The best places to visit in Toulouse
Voted the best city in the world to visit in 2025 by Lonely Planet, Toulouse is seduced by its lifestyle and unique heritage. Wondering what to do in Toulouse? From our campsite near the Canal du Midi, discover the best places in Toulouse. Here is our guide to the must-see places to visit.
Organize your tourist itinerary in Toulouse
To help you organize your stay in Toulouse, here is an overview of the must-see places to visit, easily accessible from our campsite. Passionate about history, amateur of walks or in search of activities in family, this itinerary offers you a beautiful balance between culture, relaxation and local discoveries.
| Place of interest | Ideal for… | Distance from the campsite Les Violettes |
|---|---|---|
| The Capitol Square | History, local life | ~19 km / 30 min by car |
| Basilica Saint-Sernin | Heritage, architecture | ~27 km / 33 min by car |
| The Convent of the Jacobins | Architecture, calm | ~27 km / 33 min by car |
| Saint-Étienne Cathedral | Architecture, curiosity | ~18 km / 29 min by car |
| Neighbourhoods (Carmes & Saint-Cyprien) | Local atmosphere, neighborhood life | ~21 km / 29 min by car |
| City of Space | Families, Science | ~15 km / 22 min by car |
| Machine Hall | Originality, show | ~14 km / 18 min by car |
| Stadiums (Rugby & Football) | Sport, local fervour | ~20 km / 30 min by car |
| The banks of the Garonne | Relaxation, walk | ~15 km / 20 min by car |
| Gardens (Plants, Royal, Japanese) | Nature, relaxation | ~17 km / 25 min by car |
| The Canal du Midi | Nature, bike | 800 m on foot or by bike |
| Victor Hugo Market | Gastronomy, Atmosphere | ~19 km / 32 min by car |
| Museum of the Augustins | Art, history | ~20 km / 35 min by car |
Which historical monuments in Toulouse are unmissable?
The heritage of the city of Toulouse is revealed at every street corner. Here are the sites not to be missed in Toulouse for a real trip through time.
The Capitol Square
The beating heart of the Pink City, Capitol Square is the starting point for any visit. Seat of municipal power since the 12th century, its neoclassical facade and the immense Occitan cross on the ground are emblematic. Push the doors of the Capitol: the hall of the illustrious, in free access, traces the history of the city through sumptuous paintings.
La Basilica Saint-Sernin
Major step on the roads of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the Saint-Sernin basilica is the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracted nearly 900,000 visitors in 2024. Don’t miss the visit to its crypts, where valuable relics are kept.
The Couvent of the Jacobins
The convent of the Jacobins is famous for its incredible “palm tree“, a unique column supporting the vault. It also houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The church is open access, while the cloister, a true haven of peace, is accessible with a ticket. It’s one of the best places in Toulouse for a contemplative break.
cathédrale Saint-Étienne
The Saint-Étienne cathedral surprises with its surprising mix of architectural styles, the result of a construction spread over several centuries. This feature gives it a unique look and makes it a particularly interesting place to visit.
Tourism pass
Good news for adventurers! Discover Toulouse:
- Purchase on the tourist office website or directly at the office
- App Tourism Pass
- Advice tailored to your needs
Discover the lively districts of Toulouse
To really feel the pulse of Toulouse, nothing better than strolling through its emblematic districts.
Carmes district
Friendly and lively atmosphere in the heart of downtown. The Carmes market, open from Tuesday to Saturday, is full of fresh and local products in a warm and authentic atmosphere. In the surroundings, cafes, terraces and artisan shops reinforce the charm of this dynamic district.
Saint‑Cyprien district
located on the left bank of the Garonne, this cosmopolitan district mixes typical alleys, friendly cafes and village spirit. The museum Les Abattoirs, housed in a former industrial hall, is a major center of modern and contemporary art. The Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in Toulouse, offers a superb view of the Garonne and serves as a gateway to Saint-Cyprien.
What activities to do in Toulouse for a scientific adventure?
Toulouse is also a city turned towards the future. Between rockets and fantastic machines, Toulouse promises scientific adventures for young and old alike.
La Cité de l’Espace
With 452,000 visitors in 2024, the Cité de l’Espace is a family outing par excellence, closely linked to the history of Airbus. You will be able to admire a full-scale replica of the Ariane 5 rocket and touch a real moonstone. The planetarium allows an unforgettable immersive experience.
La Halle de la Machine
Get ready for an extraordinary experience. In 2024, attendance at the Halle de la Machine jumped by 33%. On site, machinists bring to life an impressive mechanical bestiary. The flagship attraction? A ride on the back of the Minotaur Asterion, a creature 14 meters high
Where to find places to discover in Toulouse for a nature break?
- The banks of the Garonne: the walk along the river, from the Prairie des Filtres, is a classic. It offers a breathtaking view of the Pont Neuf and the dome of the Grave.
- Jardin des Plantes, Royal and Japonais: these gardens form green lungs in the heart of the city of Toulouse. The Royal Garden and the Japanese Garden are classified as “Remarkable Gardens“, perfect for a Zen break.
- The Canal du Midi: work of Pierre-Paul Riquet and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi is accessible 800 meters from the campsite. Its banks are ideal for walks.
Toulouse, a city of sport and passion
The Toulouse fervor beats to the rhythm of sporting achievements. Here, rugby is much more than a sport, it’s a true religion, carried by the Stade Toulousain, the most successful club in Europe. Football also holds an important place with the Toulouse Football Club (TFC) which lights up the Stadium at each meeting. Attending a match is an ideal way to capture the city’s vibrant soul.
How to prepare your weekend in Toulouse?
To fully enjoy your stay, remember to check the opening hours of museums, such as the Musée des Augustins, whose reopening is scheduled for the end of 2025. Among the must-sees, do not miss a tasting at the Victor Hugo market, a real living heart of the city.
Visiting Toulouse is immersing yourself in a rich heritage listed as world heritage, while sharing the local passion for sport and conviviality. After a busy day, enjoy the serenity of your camping pitch at, for a stay that harmoniously combines city and nature.
Practical tip: to optimize your trips and easily access tourist sites, think of the tourism pass, an excellent idea to simplify your visit.
