✍️ This article was originally published on 20 February 2025, it was updated on 26 March 2025.
Toulouse, nicknamed “la Ville Rose” (the Pink City), is an unmissable destination in southwestern France. Located in the Occitanie region, it is known for its pink brick buildings, its warm atmosphere, and its rich heritage. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year: between history, culture, and gastronomy, the old center is very pleasant. Here are our must-sees not to miss during your visit.
The must-sees of Toulouse not to be missed
Le Capitole
This is the heart of the city! This building houses the town hall and the Capitole theater. The sublime Place du Capitole, with its arcades and its iconic Occitan cross drawn on the ground, is perfect for a stroll and a break on the terrace to admire the place.
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Romanesque basilica is an architectural gem and a major stop on the Way of Saint James. Inside, you can admire its vaults and its impressive crypt.
La Halle de La Machine
La Halle de La Machine is located in the Montaudran district, which is also worth a visit.
Les Machines de Toulouse are inspired by the famous Machines de l’île de Nantes, which combine art, engineering, and imagination. You will find in particular the Minotaur, an immense mechanical creature 14 meters high that can carry passengers on its back. It is animated by an impressive hydraulic system and moves majestically through the streets of Toulouse during special events. This incredible invention will fascinate both young and old!
Don’t miss the entire tour of the hall to discover all the creations of the company: insects and articulated creatures, an impressive dragon horse, and many other interactive machines designed by artists and engineers.
The Couvent des Jacobins (Jacobins Convent)
A masterpiece of southern Gothic architecture! It is famous for its “palm tree”, a column with impressive ribs. It is a peaceful place, ideal for a cultural break.
La Cité de l’Espace (Space City)
For astronomy and space adventure enthusiasts, this interactive science park offers exhibitions on space exploration, a planetarium, and even a life-size replica of the Ariane 5 rocket.
We have been there several times and it is always a pleasure! You learn a lot and spend the whole day there without any worries. This is even our number 1 tip: plan the day, because you won’t have time to do everything in a single half-day and it would be a shame given the price.
The cité offers several floors, each with a different theme and several interactive experiences throughout the day. It is perfectly adapted even to young children, who will find something to enjoy. Special mention goes to the MOON expo, we loved it!
On the RV side, the cité offers free parking located a few minutes’ walk away but very quickly filled, remember to arrive early.
The quays of the Garonne and the Pont Neuf
Strolling along the Garonne at the end of the day is a must. The Pont Neuf, despite its name (New Bridge), is the oldest in Toulouse and offers a superb view, especially at sunset.
Le Canal du Midi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this canal offers magnificent walks or bike rides in the shade of plane trees. It connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean and is a symbol of French ingenuity.
Consider taking a boat trip if the weather permits, this will offer you another facet of Toulouse.
The gastronomy of Toulouse
Impossible to visit Toulouse without tasting some well-known specialties:
- Le cassoulet: An emblematic dish made with white beans, duck confit, and Toulouse sausage.
- La saucisse de Toulouse (Toulouse sausage): Delicious grilled or in a cassoulet!
- Le fenetra: A local cake with almonds and apricot.
- Le foie gras et le canard (Foie gras and duck): Very present in local cuisine.
- Les violettes de Toulouse (Violets from Toulouse): Sweets flavored with the city’s famous flower, very sweet but absolutely delicious. Don’t be afraid to taste it, you’ll be surprised!
Where to sleep in Toulouse
Toulouse is a large, very touristy city. Moreover, if you are looking for a hotel restaurant in Toulouse, you will very easily find what you are looking for and at all prices. Between hotels and apartment rentals, there is no shortage of choice!
Sleeping in Toulouse in a motorhome is a little more complicated! Unfortunately, the city does not offer any area to sleep there, and it is a shame for such a touristy city not to offer anything for motorhome travelers!
Of course, you will find many parking lots on Park4Night in and around Toulouse for the day, and some for the night. It’s up to you to see your preference.
What to do in the surroundings of Toulouse
If you plan to stay several days in the region, don’t miss these visits:
- Albi: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its majestic Sainte-Cécile cathedral.
- Cordes-sur-Ciel: one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Carcassonne: the legendary medieval city.
We loved Carcassonne so much that we have been back several times! Do not hesitate to read our article dedicated to the city, because there are many things to see and do in Carcassonne in order to properly organize your stay. - Rocamadour and the Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Chasm): spectacular sites not to be missed!
The two are very close, so we advise you to group your visits.
