20 higher education institutions, offering programs in fields like law, economics, and management at the University of Toulouse 1 Capitole, or science, health, and engineering at the University of Toulouse III. But what truly sets Toulouse apart from other cities in the region is its excellence in a particular field: aerospace and aeronautics. As the capital of this industry, Toulouse is home to ISAE-SUPAERO.
Toulouse also benefits from a research center in this domain, which is a significant advantage and adds value compared to other cities in France. In this context, several professional forums are organized by schools and universities, allowing students and companies to network, and more importantly, to secure that sought-after internship, apprenticeship, or first job. The University of Toulouse hosts such events, as do many schools throughout the city.
Its study spaces
Multiple spaces are also available for students to study or work on their assignments. Libraries and coworking spaces are scattered throughout Toulouse, such as the beautiful Bibliothèque d’Étude et du Patrimoine. This Art Deco-style building offers over 9,000 square meters of research space, housing around 35,000 books and 5,000 documents. An architectural marvel, it provides students with the chance to work in a truly stunning environment.
If you prefer spaces where students and professionals mix, Toulouse has plenty of coworking options. We even wrote an article featuring our top 5 favorite coworking spaces in Toulouse! Many of these spaces offer student-friendly rates, like Ô Local. If the ambiance of libraries and coworking spaces still isn’t for you, you can also study from a café. There are many cafés in the city that allow people to work there for a few hours or even a full day.
Among them is Eurekafé, which is perfect for those who don’t enjoy traditional coworking spaces. Located in the city center, near the Jean-Jaurès metro, this café feels like home, but better. You’ll find a kitchen area to prepare your coffee and toast, board games, books, and comics, as well as various workshops and discussions organized throughout the year. For students, it only costs €30 for 10 hours, which is just €3 per hour.
Its quality of life
Toulouse is located in Occitanie, one of the sunniest regions in France. This is a key and decisive factor because, as we all know, it’s easier to live under the sun than in the rain. Ranked as the 3rd best student city in France, it’s also one of the most affordable. If you’re a student, we’re sure you’ll love these neighborhoods:
- Compans-Caffarelli: Located northwest of the Toulouse city center, this neighborhood is home to the Pierre-Baudis Garden mentioned earlier. Right next door, you’ll find the University of Toulouse Capitole, where the Toulouse School of Economics (TSE), one of the most prestigious economics schools, is located. The area is well-connected with metro line B, several bus lines, and the bus station. Perfect for getting around in and out of Toulouse. As for housing, prices remain reasonable, ranging from €500 for a one-bedroom apartment to €1,200 for a four-bedroom apartment.
- Saint-Michel: Located south of the Toulouse city center, Saint-Michel is the trendy neighborhood. Here, you’ll find everything you need: bakeries for your bread and croissants, small grocery stores for your shopping, and plenty of bars and bistros for going out! The neighborhood has many typical Toulousain houses, giving it a small village vibe. It’s also well-connected by transport and metro line B. If you want to live here, prices are a bit higher, ranging from €590 for a furnished studio with a balcony to €1,600 for a four-bedroom apartment, perfect for accommodation sharing.
- Les Minimes: Lastly, this neighborhood is located north of the Toulouse city center. Les Minimes has everything students could want. The neighborhood also has several small houses, making it a residential area with a great living environment. Thanks to metro line B (it’s everywhere), reaching the Capitole only takes about 15 minutes. Rent prices are also more affordable, from €540 for a room in a shared apartment to €955 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Toulouse is known for its numerous bars with very affordable prices, which have become must-visit spots in student life over the years.
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Cultural events
Located just 1.5 hours from the Pyrenees and 2 hours from the Mediterranean Sea, Toulouse offers easy access for weekend getaways or day trips. But if you’re not in the mood for travel or simply can’t afford it, Toulouse is rich in events. Beyond its museums, exhibitions, and must-see monuments we’ve already mentioned, there are also various events, both temporary and permanent, organized in the city such as:
- The Rose Festival: Organized by Toulouse’s most famous duo, Big Flo and Oli, this festival has been taking place annually since 2022. As ambassadors of the Pink City, they wanted to liven up Toulouse between the end of August and early September. Icons of French rap and music, and rising stars of the Toulouse scene, gather for 4 days of concerts in the heart of the city.
- La Nuit des Étudiants du Monde (World Students’ Night): Originally launched in Lyon in the early 2000s, this event is now held in over 26 cities across France, including Toulouse. As the name suggests, this night is designed to help international students integrate into their new environment and connect with local students.
- Observatory visits: Head to the Jolimont Observatory, east of the city center, for an unforgettable night. Every Friday evening at 9:30 PM, the Société d’Astronomie Populaire opens this beautiful building for stargazing. It’s free and open to everyone, though it’s a good idea to reserve a spot to ensure you get in.
- Historical walks: Organized by local Toulouse collectives, these walks let you discover the city like never before. From mystery-solving circuits to following in the footsteps of Claude Nougaro or exploring Toulouse at night, several types of guided tours are available. What makes them special is that they are led by passionate guides who show you the city from a different perspective. Another nice touch is that these guided tours are offered in French, English, and Spanish.
Bonus tip: Museums are free on the first Sunday of the month! It’s a great way to save some money, even though they always offer student discounts, as do certain cinemas and other leisure venues (swimming pools, restaurants, bars, etc.).
Gastronomy and shopping
While Toulouse is renowned for its aerospace achievements, it’s even more famous for its gastronomy. In the Occitanie region, good food reigns supreme, and Toulouse is no exception. Among the culinary specialties you absolutely must try, there’s the iconic cassoulet. Made with slow-cooked white beans, duck, and Toulouse sausage, there’s nothing more emblematic than this dish—except perhaps foie gras. Toulouse also has some delicious sweet secrets, like Fénétra, a fragrant cake made with almonds, apricots, and lemon, and the Toulouse violet, which comes in many forms, from candy to mustard.
If you want to taste these specialties, you need to know where to go. We recommend:
- The Victor Hugo market: The oldest covered market in France, it’s the place to go if you’re looking for great gastronomy. Nestled on the right bank of Toulouse since 1896, just a few minutes from the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, this market has over 70 vendors. Butchers, greengrocers, cheesemongers, caterers, and restaurants all work together to offer the best of Toulouse’s local products. As the oldest French market, it’s also the largest covered market in Toulouse. It’s a favorite spot for locals, tourists, and especially chefs. The building was completely rebuilt a few years ago, replacing the iron structures with more modern architecture.
- Michel Sarran restaurant: If you want to treat yourself to a gastronomic experience with family or friends, head to Michel Sarran’s restaurant. Named after its creator and chef, if you’re a fan of cooking shows, you’ll likely recognize him. Michelin-starred, the restaurant offers a cuisine based on local ingredients with influences from the Southwest and the Mediterranean, spiced up with flavors from North Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. High-end, the restaurant’s menus range from €75 to €175.
What better way to start or end a day than with a good shopping session? Head to one of the city’s main shopping streets, close to the Capitole, on rue d’Alsace Lorraine. Stretching one kilometer long, this is the place to shop. Fnac, Primark, Galeries Lafayette—major brands line the street. Continue through the surrounding alleys: rue de la Pomme, rue du Fourbastard, and rue des Arts. Here is where the Toulouse shopping experience continues, with most of the city’s boutiques.
Practical tips for visiting Toulouse
Toulouse is a pleasant city to visit year-round. Its climate is mild, but since it’s inland, it can get quite hot. That’s why we recommend planning your trip in the spring, between April and June, or in the fall, between September and October. Not only is the weather more pleasant, but these are also ideal times for bike rides without too many tourists. Toulouse has a bike-sharing system called VélôToulouse. If cycling isn’t your thing, the city’s public transport network is excellent and serves all corners of the city. You can also explore it on foot or mix and match these different modes of transport.
The city also offers combined “Tourisme Toulouse” passes. These give you free access to museums and public transport for 24, 48, or 72 hours. It’s perfect if you’re only staying for a few days or if you have family and friends visiting.
With all these tips and tricks, you’re now equipped to explore Toulouse in the best possible way. Whether you’re thinking about moving here or just spending a few days, Toulouse has everything to offer. It’s a perfect city for studying, starting your career, and maybe even settling down.
