Boasts a Fascinating Blend of Medieval Architecture and Modern Innovation

A. About Toulouse

Nickname:  The Pink City

Toulouse, situated in southwestern France along the banks of the Garonne River, is a city steeped in rich history and vibrant culture.

Known as the "Pink City" due to its distinctive terracotta buildings, Toulouse boasts a fascinating blend of medieval architecture and modern innovation.

Toulouse is renowned for its contributions to aerospace and technology, hosting the headquarters of Airbus and the Cité de l'Espace, an interactive space museum that showcases France's achievements in space exploration.

➕ The Good

Toulouse is scoring remarkably high for its excellent weather with a mild climate year-round. 

Moreover, the city possesses numerous pedestrian zones, mainly in the old town.

In addition, Toulouse is a clean and safe destination with extraordinarily little crime and excellent restaurants.

➖ Negative Aspects

While no city is without its challenges, Toulouse undoubtedly shines in many aspects that contribute to its appeal and allure as a wonderful place to explore and enjoy.

B. Best Things to Do in Toulouse in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty sights in Toulouse. The following sights contribute to a good score of 6.10/10 in this most important category:

# SAINT-SERNIN BASILICA 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

Step into the grandeur of Saint-Sernin Basilica, a towering symbol of Romanesque architecture and spiritual devotion.

This UNESCO-listed basilica boasts an impressive array of sculpted stone, with its magnificent bell tower soaring above the Toulousain skyline.

Basilica 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1997  (Part of "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France")

 

# Bemberg Foundation 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Bemberg Foundation, housed in the beautiful historic Assézat Mansion, is a prestigious museum in Toulouse showcasing a fine collection of European paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

      • Important Masterpieces: None
      • Highlight of the Collection: Le Fauconnier, Veronese (1560), 220 × 120 cm

Show Top 5 Paintings (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: ca. 1,000 m2 | Galleries: ca. 20 | Artworks on Display: ca. 300 | Established: 1994

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

 

# Place du Capitole 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Experience the lively ambiance of Place du Capitole, Toulouse's bustling central square where history meets modernity.

Admire the elegant architecture surrounding the square, including the iconic Capitole building with its pink marble facade and iconic clock tower.

Square

# Cité de l’Espace 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Experience the excitement of being an astronaut for a day at the Cité de l'Espace, where visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on activities, astronaut training simulations, and outdoor exhibitions showcasing actual space hardware.

Science Museum and Entertainment Center  

 

# Musée des Augustins 5 2.5 out of 5 stars (⚠️closed until 2026)

Explore the atmospheric halls of the Museum of the Augustins, housed within a former medieval monastery that echoes with centuries of history.

Encounter treasures of Western art, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, set against the backdrop of stone arches and vaulted ceilings.

The Musée des Augustins has been closed for several years for structural reasons and to prepare extensive renovation measures for the public. The reopening of the museum is currently planned for the end of 2025.

      • Important Masterpieces: 1
      • Highlight: The Death of Cleopatra by Jean-André Rixens, 1874, height: 195 cm (76.7 in) width: 286 cm (112.5 in)

Show Top 3 Paintings (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Art Museum Gallery Space: ca. 1,500 m2 | Galleries: ca. 20 | Artworks on Display: ca. 600 | Established: 1793 | Visitors (2019): 59 823

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

 

# Toulouse Natural History Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Encounter prehistoric fossils, geological specimens, and lifelike taxidermy displays that showcase the diversity of nature.

Immerse yourself in interactive installations that unravel the mysteries of evolution and biodiversity, making learning a hands-on adventure

Natural History Museum  

by Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Old Toulouse 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Discover the timeless charm of Old Toulouse, a historic district for pedestrians characterized by cobblestone streets and centuries-old brick buildings.

Meander through picturesque alleys lined with quaint shops, cafes, and artisan boutiques, each corner revealing a piece of Toulouse's medieval heritage.

City District 

 

# Capitole (Town Hall) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The grand neoclassical facade welcomes visitors to a world of art and governance, with ornate sculptures and murals adorning the interior spaces.

Explore the Salle des Illustres, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces that narrate Toulouse's illustrious history through vibrant frescoes and painted ceilings.

Town Hall

 

# Carmelites Chapel 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Seek solace at the Carmelites Chapel, a hidden gem of Toulouse's religious architecture known for its understated elegance.

Chapel

 

#10 | St Reymond Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Uncover the secrets of Toulouse's Roman past through the St. Raymond Museum's exhibits, featuring mosaic floors, statues, and everyday objects that offer insights into daily life in ancient Gaul.

Archaeological Museum

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Toulouse

#11 | Japanese Garden 4 2.4 out of 5 stars

The Japanese Garden in Toulouse, established in 1981, spans 7,000 square meters and includes a koi pond, pavilion, and Zen garden, offering a peaceful escape within Compans Caffarelli park.

Park

 

    • Marché Victor Hugo (Market Hall) 4
    • Cathedral St Etienne 4
    • CANAL DU MIDI (UNESCO-enlisted Canal) 4
    • Daurade Quay (Riverwalk) 4
    • Les Abattoirs (Modern Art Museum) 4
    • Pont Neuf (Bridge) 4
    • Jardin des Plantes (Park) 4
    • Musée Georges Labit 4
    • Public Library 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Toulouse

CARCASSONNE 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Carcassonne is a historic, double-walled medieval city, renowned for its architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The impressive city features a double-walled structure with 52 towers and a 12th-century castle.

City 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1997 | 97 km from Toulouse

by Txllxt / CC BY-SA 4.0

🌍 ALBI (77 km from Toulouse) 6

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Toulouse (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Toulouse for at least two entire days:

🌍 SAINT-SERNIN BASILICA 6 

Bemberg Foundation 6

Place du Capitole 5 

Cité de l’Espace 5

Musée des Augustins 5 (⚠️closed until 2026)

Toulouse Natural History Museum 5

Old Toulouse 5

Capitole 5

Carmelites Chapel 5

St Reymond Museum 5

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