Visit Toulouse in 3 days: top 10 things to do

Bordeaux travel tips for a top stay: 

• Car hire in Toulouse (rated 4.7 on Trustpilot)
• Best hotels in Toulouse (top rated)
• Guide to the best activities in Toulouse

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

Visit Toulouse in 3 days: Top 10 must-sees

Three days is ideal for enjoying Toulouse without rushing, especially as the city is easy to visit on foot, with a metro line if you wish. On the programme: medieval monuments, lively squares, museums, green spaces and sites linked to aeronautics and space. Let's go and soak up its art of living, between terraces, markets and local specialities.

Day 1: the historic centre of Toulouse

1. Head to the Place du Capitole

The true heart of Toulouse since the 12th century, the Place du Capitole owes its name to the capitouls, the municipal magistrates who ran the city. The square's floor is decorated with a giant Occitan cross, a strong symbol of Toulouse identity. This is where the big popular events take place: Christmas markets, sporting celebrations and concerts. Stopping here immediately lets you feel the soul of the Pink City.

-> Valid for 3 days, it lets you visit Toulouse with transport included and plenty of perks!

For our part, we went in early December to enjoy the Christmas festivities and decorations, and the atmosphere was simply magical with its lights and all its chalets. This is where we ate our first Aligot, a real delight! In short, Toulouse at Christmas is really worth seeing. 

2. See the Capitole of Toulouse

The building still houses the town hall and the opera. Inside, the Salle des Illustres pays tribute to the great figures of Toulouse through monumental paintings. Anecdote: some frescoes were made in the late 19th century to assert Toulouse's greatness against Paris, in a context of cultural rivalry between major French cities.

3. Admire the Basilica of Saint-Sernin

The largest surviving Romanesque basilica in Europe, Saint-Sernin is a major stop on the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago). Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin preserves many relics, including those of Saint Saturninus, the first bishop of Toulouse. Legend has it that he was martyred by being dragged by a bull, a founding episode of local Christian history.

4. Go to the Couvent des Jacobins

A true masterpiece of southern Gothic, the convent is famous for its palm tree column, a 13th-century architectural feat. It also houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a major philosopher of the Middle Ages. The place served as both a religious and intellectual centre, Toulouse then being a leading university city.

5. Stroll through the streets of the old centre

The narrow streets of the centre reveal Toulouse's past wealth, notably thanks to the woad trade, a dye plant that made the city's fortune in the 16th century. Many townhouses still bear witness to that prosperous era. Anecdote: the pink colour of the bricks was not an initial aesthetic choice, but a consequence of the abundant local clay.

Visiting Toulouse in 3 days also means taking the time to sit down at the table: cassoulet, Toulouse sausage, foie gras and South-West wines are an integral part of the trip.

Day 2: Between nature and legendary aircraft

6. Visit Aeroscopia

Located near Toulouse-Blagnac airport, the Aeroscopia museum is a must. It traces the aeronautical history of Toulouse, the cradle of Airbus. You can climb aboard Concorde, the emblematic Franco-British supersonic aircraft. Verifiable anecdote: Toulouse is today the leading aeronautical site in Europe, a direct legacy of the Aéropostale and of figures such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

7. Walk along the banks of the Garonne

Long considered dangerous because of its floods, the Garonne shaped the city. The redeveloped quays are now very popular places to stroll. In the 18th century, river trade there was intense, notably for transporting wheat and wine. If you feel like it and the weather is on your side, it is an excellent place to see Toulouse from a more natural angle.

8. Go and see the Pont-Neuf

Despite its name (New Bridge), the Pont-Neuf is the oldest bridge in Toulouse still in use. Its design with pierced arches allowed it to better withstand the floods of the Garonne. For a long time it was the only bridge linking the two banks of the city, playing a strategic role in its economic development.

If you have time, don't miss a pretty walk along the Canal du Midi, UNESCO-listed and fully accessible on foot and by bike. It enters via the Port de l'Embouchure, runs along the Canal de Brienne, passes through the Port Saint-Sauveur and leaves to the east of the city towards the Mediterranean. 

9. Visit the Japanese garden

Inspired by the traditional gardens of Kyoto, this garden was created in 1981. Each element (bridge, rocks, pond) has a symbolic meaning linked to nature and balance. Few visitors know that it is considered one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in France, a striking contrast with the surrounding urban architecture.

Day 3: Musée des Augustins or Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse

10. The Musée des Augustins

Housed in a former Gothic convent, the museum has an important collection of Romanesque sculptures from the region. Its cloister, transformed into a garden, displays works outdoors. Anecdote: some sculptures come from religious buildings destroyed during the French Revolution, making the museum a place of heritage memory.

or the Cité de l'Espace

Opened in 1997, the Cité de l'Espace is a science culture centre dedicated to space exploration. You can see a full-size replica of the Ariane 5 rocket and the Mir space station. Toulouse is home to the CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), which explains the location of this site, unique in France.

Visit Toulouse and the surrounding area: what to see and do? 

Here are a few ideas for visits if you have time for a trip to discover the surroundings. 

The Cité de Carcassonne and its ramparts

Skip-the-line ticket: Castle + Ramparts + Museum

https://tiqets.tpk.lv/jbdHU4yF

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cité de Carcassonne is the largest fortified town in Europe still intact. Take the time to admire it with its 3 km of ramparts, 52 towers and incredible Château Comtal. This trip of less than a day offers total immersion in the Middle Ages. Entirely pedestrian, it can be visited freely and discovered by day or by night. You cannot miss it if you come for a few days to the south-west of France.

Visit Montauban 

Known for its art and history, Montauban stands out for its famous arcaded Place Nationale, the emblematic heart of the town. Its old centre of pink bricks, typical of the south-west, bears witness to a rich classical past. The town is also marked by the Pont Vieux and the Ingres Bourdelle museum, housed in the former episcopal palace. A perfect destination, easy to reach from Toulouse if you want to discover the surroundings.

Discover Albi 

You will be impressed by its Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a unique UNESCO-listed monument. It is the largest brick cathedral in the world! Once there, go for a stroll in the historic centre where you can see the heritage of the south-west with the famous Palais de la Berbie and the banks of the Tarn.

Other ideas for visits around Toulouse: 

• The Château de Foix, an emblematic fortress of the Ariège
• The Niaux cave and its prehistoric paintings
• Medieval villages such as Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges or Cordes-sur-Ciel
• The Pic du Midi de Bigorre and its sublime panorama between sky and mountains 
• The magnificent Mas d'Azil cave in the Ariège

Practical tips for visiting Toulouse in 3 days

• Getting around: the centre can be visited on foot; the metro and tram are efficient for reaching Aeroscopia and the Cité de l'Espace.
  
  
• Best time to visit Toulouse: from April to October to enjoy the terraces and the quays. But also the festive season, to see Toulouse lit up with its huge Christmas market on the Place du Capitole.
  
  

Where to sleep: Capitole, Carmes or Saint-Cyprien to be well located.

FAQ: How to visit Toulouse in 3 days or less?

Our answers to your most frequently asked questions

Is it enough to visit Toulouse in 3 days?

Yes, visiting Toulouse in 3 days lets you see the main sites, enjoy the historic centre and include Aeroscopia and the Cité de l'Espace without rushing.

What should you absolutely see during a 3-day stay in Toulouse?

The Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Couvent des Jacobins, Aeroscopia and the Cité de l'Espace are must-dos if you come for a weekend in Toulouse.

Can you visit Toulouse in 3 days without a car?

Yes, absolutely. The centre is pedestrian and well served by its metro line. Note that public transport gives easy access to the more out-of-the-way sites.

Is visiting Toulouse in 3 days with children suitable?

Yes, notably thanks to the Cité de l'Espace, Aeroscopia, the gardens and the walks along the Garonne. There are plenty of activities to share as a family to create great memories. 

That's it, our special article "Visit Toulouse in 3 days" ends here. We hope all these tips help you plan this stay in the South-West! We send you plenty of good vibes and bon voyage!