• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-183561971416
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "france/toulouse",
  "destination": "Toulouse",
  "title": "toulouse",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Toulouse",
  "country": "France",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Toulouse

France

France Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Church of the Jacobins aerial panoramic view, a Roman Catholic church located in Toulouse city, France 1226073534 des, couvent

© saiko3p / Getty Images

Overview

Ochre rooftops and blushing brick churches earned Toulouse the nickname ‘La Ville Rose’ (The Pink City). Its enchanting Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter) is a dreamy jumble of coral-coloured shopfronts and churches. Beyond the old town, Toulouse sprawls into France’s fourth-largest metropolis. It’s an animated, hectic place, but Toulouse – nestled between a bend in the Garonne River and the mighty Canal du Midi – is invigorated by its waterways.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Toulouse

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your France trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Cultural Pillars of Paris and the French Countryside

13 days / 12 nights

highlights

  1. 1Cruising through Paris on a scenic, sightseeing boat tour that winds up and down the Seine River
  2. 2Shopping at Parisian neighborhood markets and cooking French fare with a local chef
  3. 3Basking in the cultural charm of Mantes-la-Jolie and Pont-Audemer in the French countryside
from $4,130

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Basque Country at Its Best: Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Spain’s Rioja Wine Region
    France

    8 days / 7 nights

    Basque Country at Its Best: Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Spain’s Rioja Wine Region

    FROM $2,900

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • The French Riviera and Provence: A Journey Through Authentic France
    France

    11 days / 10 nights

    The French Riviera and Provence: A Journey Through Authentic France

    FROM $4,430

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-974854181268
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "france/toulouse",
  "destination": "Toulouse",
  "title": "toulouse",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Toulouse",
  "country": "France",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

This dynamic student city offers exciting art, hearty cuisine, boat trips and urban beaches – only a few of the best things to do in Toulouse.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

There’s always something fabulous to discover in this gem of Southwest France. Here’s when to plan your visit.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

France's Pink City, Toulouse, features peach-tiled rooftops, marvelous river views and fascinating historical sites. Here are the best free things.

Read full article

Day Trips

From walking in the Pyrenees to a day on the Mediterranean coast as well as cycling, winery and safari tours, Toulouse is a great base for a day trip.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-215790733846
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "france/toulouse",
  "destination": "Toulouse",
  "title": "toulouse",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Toulouse",
  "country": "France",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Toulouse

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-476213898173
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "france/toulouse",
  "destination": "Toulouse",
  "title": "toulouse",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Toulouse",
  "country": "France",
  "region": "Western-Europe",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}