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A Long Weekend in La Ville Rose

Aviation, Architecture, and Authentic Southwest France

Trip Overview

Discover Toulouse, France's vibrant pink-hued city where aerospace innovation meets medieval charm. This three-day itinerary balances the city's rich historical heritage—from Romanesque basilicas to Renaissance mansions—with its cutting-edge aviation industry. Wander through atmospheric cobblestone streets, explore world-class museums, and relax in lush botanical gardens. You'll experience the authentic Southwest French lifestyle, savoring cassoulet and local wines while soaking in the Garonne River's romantic ambiance. The pace allows for thorough exploration without rushing, with time built in for leisurely café stops and spontaneous discoveries. Perfect for those seeking a lesser-known French gem that combines culture, history, and gastronomy in equal measure.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$120-180 per day
Best Seasons
April to June and September to October for pleasant weather; year-round destination
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Toulouse, History and architecture enthusiasts, Aviation buffs, Couples seeking romantic getaways, Culture lovers, Foodies

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Historic Heart & Romanesque Splendor

Toulouse City Center
Begin your Toulouse adventure exploring the medieval core, discovering Europe's largest Romanesque basilica, and wandering through the atmospheric old town's pink terracotta architecture.
Morning
Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse
Start at this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest remaining Romanesque church in Europe. Marvel at the 11th-century architecture, the soaring bell tower, and the beautiful crypt containing sacred relics. The morning light illuminates the pink brick facade beautifully. Take time to walk around the exterior to appreciate its architectural grandeur and visit the surrounding square with its antique market on weekends.
2 hours $3-5
No advance booking needed; arrive early to avoid tour groups
Lunch
A traditional brasserie near Place du Capitole serving regional specialties
Southwest French cuisine, cassoulet Mid-range
Afternoon
Couvent des Jacobins and Old Town exploration
Explore this stunning 13th-century Dominican monastery, famous for its remarkable palm tree-vaulted ceiling—a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture. Wander the peaceful cloister and admire the rose window. Afterward, stroll through the surrounding old town streets, crossing Pont Neuf (ironically Toulouse's oldest bridge despite its name) for picturesque Garonne River views. End at Place Saint-Pierre, a lively square perfect for people-watching.
3 hours $5-7
Evening
Dinner and riverside stroll
Dine at a riverside restaurant along Quai de la Daurade, then take an evening walk along the illuminated Garonne, watching the pink buildings glow at sunset

Where to Stay Tonight

Capitole/Old Town district (Mid-range hotel in the historic center)

Central location provides easy walking access to major attractions and the best restaurants, cafes, and evening atmosphere

Visit Basilique Saint-Sernin on Sunday morning to hear the magnificent organ during mass—it's a moving experience even for non-religious visitors
Day 1 Budget: $140-180
2

Aviation Dreams & Artistic Treasures

Blagnac and City Center
Dedicate your morning to Toulouse's aerospace heritage at a world-class aviation museum, then return to the city for fine arts and Renaissance architecture.
Morning
Musée aeroscopia
Journey to this exceptional aviation museum near Toulouse-Blagnac Airport to explore France's aerospace legacy. Walk through legendary aircraft including the Concorde, Super Guppy, and various Airbus models. Interactive exhibits explain aviation technology and history. The museum showcases why Toulouse is Europe's aerospace capital. Allow extra time for the outdoor aircraft displays and the chance to enter several planes, offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on aviation engineering.
3-4 hours including travel $12-15
Book tickets online in advance; consider morning visit to avoid afternoon crowds
Lunch
A casual eatery in the Carmes neighborhood upon returning to city center
Contemporary French bistro fare Mid-range
Afternoon
Musée des Augustins and Georges Bemberg's Foundation — Hotel of Assézat
Visit the Musée des Augustins, housed in a beautiful 14th-century Augustinian monastery, featuring exceptional medieval sculpture collections and European paintings. The Romanesque capitals and cloister garden are highlights. Then explore the Renaissance splendor of the Hôtel d'Assézat, housing the Bemberg Foundation's impressive collection of French and Venetian paintings, including works by Bonnard, Monet, and Canaletto, all within a magnificent 16th-century mansion.
3 hours $12-15
Evening
Saint-Étienne Cathedral and dinner in Carmes district
Visit Saint-Etienne Cathedral's unique asymmetrical architecture before dinner at a cozy restaurant in the trendy Carmes neighborhood, known for its vibrant dining scene

Where to Stay Tonight

Capitole/Old Town district (Same accommodation as Day 1)

Staying in the same location eliminates check-in/out time and maintains convenience for exploring

The Musée des Augustins garden cloister is free to enter even without a museum ticket—a peaceful oasis perfect for a quiet moment
Day 2 Budget: $130-170
3

Gardens, Contemporary Art & Riverside Leisure

Toulouse City Parks and Left Bank
Enjoy a more relaxed final day exploring Toulouse's beautiful gardens, discovering contemporary art, and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming city.
Morning
Jardin des Plantes and Grand Rond
Begin with a leisurely morning at the Jardin des Plantes, Toulouse's botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and serene pathways. Continue to the adjacent Grand Rond, a beautiful circular garden with fountain and sculptures, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The gardens connect to create a green corridor through the city. Visit the nearby Muséum de Toulouse if interested in natural history, housed in a former Carmelite monastery with excellent biodiversity exhibits.
2-3 hours $0-8
Lunch
A garden-view café near the botanical gardens or in the Saint-Cyprien district
Light French café cuisine, salads and tartines Budget
Afternoon
Les Abattoirs and Left Bank exploration
Cross to the Left Bank to visit Les Abattoirs, Toulouse's contemporary and modern art museum housed in a former slaughterhouse. The collection includes works from the 1950s onward, with rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art. The building itself is architecturally striking. Afterward, explore the bohemian Saint-Cyprien neighborhood, browse the Galerie Le Château d'Eau for photography exhibitions, and enjoy the alternative atmosphere of this increasingly hip district.
2-3 hours $8-10
Evening
Final evening along the Garonne
Enjoy a farewell aperitif at a riverside terrace, perhaps visiting Raymond VI Garden for sunset views, followed by a final dinner celebrating Southwest French cuisine with local Fronton or Gaillac wines

Where to Stay Tonight

Capitole/Old Town district (Same accommodation)

Final night in familiar location before departure

In summer, check if Toulouse Plage is open—the city creates temporary beaches along the Garonne with sand, deck chairs, and activities
Day 3 Budget: $100-140

Practical Information

Getting Around

Toulouse is highly walkable for central attractions, with most sights within 20-30 minutes on foot. The efficient metro system has two lines (A and B) useful for reaching Musée aeroscopia and outer neighborhoods. Purchase a day pass for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available. Consider renting bikes through the VélôToulouse bike-share system for exploring along the Canal du Midi. The airport is connected to the city center by tram and bus, taking approximately 30 minutes.

Book Ahead

Book Musée aeroscopia tickets online to guarantee entry. Reserve restaurants for Friday and Saturday dinners, especially in popular districts like Carmes and Capitole. Other attractions generally don't require advance booking except during major holidays.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, light layers for variable weather, sunscreen and sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, small day bag, and a light jacket for air-conditioned museums and cool evenings

Total Budget

$370-490 for three days excluding accommodation (approximately $450-650 including mid-range hotels)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels or budget hotels in Saint-Cyprien district, use picnic lunches from markets (Victor Hugo market is excellent), focus on free attractions like churches and gardens, walk everywhere instead of using public transport, and dine at university cafeterias or casual eateries. Skip paid museums or visit on free admission days. Total budget can be reduced to $60-80 per day.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at a five-star hotel near Place du Capitole, book private guided tours of museums and historical sites, enjoy Michelin-starred dining experiences, arrange a private visit to Airbus assembly lines, hire a driver for comfort, take a hot air balloon ride over the countryside, and indulge in wine tastings at premium establishments. Include spa treatments and exclusive shopping experiences. Budget $400-600 per day.

Family-Friendly

Visit the Muséum de Toulouse with its interactive natural history exhibits, take the Au Petit Train Touristique de Toulouse for a fun overview tour, spend extra time at Jardin Compans-Caffarelli with its playgrounds, shorten museum visits focusing on highlights, choose family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, stay in apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, and time visits to Musée aeroscopia when children can fully explore the aircraft. Add ice cream stops and park breaks between activities.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Toulouse

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Toulouse

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Toulouse

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Toulouse

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Toulouse

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