Michelle Cacija

Imagine waking up to the heavenly scent of freshly baked baguettes and croissants, an essential French breakfast delight, setting the perfect requirement for a day of exploration in Toulouse, France. As you stroll along the River Garonne, the gentle breeze carries stories of history and charm, guiding you to the doorstep of magnificent churches like St-Sernin. Picture yourself wandering through a bustling market and prepare to embark on a two-day journey filled with culinary delights and scenic landmarks that will leave you enchanted by the Pink City’s charm!

As always, I want to remind you, that this itinerary isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Toulouse
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medicial insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activites
6. Summary of where to eat
7. Other French Blogs

The Basics about Toulouse

When to visit

Toulouse is lovely to visit in the spring, from April to June, or in the autumn, from September to November, when the weather is mild, with temperatures averaging 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing you to explore the city comfortably without extreme temperatures. We visited in the middle of summer, in August, when temperatures can soar to 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), making it very hot.

Time period

Regarding the time period, I think two days is the perfect amount of time to explore Toulouse as you’ll have the opportunity to explore the old historic town and discover all of the main attractions. However, in the end, it really depends on what you want to see and do in Toulouse.

Getting There

When it comes to getting there, you can reach the French city by car, bus, train or plane depending on where you’re coming from. Since we had been in Paris before, we came by plane, which took around one hour.

Where to stay

Toulouse isn’t too big, so you can’t go wrong when choosing where to stay. You might enjoy staying in the historic district of Capitole, which is vibrant and centrally located, or the charming neighborhood of Saint-Étienne, known for its beautiful streets and lively atmosphere. Both areas offer a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.

Getting around

When it comes to getting around, Toulouse is a very walkable city, you can easily walk to all the major sights. To see more in a shorter time, you could always hire a bike.

What to pack

Obviously it depends on when you visit Toulouse but if you go in summer like us I would suggest bringing plenty of light and airy summer clothing as the weather can become very hot. For cooler evenings or in case of rain, it’s advisable to bring at least a hoodie or jumper. If you plan on doing a lot of walking it’s a good idea to pack several pairs of comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Travel

The amount you’re going to spend during your stay in Toulouse really depends on several factors, including where you want to go, your travel style, and what you will be doing. In general, Toulouse is still one of the more affordable cities in Europe, especially when compared to big cities like London or Rome.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Toulouse. You can safely drink the tap water in Toulouse! It’s clean and safe for consumption, so you don’t need to worry about buying bottled water while you’re there.

Toilet situation. It’s common to find public toilets in shopping centers, parks, and transportation hubs. Some places may require a small fee for using public toilets, so it’s a good idea to carry some change with you.

Tipping. In France, tipping isn’t as common or expected as it is in some other countries. A service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants or cafes. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service.

The currency used is the Euro (EUR). In France, including Toulouse, both cash and card payments are widely accepted. It’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or places that might not accept cards, like markets.

Medicial insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

After my partner and I arrived in Toulouse in the late morning and checked into our hostel, we started exploring the charming French city. We began at the Place du Capitole, a square that is a significant landmark of the city. Here, you can find the impressive City Hall of Toulouse and the Théâtre du Capitole, where operas and ballet performances are held. Additionally, you can visit the numerous cafes, shops, and markets in the area.

The city center of Toulouse is a bustling area with beautiful streets, historic buildings, and lively squares. You’ll find a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural sites to explore. The beautiful architecture in the city center is iconic for its pink buildings that give Toulouse its nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City). It’s a charming place to wander around and soak in the local atmosphere.

While strolling through the city center, we stumbled upon the Empanada Bar “El Almacen,” where we bought some pastries. As we continued walking towards St. Sernin, a beautiful Romanesque church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we admired its impressive architecture and beautiful sculptures. The basilica is a must-visit for its rich history and architectural beauty, and the best part is that entry is free.

We continued our walk through the city center, explored some of the charming shops, walked past cute cafés, and admired the Southern European architecture.

Next, we came across the Musée des Augustins, which is a museum located in a former Augustinian monastery. It features a collection of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum’s architecture and cloister garden make it a peaceful and culturally enriching place to visit during your stay in Toulouse.

Visitor information: If you plan to visit the Musée des Augustins, you can find more information on their official website, such as opening hours, ticket prices, exhibitions, and guided tours.

For the rest of the evening, we sat by the Garonne River and visited Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city and one of its iconic landmarks. It crosses the Garonne River and provides beautiful views of the water and the cityscape. By the river, you can relax and watch the boats pass by, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water, or go for a boat ride.

Day 2

Afterwards, we made our way to the Pierre-Baudis Japanese Garden, a beautiful oasis inspired by traditional Japanese garden design, and very close to the city center. It provides a relaxing escape from the bustling city, featuring elements like water fountains, lakes, stone lanterns, and lush greenery such as bamboo bushes. Entry is free, allowing visitors to wander along winding paths, appreciate the beauty of bonsai trees, and delve deeper into the art of Japanese gardens.

After having lunch near the Japanese Garden, we returned to Pont Neuf, crossed the bridge, and explored the other side of the city. We then visited Prairie des Filtes, a stunning park along the Garonne. It’s a popular destination for walks, picnics, events, and outdoor activities, providing a perfect escape from the city’s hustle. On that hot day, we took some time to relax by the river and enjoyed watching people play volleyball.

Then we came across the Grande Roue, a Ferris wheel situated at Port Viguerie. While the wheel isn’t extremely tall, it still provides a distinctive view of the city and is a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists. It’s an excellent way to savor panoramic views of Toulouse from above, particularly during sunset!

Afterward, we returned to our site in Toulouse and leisurely strolled through the charming streets before heading back to our hostel.

Summary of activites

• St-Sernin (church)
• Couvent des Jacobins (church)
• Saint Stephen’s Cathedral (church)
• Jardin des Plantes (park)
• Prairie des Filtes (park)
• Musée des Augustins (museum)
• Georges Bemberg’s Foundation Museum
• Museum Toulouse
• Théâtre du Capitole Toulouse
• Pont Neuf (Bridge)
• Pierre-Baudis Japanese Garden
• Kapitol
• Grande roue (ferries wheel)
• La Garonne (river)

Summary of where to eat

• EL ALMACEN – Empanadas Bar ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Pokawa – Japanese Bowls ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Pitaya Thaï Street Food – thai cuisine ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Perlette – Patisserie ^{(unpaid ad)}

Other French Blogs