Toulouse—nicknamed La Ville Rose for its rosy brick—has been a crossroads since Roman times, flourishing on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and later as a Renaissance trading power. Today it fuses Gothic spires, brick cloisters, bold street art, and a renowned aerospace industry anchored by Airbus.

Expect layers: Unesco-listed basilicas, the palm-tree pillar of the Couvent des Jacobins, and sunset strolls along the Garonne River and Pont Neuf. Food is a serious sport here: duck confit and cassoulet, violet-infused sweets, Gaillac and Fronton wines, and bustling covered markets like Victor Hugo and Carmes.

Practical notes: Toulouse is compact and walkable, with two metro lines, trams, and the scenic Téléo cable car. Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and outdoor terraces. Most shops close Sunday afternoon; book top restaurants and popular tours ahead, especially in summer.

Toulouse

Start in the grand Place du Capitole, framed by elegant arcades and the city hall-theater complex. Wander Rue du Taur to Basilique Saint-Sernin—one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches—then slow down in the serene Jacobins cloister where brick vaults filter soft, rose-tinted light.

Beyond the old town, Toulouse surprises: riverside lawns at Prairie des Filtres, the Canal du Midi towpath for cycling, and the aerospace cluster north of town with the excellent Aeroscopia museum. Evenings are for apéritifs on lively squares and generous Gascon cooking.

How to get there (bookable options):

• Flights within Europe: compare routes to Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) via Omio (Flights, Europe). Typical nonstop times: Paris 1h10, London ~2h, Barcelona ~1h.
• Flights from outside Europe: search global fares via Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights).
• Trains in Europe: Paris–Toulouse ~4–4.5 hours; Barcelona–Toulouse ~3.5–4.5 hours (often 1 change). Book via Omio (Trains, Europe). Buses can be cheaper; check Omio (Buses, Europe).

Where to stay (handpicked and bookable):

• Browse apartments and townhouses: VRBO | Toulouse
• Compare hotels across budgets: Hotels.com | Toulouse
• Top picks:
  • La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa Toulouse - MGallery (boutique luxury in a 18th-c. mansion, spa, Saint-Cyprien).
  • Hôtel Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas (stylish, spacious rooms, 10–12 minutes’ walk to Capitole).
  • Novotel Toulouse Centre Wilson (central on Place Wilson; easy for dining and metro).
  • Hôtel Ibis Toulouse Centre (good value near Jeanne d’Arc metro).
  • Hôtel Ibis Budget Toulouse Centre Gare (budget, canal-side; short walk to center).

Day 1: Arrival, Capitole & Garonne Golden Hour

Morning: Travel to Toulouse. If you’re coming by train, Jeanne d’Arc or Capitole metro stops put you within a 5–10 minute walk of many hotels. Drop bags early if possible and pack a lightweight layer—Toulouse temperatures swing with the river breeze.

Afternoon: Check in and orient yourself on Place du Capitole. Step inside the Capitole’s ceremonial rooms to admire frescoes depicting Occitan history. Walk Rue du Taur to Basilique Saint‑Sernin (Romanesque sculpture, soaring nave), then slip into the Couvent des Jacobins cloister to see the famous “palm tree” column and filter-quiet arcades.

Evening: Catch sunset along the Garonne at Pont Neuf and Place de la Daurade. Dinner options: Le Bibent (Belle Époque dining room on the Capitole, South‑West classics), Le J’Go (duck-forward Gascon cooking near Victor Hugo), or N°5 Wine Bar (award-winning by-the-glass list with tapas). Nightcap at speakeasy‑style The Fat Cat (jazz, classic cocktails) or creative L’Heure du Singe in lively Saint‑Aubin.

Day 2: Markets, Monuments & a Chef‑Led Food Tour

Morning: Start with specialty coffee and brioche at La Fiancée (pancakes, granola, excellent flat whites) or riverside Café Cerise (smooth cappuccinos, hearty toasts). Then dive into a delicious overview of the city on the Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)—a small-group walk where a trained chef preps regional bites while sharing stories of cassoulet, duck, and violets.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Victor Hugo Market—head upstairs to canteens like Le Magret (all things duck) or L’Impériale (grilled meats, hearty daily plates). Walk to Hôtel d’Assézat and the Bemberg Foundation (Renaissance courtyard and a refined art collection reborn after renovation), then meander the Garonne quays or the Canal du Midi towpath.

Evening: Reserve Chez Émile on Place Saint‑Georges (beloved cassoulet, creamy aligot on request) or the old‑school cassoulet temple Le Colombier. For something lighter, graze at Halles de la Cartoucherie, a vibrant food hall in a converted factory with regional, Asian, and veggie counters; finish with a scoop at Maison Pillon (classic pastries, praline treats).

Day 3: Bikes, Téléo Views & Aviation Icons

Morning: Explore beyond the center on the Panoramic Toulouse: E‑Bike Tour with Cable Car Experience. You’ll ride along the Garonne, cross Ramier Island’s walkways, and hop the Téléo aerial tram for sweeping city views—an energizing, photo‑rich way to map out neighborhoods you might return to later.

Afternoon: Head north by tram (T1) to the aerospace district for the Aeroscopia Admission Ticket. Step inside a Concorde and a super‑jumbo A380, trace Toulouse’s role in aviation, and let the kids clamber through interactive exhibits. Allow 2–3 hours, with an optional Airbus factory peek if schedules align.

Evening: Back in town, wander Saint‑Cyprien’s galleries and end at riverside Au Pois Gourmand (seasonal tasting menus in a 19th‑century villa) or snag a terrace table at Ma Biche sur le Toit (rooftop brasserie, skyline views). Sunset picnic alternative: cheeses and charcuterie from Marché des Carmes enjoyed on the grass at Prairie des Filtres.

Day 4: Medieval Finale—Carcassonne (Half‑Day) & Departure

Morning: If your flight/train leaves late afternoon or evening, treat yourself to the Carcassonne Small Group Half Day tour from Toulouse. In roughly five hours, you’ll explore the double‑walled Cité de Carcassonne—crenellations, drawbridges, and narrow lanes straight from a storybook—before returning to Toulouse first‑thing afternoon.

Afternoon: Back in Toulouse, pick up edible souvenirs: violet bonbons or liqueur from La Maison de la Violette (a barge‑boutique on the canal) and buttery croustades from Maison Pillon. Grab a quick farewell steak‑frites at L’Entrecôte or a relaxed salad and quiche at Café Cerise, then head to the station or airport.

Evening: Departure day. If you’re staying later, fit in one last contemplative stop at the Jacobins cloister or the Japanese Garden (Pierre Baudis). Toast your trip with a final glass of Fronton rosé on Place Saint‑Georges.

Extra tips: Tisséo day passes (~€6–7) make metro, tram, bus hopping easy. For day trips by rail (Albi, Montauban), compare times and fares on Omio (Trains, Europe). For European flights home, check Omio (Flights, Europe); for long‑hauls, see Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In four days, you’ll have sampled Toulouse’s greatest hits—Capitole grandeur, sacred stones, slow river light, and the flavors of the Southwest—plus a dash of aviation and medieval fantasy. It’s a city that lingers: generous tables, honey‑red bricks at dusk, and a pace that makes you want an extra day.