While Southwest France is often known for its sleepy villages, vineyards, and rolling countryside, the region also hides some truly beautiful and energetic cities. From dynamic cultural hubs to sun-soaked coastal towns, these urban spots are full of character—and well worth a stop on your trip.
This guide takes you through nine of the best cities and towns to visit in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie (aka le Grand Sud-Ouest), with tips on what to see, where to stay, and what makes each place special. Let’s dive in!
Charming Cities to Visit in Southwest France
1. Bordeaux
The Grosse Cloche in Bordeaux (credit: Lost in Bordeaux)
Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, is a vibrant city with 18th-century elegance, a thriving food scene, and year-round energy. It feels like an open-air museum, packed with stunning landmarks and charming streets—perfect for wandering. If you want to dive deeper, check out my article about Bordeaux’s must-see spots or explore the city with my self-guided audio tour.
Beyond the main sights, there’s room for a few surprises. Visit the Darwin Eco-système, a creative, eco-friendly space full of street art and chill cafés. And for a proper foodie moment, head to Les Halles de Bacalan, one of the best markets in Bordeaux for tasting local wine and gourmet bites.
Toulouse, known as “La Ville Rose” for its terracotta-colored buildings, offers an exciting blend of old-world charm and youthful energy. Summer is an ideal time to visit, but winter offers a cozy, festive ambiance. Don’t miss out on the best tours in Toulouse for superb sightseeing.
For a more local experience, visit the Carmes district, a vibrant neighborhood where art galleries and hipster bars thrive. It’s one of Toulouse’s best areas to stay, and it’s easy to see why. You probably won’t see it all in one day, so it’s best to spend a weekend in the city.
Where to stay in Toulouse:
This elegant hotel is located in the historic Capitole Square, offering luxurious rooms with modern amenities. Plaza Hotel Capitole’s unbeatable location means you’ll be steps away from Toulouse’s best cafés, restaurants, and attractions. Check out the full list of my recommended hotels in Toulouse.
3. Montpellier
Montpellier – by Lost in Bordeaux
Montpellier is one of those cities that surprises you—youthful, artistic, and full of Mediterranean charm. Start at Place de la Comédie, the city’s lively heart, and wander through the Écusson, the historic center, with its maze of medieval streets and sunny squares. You’ll stumble upon landmarks like the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Porte du Peyrou, but half the fun is just getting lost in the narrow alleys.
One of my favorite hidden spots is Rue du Bras de Fer, a colorful street tucked away behind the main squares, covered in street art and home to a few quirky boutiques. For something more classic, head to the Musée Fabre—even if you’re not a museum person, the collection and setting are impressive. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, pack a picnic and join the locals at the Jardin des Plantes or hop on a tram to the beach—yes, you can go from city stroll to seaside in under 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Montpellier:
Hôtel d’Aragon is a charming and super central stay, just steps from Place de la Comédie—perfect if you want everything at your doorstep.
4. Biarritz
Biarritz – by Lost in Bordeaux
A seaside town with an irresistible mix of glamour and surf culture, Biarritz is a favorite among summer travelers and beach lovers. While La Grande Plage is the city’s most iconic spot, Plage de la Côte des Basques is the heart of the local surf scene—lined with surf schools and chill cafés, it’s perfect for both beginners and pros.
There’s something here for everyone, from markets to sea spas. Les Halles de Biarritz is a must for fresh seafood, Basque cheeses, and pintxos. And for a more relaxing break, head to one of Biarritz’s famous thalassotherapy spas. Whether you’re surfing, strolling, or sampling the local food, Biarritz makes for an unforgettable weekend.
Located in the heart of Biarritz, Hotel de la Plage offers stylish rooms with a beachy aesthetic. It’s one of the best places to stay in Biarritz, just minutes away from the best surf spots and local markets, making it a fantastic choice for you to soak up the city’s relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
5. La Rochelle
La Rochelle (credit: Lost in Bordeaux)
La Rochelle is one of those coastal cities that instantly feels like vacation—think sun-soaked terraces, sea breezes, and postcard views. Start at the Old Port, where you can sip a coffee by the water and take in the medieval towers and sailboats bobbing in the harbor. Wander into the historic center with its pretty arcaded streets, great for shopping or grabbing a galette on the go.
The nearby Saint-Nicolas district is full of personality, with colorful facades, indie shops, and a friendly, bohemian vibe. If you’re visiting with kids, the La Rochelle Aquarium is a must—it’s one of the best in France. And for a real escape, hop on a boat or bike and head to Île de Ré for sandy beaches, oyster shacks, and scenic cycle paths that feel a world away.
Where to stay in La Rochelle:
Le Masq Hôtel is a chic, modern hotel located near the Old Port, offering beautifully designed rooms with minimalist decor. The excellent breakfast selection and prime location make it an ideal stay for those wanting to explore attractions and places to eat in La Rochelle on foot.
6. Perpignan
Perpignan blends French and Catalan culture in the most colorful way—think tapas bars, palm trees, and ochre buildings that glow in the sun. The old town is a maze of lively streets, where you can hop from market stalls to sunny terraces. Don’t miss the Palace of the Kings of Majorca—part fortress, part lookout point with amazing views of the city and mountains.
If you’re in the mood for something quieter, slip into the Campo Santo, a peaceful 14th-century cloister just steps from the buzz. What I love about Perpignan is that it also makes a perfect base—whether you’re heading into the Pyrenees or spending a day on the Mediterranean coast, you’re never far from a mini-adventure.
Where to stay in Perpignan:
This stylish and artsy hotel is inspired by Salvador Dalí, featuring modern rooms with bold decor. Dali Hôtel Perpignan is located close to the city center, offering a rooftop terrace with views, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Perpignan’s cultural gems.
7. Nîmes
Nîmes is a dream for history lovers, where ancient Roman architecture blends seamlessly with everyday life. The city’s star is the Arena of Nîmes, a beautifully preserved amphitheater that still hosts concerts and events today. Stroll through the old town and you’ll find gems like the Maison Carrée, a stunning Roman temple that looks like it hasn’t aged a day.
Just outside the city, don’t miss the Pont du Gard, a jaw-dropping Roman aqueduct that’s as impressive as it is photogenic. The setting, between the Cévennes mountains and the Mediterranean, makes Nîmes a great base for day trips—or for simply soaking up the southern sun with a pastis in hand.
Where to stay in Nîmes:
Hôtel Majestic offers modest, air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and complimentary toiletries. But it’s what’s outside that’s impressive—the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Arena of Nîmes and about 330 feet from the Gare train station, making a great base for exploring the surrounding towns.
FAQs About the Best Southwest France Cities
You may still have some lingering questions, so here are a few short answers to the most commonly asked questions about the most impressive cities in the Southwest of France.
Is Southwest France Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The region offers everything from world-famous vineyards and medieval fortresses to stunning beaches and vibrant city life. It’s a great year-round destination, with summer offering beach escapes and winter providing a cozy cultural experience.
What Is the Most Beautiful Town in the South-West of France?
It depends on your preference. Bordeaux and Toulouse are the most vibrant, Carcassonne is a fairytale destination, and Collioure offers stunning coastal beauty. Each city has its own unique charm.
What Is the Best Town in the Southwest of France to Stay in?
Bordeaux is the best base for a mix of history, culture, and cuisine. However, if you prefer coastal activities, then Biarritz, and La Rochelle are excellent choices.
How Many Days Do You Need in Southwest France?
If you’re focusing on just one region—Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Occitanie—a week is enough to see the highlights. But if you want a mix of both, I’d recommend at least two weeks. The more time you have, the more relaxed and rewarding the trip will feel.
A weekend is enough to discover the best of Toulouse, from Place du Capitole and Marché Victor Hugo to the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the city’s lively local neighborhoods. This two-day itinerary combines Toulouse’s essential landmarks with markets, cafés, gardens, museums, and a few less obvious places I personally love. Toulouse is compact, walkable, and an easy weekend trip from Bordeaux or Paris.
Toulouse has quietly become one of the most rewarding city breaks in France, and a weekend is enough to understand why. If you are drawn to red-brick architecture, proper food markets, cassoulet and easy terrace afternoons, the Pink City will not disappoint you.
La Ville Rose is the capital of the Occitanie region and the largest city in the Southwest. It sits between the Mediterranean beaches, the villages of the Dordogne and the Pyrenees, and the direct two-hour train from Bordeaux makes it a natural weekend for anyone staying on the Atlantic coast.
Free guide
Where to stay in Toulouse
My districts guide — pick the right area before you book your hotel.
What follows is my weekend in Toulouse: the landmarks everyone comes for, plus the quieter corners I keep going back to. Honestly, you need three full days to see Toulouse properly beyond its centre, so I have written this as a dense two-day trip that still leaves you feeling you have lived the city rather than ticked it off.
Toulouse owes its nickname, the Pink City (La Ville Rose), to its light red terracotta brick. Known in Roman times as Tolosa, the town was founded around the 2nd century BC.
In the 12th century, the city was run by a body of consuls, the Capitouls, and its most famous square, Place du Capitole, takes its name from their parliament building. The trade in pastel (woad, a blue dye) made the city rich between the 14th and 16th centuries, and a few shops in the centre still sell the blue-flower products as a nod to that past.
Today Toulouse is the fourth-largest city in France, with a big aerospace industry and one of the country’s oldest universities, which keeps it young and busy. If you want more of the history before you set off, one of these guided tours of Toulouse is a good way in. Now that you have the lay of the land, let’s start.
How to spend a weekend in Toulouse – day one
Toulouse feels like a big city, but its historic center is quite compact, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot.
Today we’re going to spend most of the day around the old center, discovering some of Toulouse’s most important monuments, its prettiest streets, and plenty of good food along the way. We’ll finish the afternoon with one of my favorite walks along the Garonne.
If you want to make your Toulouse trip easier, I’ve added all my favorite places to my Toulouse Map, including restaurants, coffee shops, markets, monuments, and other spots worth saving. But first, breakfast!
Start your day with coffee
I’m a coffee addict, so I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that Toulouse has such a good coffee scene.
There are quite a few quality coffee shops with proper coffee machines, good baristas, and usually very cute interiors. Some of my favorites in the city center are Peanut Coffee, Café La Fiancée, and Café Papiche. Choose one around the historic center and have breakfast there before starting your day.
The coffee scene in Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux
Place du Capitole
After breakfast, head to Place du Capitole, the heart of Toulouse and one of the city’s main landmarks.
The Capitole building is home to Toulouse’s Town Hall and the Théâtre du Capitole. It was originally made up of several administrative buildings purchased by the consuls of Toulouse, known as the Capitouls, from the 12th century onwards.
Its famous façade was designed much later, in the 18th century, by the French painter and architect Guillaume Cammas. The idea was to give the different buildings, which had been constructed over several centuries, one unified façade.
PLace du Capitole- by Lost in Bordeaux
The square itself was created in the 19th century and was named Place du Capitole in reference to the Capitouls who once governed the city. The eight columns on the façade represent the eight counselors who were in charge of Toulouse from the 15th century.
Today, Place du Capitole is the main square of Toulouse and regularly hosts events such as wine salons, gardening fairs, and the city’s main Christmas market. You’ll also find plenty of cafés around the square, although I personally find most of them a bit too touristy for a proper meal.
Take some time to look around before heading inside the building. One detail you shouldn’t miss is the ceiling of the Galerie des Arcades, decorated with 29 paintings by Raymond Moretti.
Galerue des Arcades – by Lost in Bordeaux
The project was commissioned in 1997 as part of an effort to modernize the square. Each painting is dedicated to a different part of Toulouse’s history, including the Crusades, the city’s aerospace industry, and famous people born in Toulouse.
The ceremonial chambers inside the Capitole
If you like the exterior, make sure you also go inside. A wide staircase leads to the ceremonial rooms, including the beautiful Salle des Illustres. The room represents the Toulouse School of Art from the 19th century, with works by artists such as Henri Martin, Jean-Paul Laurens, and Paul Gervais.
Floor-to-ceiling murals, sculptures, and paintings cover the space and make it feel more like an art museum than a town hall. It’s probably one of the best places to see art in Toulouse, especially considering that entrance is free.
The Capitole is usually open from Mon to Sat unless an official ceremony is taking place; see more info here.
Salle des Illustres – by Lost in Bordeaux
Stroll through the streets of Old Toulouse
From Place du Capitole, spend some time simply walking around the historic center.
This is where many of Toulouse’s main monuments are located, but the streets themselves are also a big part of the experience. You’ll find beautiful houses, restaurants, bookstores, small squares, and plenty of the red and pink brick architecture Toulouse is famous for.
The center of Toulouse – by lost in Bordeaux
You don’t really need to follow a strict route here. Part of the fun is getting a little lost and discovering streets you hadn’t planned to visit.
If you want a few places to look for, Place Saint-Georges is one of my favorite squares in Toulouse, especially for an afternoon drink. The streets around it are also beautiful, particularly Rue de la Pomme and Rue des Arts. Rue Peyrolières, Rue Saint-Rome, and the streets leading towards Place de la Bourse are also worth exploring.
Place Saint Georges – by Lost in Bordeaux
Another important street is Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine, Toulouse’s main shopping street. Its architecture is very different from the small pink streets nearby, with impressive Haussmann-style buildings including the Grand Hôtel Tivollier (number 14).
If you don’t have much time, consider taking a guided tour of Toulouse so you can see all the main landmarks in a few hours. See some of my recommendations here.
From here, slowly make your way towards Marché Victor Hugo.
Have lunch at Marché Victor Hugo
Anytime I travel to a new city in France, I like to visit its main market. In many cases, the market is the gastronomic heart of the city, where you can discover local products and see what people actually eat.
That’s definitely the case at Marché Victor Hugo. It’s the biggest and most important market in Toulouse, with stalls selling everything from cheese and charcuterie to bread, seafood, poultry, and local specialties. It’s also a good place to try products associated with Toulouse, such as Saucisse de Toulouse and Pavé Toulousain cheese.
The ground floor is usually bustling with people doing their shopping, while upstairs you’ll find several restaurants. On weekends, the restaurants and especially the terrace can get very busy with families coming for lunch. If you want to eat there, it’s worth arriving relatively early.
One of the restaurants I really enjoyed is Au Bon Graillou, where I had great mussels as well as several local dishes.
Au Bon Graillou – Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux
If food is a big part of your trips, another option is taking a food tour of the market. Taste in Toulouse organizes small-group tours where you can try local specialties while learning about the stories behind them.
Marché Victor Hugo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 to 13:30.
Basilique Saint-Sernin
After lunch, continue towards Basilique Saint-Sernin, one of the most important monuments in Toulouse and one of the city’s most impressive religious buildings.
Construction began in the 11th century, replacing an older church that had become too small for the growing number of pilgrims passing through Toulouse. The basilica became an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Its architecture is immediately recognizable, with the red brick so typical of Toulouse combined with pale stone details. The octagonal bell tower is especially striking and can be seen from several parts of the city.
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux
Saint-Sernin is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. The interior is also worth seeing, with its vast nave, stone columns, and a much more monumental atmosphere than you might expect from the exterior.
Even if religious buildings aren’t usually at the top of your sightseeing list, this is one I would definitely include in a first visit to Toulouse.
Visit Couvent des Jacobins
From Saint-Sernin, continue towards the Couvent des Jacobins, another of Toulouse’s most important historic monuments.
The convent was built from the 13th century onwards for the Dominican order, which was founded in Toulouse. From the outside, the building looks quite austere, but the interior is completely different.
The church is famous for its unusual double nave and, especially, for the enormous column at the end of the choir. Its ribs spread across the ceiling like the leaves of a palm tree, which is why it became known as the “palmier” of the Jacobins.
Couvent des Jacobins – by Lost in Bordeaux
The convent also houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the most important theologians and philosophers of the Middle Ages. Interestingly, although his relics have been kept in Toulouse since the 14th century, Thomas Aquinas himself never actually visited the city.
If you have time, don’t stop at the church. The cloister is one of the most peaceful parts of the complex, with its brick arches and central garden, and gives you a much better sense of what monastic life here once looked like.
For me, this is one of the monuments in Toulouse that looks much more impressive once you step inside, so I definitely recommend visiting it rather than simply walking past.
You can see the ticket prices and the opening hours here. During the summer, Couvent des Jacobins hosts many fun events like music festivals, night visits, outdoor cafes, treasure hunts, and more. See their program here. The place is closed on Mondays.
Discover Toulouse’s tea houses
Toulouse has plenty of lovely tea houses, and stopping in one of them feels like part of the experience here.
Many have beautiful little salons, inviting terraces, and a generous selection of homemade cakes and pastries. They’re perfect for an afternoon break after a few hours of sightseeing.
Perlette pâtisserie and coffee shop in Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux
Two places I particularly recommend are Bapz and Perlette. Both are charming, cozy spots where you can sit down for tea or coffee and enjoy a proper slice of cake before continuing your walk through the city.
Place Saint-Pierre
Next, head towards Place Saint-Pierre, one of the liveliest squares in Toulouse.
Place Saint-Pierre and nearby Place de la Daurade are especially popular with students and younger Toulousains. You’ll find plenty of pubs and tapas bars around this area, and on weekends it gets very busy. During the day, however, this is also a great place to start walking along the river.
On sunny days, you’ll see locals sitting on the steps by the Garonne with picnics and drinks. It’s one of those places that gives you a good sense of how people actually enjoy the city.
the stairs of Place Saint Pierre – by Lost in Bordeaux
From here, walk down towards Quai Lucien Lombard and start following the river.
Walk along the Garonne
The riverfront is one of my favorite places in Toulouse. As you walk along Quai Lucien Lombard, you get some of the best views of the western side of the Garonne and one of the most recognizable views of the city.
Across the river, you’ll see the large dome of Chapelle Saint-Joseph de La Grave. Together with the river and Toulouse’s brick façades, it creates one of the classic images of the Pink City.
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de La Grave – by Lost in Bordeaux
This part of the walk is especially nice towards the end of the afternoon, when the riverfront starts filling with people. Continue south towards Port de la Daurade.
Stop for a drink at La Daurade
La Daurade is another popular gathering place along the river and a great place to stop for a break. If the weather is good, you can have a drink at Pêcheurs de Sable, a guinguette on Place de la Daurade. It’s an outdoor bar and works particularly well on sunny days.
Pêcheurs de Sable – a bar in Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux
Otherwise, simply sit by the river for a while before continuing your walk. From La Daurade, keep following the quais towards Pont Neuf.
Pont Neuf
Despite its name, Pont Neuf is actually the oldest bridge in Toulouse and one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Garonne. It’s also a beautiful place to see the city from the river and another good viewpoint towards the historic center.
From Pont Neuf, you’re only a few minutes away from one of Toulouse’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings.
Pont Neuf in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux
Hôtel d’Assézat and the Fondation Bemberg
Toulouse’s history as an important trading city brought considerable wealth to the city, particularly between the end of the 15th and the middle of the 16th century.
During that period, many wealthy merchants and members of the nobility built impressive city mansions, known as hôtels particuliers. Many of them also have beautiful inner courtyards, which became an important part of Toulouse’s architectural heritage.
One of the most impressive is Hôtel d’Assézat, located close to Pont Neuf. The mansion was built in the 16th century for the wealthy merchant Pierre d’Assézat by the architect Nicolas Bachelier. Its architecture is a beautiful example of the Renaissance style that was popular in southern France at the time.
L’hôtel d’Assézat – one of Toulouse’s landmarks
The façade combines Toulouse’s typical red brick with pale stone decoration inspired by Italian Classicism. The building was extensively restored in the 1980s and remains one of the best-preserved Renaissance mansions in France.
Today, Hôtel d’Assézat houses the Fondation Bemberg. Even if you don’t visit the museum, I recommend walking into the courtyard to see the building itself. But if you enjoy art, I would definitely leave some time for the museum as well. See the opening hours here.
Join a wine bar tour before dinner
If you want to turn the end of the afternoon into a proper Toulouse apéro, you can also join a wine bar walking tour with a local wine expert.
The tour takes you to three wine bars in the city center and focuses on wines from Southwest France, including lesser-known local grape varieties. You’ll also get a cheese and charcuterie platter along the way.
It lasts around 2.5 hours, so it works well as a pre-dinner activity. Book the Toulouse wine bar tour here.
Eat Cassoulet for dinner
It’s dinner time and the best opportunity for you to try one of the most typical dishes of Toulouse!
The Cassoulet is a slow-cooked stew, most frequently made with duck and pork sausages. Originating in a neighboring town of Castelnaudary, the Cassoulet enjoys great popularity in Toulouse. If you’re interested in local cuisine, tasting Cassoulet is an absolute must. It’s also one of the dishes you will be tasting if you take this fabulous Traditional Toulouse Food Tour.
Cassoulet – by Lost in Bordeaux
Cassoulet is served in many restaurants in Toulouse. Here are a few recommended places to eat it:
I really enjoyed the Au Gascon, a simple restaurant where you’ll see many locals having family dinners. Their menu includes many specialties of the cuisine of Gascony (once a province of SW France), many of which contain internal parts of duck and/or pork. It’s not to everyone’s taste, so read the menu carefully. Nevertheless, their Cassoulet is amazing and it’s a safe bet.
If you prefer your dinner in a fancier setting, go to Le Bibent, on Place du Capitole. It’s one of the prettiest restaurants in Toulouse with a great menu of local dishes. It is a bit pricey because you have to pay for its prime location 🙂
That’s it for today, see you tomorrow for the more hipster Toulouse!
Go out around Jean Jaurès
If you still have energy after dinner, head towards Jean Jaurès and the streets around Rue Gabriel-Péri.
This is one of the best areas in central Toulouse for a night out, with a high concentration of cocktail bars, music bars, and places where you can dance later in the evening.
Rue Gabriel-Péri, Rue Castellane, and the surrounding streets are especially lively, so you don’t necessarily need to plan your whole evening in advance. Start with a drink somewhere that looks good and move on from there.
The House bar in Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux
It’s a good area if you want something livelier than just sitting on a terrace, while still staying right in the center of Toulouse.
That’s it for today — see you tomorrow for a more hipster side of Toulouse!
Day two – The Hidden Gems of Toulouse
Yesterday was mostly about Toulouse’s major monuments and the historic center. Today is a little different. We’re going to spend the morning in some of my favorite neighborhoods, visit one of the city’s best markets, and slow things down with gardens, coffee, and local food.
Then, depending on your interests, you can choose how to spend the rest of the afternoon.
Located in the southern part of the historic center, it has a younger and slightly more creative atmosphere than the area around the Capitole. It’s full of small restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, boutiques, and pretty little squares.
This is also one of those neighborhoods where the streets themselves are part of the experience, so give yourself some time to wander without trying to tick off every single place.
Les Carmes district – by Lost in Bordeaux
Around Place des Carmes
Start around Place des Carmes and its covered market. This western part of the neighborhood is particularly good for restaurants, cafés, and small bars. You’ll also find some of the prettiest streets in the area, including Rue des Paradoux, Rue Joutx-Aigues, Rue des Polinaires, Rue de la Dalbade, and Rue Pharaon.
Stop by Église Notre-Dame de la Dalbade, recognizable by the large colorful ceramic tympanum above its entrance.
Nearby, Place de la Trinité is another lovely square and a good place to stop for a coffee. This is where I would also include your morning coffee rather than having a separate coffee section. Toulouse has an excellent specialty coffee scene, and Carmes is a perfect neighborhood to enjoy it.
La Belle Brune – by Lost in Bordeaux
Walk towards Saint-Étienne
As you continue east, the atmosphere changes slightly. This part of the center is usually referred to as the Saint-Étienne neighborhood and feels a little more elegant. You’ll find art galleries, interior design shops, beautiful buildings, and some of Toulouse’s more upmarket boutiques.
Make sure to walk along Rue Ozenne, Place Mage, Rue Croix-Baragnon, and Rue Perchepinte. Saint-Étienne Cathedral is also here. Built over several centuries, it has a rather unusual architecture because its different sections were constructed in very different styles.
Saint Ettiene Cathedral – by Lost in Bordeaux
Musée Paul-Dupuy
While you’re in this part of Toulouse, there’s one museum I personally really like: Musée Paul-Dupuy. I wouldn’t necessarily call it an absolute must on a first visit, especially if you only have two days in Toulouse, but it’s a museum I always enjoy recommending.
It’s housed in a beautiful historic building and its collections focus largely on decorative arts and graphic arts. If you enjoy smaller museums that feel a little more intimate than the major city institutions, it’s worth keeping on your list.
It’s very different from Marché Victor Hugo. While Victor Hugo is mainly about gastronomy, Saint-Aubin feels much more like a big neighborhood gathering. You’ll find local produce, cheese, bread, flowers, crafts, antiques, and plenty of prepared food. Musicians also regularly perform around the market, which gives it a particularly festive atmosphere.
Many Toulousains come here on Sunday morning to shop and then stay in the neighborhood for lunch or a drink with friends. The market gets very busy towards lunchtime, so I recommend arriving before 11:00 if you can.
Have lunch like a local
There are plenty of very good restaurants within walking distance of Marché Saint-Aubin, so you can easily sit down for lunch somewhere nearby (Bistrot Galien is one I particularly like).
But if you don’t feel like having another restaurant meal, do what many locals do on Sundays. There are plenty of food stalls and food trucks at the market selling dishes you can eat straight away. Pick something that looks good and take it to the Canal du Midi, which is only a short walk away.
On a sunny day, sitting by the canal with something you bought at the market is a much more relaxed way to have lunch. Another option is to take your picnic towards one of Toulouse’s beautiful gardens, which is where we’re heading next.
Visit the beautiful gardens of Toulouse
Toulouse has several beautiful parks and gardens right next to each other in the southern part of the center. The best-known is Jardin des Plantes, a large green space with shaded paths, a pond, playgrounds, and plenty of places to sit. On sunny weekends, you’ll see many locals picnicking here, so it’s a perfect place to bring whatever you bought at Saint-Aubin market.
Jardin des Plantes – by Lost in Bordeaux
Next to it are Jardin Royal and Grand Rond, which together create a large green area between Carmes and the Canal du Midi. You can easily walk between all three gardens, so you don’t necessarily need to choose just one.
The Muséum de Toulouse is also located next to Jardin des Plantes. It’s one of the largest natural history museums in France and is particularly good if you’re visiting Toulouse with kids. Entry to the museum is free with the city pass and on the first Sunday of the month. You can also simply stop at the museum café for a coffee or glass of wine without visiting the museum itself.
Shop for antiques – if you’re there at the right time
If your visit happens to fall on the first weekend of the month, there’s another stop I really recommend. La Brocante des Allées takes place from Friday to Sunday along Allées François-Verdier, just next to Carmes and the gardens.
More than 90 antique dealers usually take part, selling everything from furniture and paintings to tableware, decorative objects, and vintage finds. It’s not something you can build your weekend around because it only takes place once a month, but if the dates work, definitely add it to your route.
How to spend the rest of your afternoon
From here, you have a few very different options depending on what interests you most.
Option 1 – Discover Saint-Cyprien and Les Abattoirs
If you want to stay in Toulouse, cross the Garonne and spend the afternoon in Saint-Cyprien. This neighborhood has a completely different feel from the historic center and is worth exploring if you want to see another side of Toulouse.
The main reason I would send you here, however, is Les Abattoirs. As its name suggests, the building was once the city’s slaughterhouse. Today, it houses Toulouse’s contemporary art museum and FRAC Occitanie. Throughout the year, Les Abattoirs hosts temporary exhibitions by major French and international artists.
Les Abattoirs in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux
The last time I visited, I saw a fantastic exhibition dedicated to Niki de Saint Phalle. Contemporary art is obviously very personal, so I recommend checking the current exhibitions before deciding whether to visit.
If you’re traveling with children, there’s also Le Beau Manège just outside the museum. This unusual carousel takes inspiration from the imaginary machines and creatures of Jules Verne.
This is one of the most unusual attractions in Toulouse and one I particularly recommend if you’re traveling with children (but not only!). La Halle belongs to Compagnie La Machine, a theater company known for creating enormous mechanical creatures for performances around the world.
The hangar is filled with strange machines created by the company, but the experience makes much more sense when you join one of the guided demonstrations and see how they actually work. The star is the Minotaure, a huge mechanical creature measuring around 14 meters high that can carry visitors on its back.
La Halle de la Machine – by Lost in Bordeaux
La Halle de la Machine is outside the historic center, so allow enough time for the journey there and back.
Some practical information
La Halle de la Machine is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday and closed in January. See the schedule here. You can pay for a visit and the ride separately if you’re not interested in both activities. Like in many other activities on this list, here too you can enjoy a discount with the city pass. If you don’t use the city pass, here’s a link to purchase the tickets (for the exhibition only).
Some practical information
La Halle de la Machine is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday and closed in January. See the schedule here. You can pay for a visit and the ride separately if you’re not interested in both activities. Like in many other activities on this list, here too you can enjoy a discount with the city pass. If you don’t use the city pass here’s a link to purchase the tickets (for the exhibition only).
Note – La Halle de la machine is located outside the city center but is reachable by public transport (you can use public transport for free with the city pass).
Option 3 – Spend the afternoon at Cité de l’Espace
Your third option is Cité de l’Espace, one of Toulouse’s most famous attractions.
I wouldn’t automatically include it in a two-day itinerary unless space is something you’re particularly interested in. But if you’re a space enthusiast, traveling with children who love science, or visiting Toulouse on a rainy day, it can easily become one of the highlights of the trip.
The museum has interactive exhibitions dedicated to subjects such as the International Space Station, the solar system, weather, and space exploration. There’s also a large outdoor area where you can see full-scale spacecraft and visit a replica of the Russian MIR space station.
If you choose Cité de l’Espace, give it plenty of time. It’s not really a place I would try to squeeze into the final hour of the day.
La Cite de l’Espace – by Lost in Bordeaux
The tickets are a bit pricey, but if you’re going with kids, it can be a full-day experience it’s quite worth it. Here’s a link to purchase the tickets. If you have a city pass, you have a 15% discount on the tickets.
I really enjoy my stay at the Hôtel des Arts, near Place Saint George. It’s a 3-star hotel with amazing service, very clean, and has the perfect location. Click here to book the hotel.
A bit more simple but really nice hotel is Hôtel Croix Baragnon in the hip Les Carmes neighborhood. It’s a 2-star hotel with a cute design and a very friendly staff. Click here to book the hotel.
If you have a higher budget, you’d like Le Grand Balcon Hotel, located just next to Place du Capitol – book it here.
That’s it for my long and very detailed guide to visiting Toulouse.
Toulouse has a train station and is well-connected to other parts of France. If you’re coming here from Bordeaux or Paris, the best way to get to Toulouse would be by train. The train station is located within a 15 minutes walk from the city center. Purchase your train tickets here.
If you come by car, finding parking in the center of Toulouse isn’t very easy. The best way would be to park at daily parking. The most reasonable price I was able to find was at Q-park on Place Jeanne d’Arc. You’ll pay around 15-20 a day, depending on the number of hours you. This is a link to reserve your spot.
FAQ – Planning a weekend in Toulouse
Is two days enough for Toulouse?
Yes. Two days are enough to see the main sights in the historic center and still explore a few more local neighborhoods. Toulouse is very walkable, so you can cover a lot without rushing.
Cassoulet is the classic dish to try in Toulouse. You should also look out for Saucisse de Toulouse, local cheeses, pastries, and products from Southwest France.
What is the best area to stay in Toulouse for a weekend?
If it’s your first visit, I’d stay somewhere around the historic center, Carmes, Capitole, or Saint-Étienne. These areas make it easy to walk to most of the places included in this itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Toulouse?
Spring and early autumn are especially pleasant because the weather is usually mild and the city is easy to explore on foot. Summer is lively too, especially along the Garonne, although it can get very hot.
More Toulouse guides
If you’re planning your trip, these are the other guides worth keeping open.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
Like the article? Want to read it again when you’re in Toulouse? Save it on your Pinterest board.
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
