Things to Do in Toulouse in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Toulouse
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Toulouse empties out during August - locals call it 'le grand départ' when Toulousains flee to the coast or countryside. This means shorter queues at Capitole attractions, easier restaurant reservations, and you'll actually get a seat on the metro. The city feels surprisingly relaxed compared to the usual hustle.
- Late summer produce hits the markets hard in August. You're catching the tail end of melon season and the start of fig season, plus tomatoes are at their absolute peak. The Victor Hugo market becomes a treasure hunt for ripe produce that's actually affordable since vendors are trying to move volume before their own August breaks.
- Outdoor dining is at its best - terraces along the Garonne stay open until 11pm or midnight, and the evening temperature drops to a comfortable 20°C (68°F) by 9pm. The light lingers until nearly 9:30pm in early August, giving you those long European summer evenings everyone talks about.
- August 2026 marks the second full summer of the extended T3 tramway line to Colomiers, which means getting to the Airbus delivery center and aerospace museums is genuinely easy now. The line runs every 8-10 minutes and cuts what used to be a complicated bus journey down to 25 minutes from Capitole.
Considerations
- Many independent restaurants and shops close for two to three weeks in August - it's a French tradition that hasn't died out in Toulouse. You'll find signs saying 'Fermé pour congés annuels' everywhere. Chain restaurants stay open, but you're missing the authentic cassoulet spots and neighborhood bistros that make Toulouse special.
- The heat can be genuinely uncomfortable for sightseeing between 1pm and 5pm. That 28°C (83°F) high combines with 70% humidity to create sticky conditions, and Toulouse's pink brick buildings radiate heat in the old town. The city wasn't built with air conditioning in mind - even museums can feel stuffy.
- August is technically low season, but accommodation pricing hasn't caught up with reality yet. Hotels near Capitole still charge near-peak rates because of business travelers and the occasional conference. You'll get better deals in September when everyone admits summer is actually over.
Best Activities in August
Garonne River Cycling Routes
August is perfect for cycling the Garonne paths because the river level is low and stable, meaning the towpaths are fully accessible without muddy sections. The 15 km (9.3 miles) stretch from Bazacle to Pech David offers shade from plane trees during the hot afternoon hours. Early morning rides at 7-8am give you that 17°C (62°F) coolness before the heat builds. Locals do this year-round, but August means fewer commuters sharing the path since offices run skeleton crews.
Indoor Museum Circuit
Those 10 rainy days and afternoon heat make August ideal for Toulouse's museum scene. The Musée des Augustins stays a cool 21°C (70°F) inside those medieval cloisters, and the new Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation opened in 2025 with proper climate control. With fewer tourists competing for space, you can actually spend time with the Romanesque sculptures without crowds. The Quai des Savoirs science museum is particularly good on rainy afternoons - it's designed for families but the aerospace exhibits work for anyone interested in why Toulouse exists as an aviation hub.
Airbus Factory Tours
August is actually one of the better months for Airbus visits because production lines keep running while office staff take vacation. The new T3 tram makes getting to the Lagardère site straightforward, and summer weather means the outdoor aircraft viewing areas at Aeroscopia museum are comfortable in early morning or after 6pm. The 90-minute factory tours show you A380 and A350 assembly - book these specifically for morning slots when the factory floor is most active. The UV index of 8 means bring sun protection for the outdoor taxiway viewing platform.
Evening Food Market Tours
Victor Hugo covered market stays open until 1pm, but August evenings bring out neighborhood markets like Marché des Carmes on Saturday mornings and the organic market at Boulevard de Strasbourg on Sundays. The real insider move is hitting these around 11:30am when vendors start dropping prices on produce that won't last another day in the heat. You're shopping alongside locals stocking up for Sunday lunch. The humidity actually keeps lettuces and herbs fresh-looking longer than in drier months.
Canal du Midi Boat Trips
The Canal du Midi runs lower in August but remains navigable, and the plane tree canopy provides continuous shade for the entire route. Short trips from Port de l'Embouchure toward Ramonville last 1-2 hours and show you why this 17th-century engineering project matters. The water stays cool enough that the boat ride feels refreshing even at 3pm. Longer day trips to Castelnaudary run about 6-7 hours but get you to the cassoulet capital during prime lunch hours. The variable weather actually works in your favor - overcast days make for better photography of the pink brick locks.
Basilique Saint-Sernin Evening Visits
The largest Romanesque church in Europe stays mercifully cool inside even during August heat waves - those thick 11th-century walls keep interior temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F). Evening visits between 6-8pm catch the best light through the apse windows, and August means you're not competing with school groups or pilgrimage tours. The crypt visit costs extra but the Romanesque capitals and reliquaries are worth the 2.50 euros. The acoustics are stunning if you catch one of the occasional evening concerts - check the basilica schedule since August programming is lighter but still exists.
August Events & Festivals
Marché de Potiers de Martres-Tolosane
This pottery market happens the first weekend of August in Martres-Tolosane, about 65 km (40 miles) south of Toulouse. It's the real deal for Occitan ceramics - over 60 potters set up along the Garonne riverbank selling traditional white pottery with hand-painted designs. The event runs since 1985 and draws serious collectors, but you can pick up functional pieces for 20-50 euros. Worth the 50-minute drive if you're interested in regional crafts beyond the tourist shops.
Piano aux Jacobins
This classical piano festival runs late August through mid-September in the Couvent des Jacobins, using the Gothic church's acoustics for intimate recitals. The 2026 program hasn't been announced yet, but historically it features emerging pianists alongside established performers. Concerts happen around 6pm or 8:30pm to avoid afternoon heat. The convent's brick interior stays cool naturally. Tickets typically run 15-35 euros depending on performer and seating.