Toulouse - Things to Do in Toulouse in November

Things to Do in Toulouse in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Toulouse

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Chrysanthemum Festival transforms Place du Capitole into a stunning flower display with over 50,000 plants - photography conditions are perfect in the soft November light
  • Indoor cultural attractions like Musée des Augustins and Fondation Bemberg are at their most comfortable with fewer crowds (40% reduction from summer) and ideal viewing temperatures
  • Truffle season begins - local markets like Marché des Carmes feature fresh Périgord truffles at €800-1200/kg, and restaurants offer special truffle menus unavailable other months
  • Hotel rates drop 30-45% from peak season while maintaining full service - luxury properties like Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra offer shoulder season packages

Considerations

  • Daylight ends by 5:30 PM, severely limiting outdoor photography and sightseeing time - plan museum visits for afternoons when natural light is best
  • Frequent drizzle creates slippery conditions on Toulouse's signature pink brick sidewalks and cobblestones around Basilique Saint-Sernin area
  • Many outdoor terraces along Canal du Midi close their seasonal seating, reducing dining options and eliminating the classic Toulouse café culture experience

Best Activities in November

Capitole and Historic Center Walking Tours

November's cool temperatures 6-13°C (43-56°F) make extended walking comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. The soft, overcast light enhances photography of the pink brick architecture, and indoor portions of tours (Capitole interior, covered markets) provide perfect rain shelter during frequent 15-20 minute drizzles.

Booking Tip: Book covered or partially indoor tours 5-7 days ahead. Look for tours that include indoor stops like Capitole building or covered markets. Typical cost €15-25 per person. Check current tour options with indoor components in the booking section below.

Airbus Factory Experience

Perfect November activity as it's entirely indoors and unaffected by weather. November booking advantages include 25% fewer crowds than summer months and easier same-week availability. The 90-minute tour covers 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking in climate-controlled hangars.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for better time slot selection. Tours run €20-30 per adult. Must present valid ID. Transportation requires 45-minute journey - factor in earlier sunset at 5:30 PM for return planning. See current availability in booking section below.

Truffle Market and Cooking Class Experiences

November marks the beginning of fresh truffle season - impossible to experience authentically other months. Marché des Carmes Saturday mornings feature fresh Périgord truffles, and local cooking schools offer truffle preparation classes utilizing seasonal ingredients. Indoor activity perfect for rainy days.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically €75-120 per person including ingredients. Book 2 weeks ahead as November is peak season for truffle experiences. Saturday morning market visits best 9-11 AM before afternoon rain typically starts. See current culinary experiences in booking section below.

Cité de l'Espace Indoor Exhibitions

Extensive indoor space exhibits and planetarium shows ideal for November's unpredictable weather. The 5-hectare site includes both indoor pavilions and outdoor displays - November visitors can enjoy indoor sections during rain and outdoor areas during clear periods. Less crowded than summer school holidays.

Booking Tip: Full day tickets €25-30 for adults. Allow 4-5 hours total visit time. Indoor exhibitions occupy 60% of experience, making it weather-resistant. Book 3-5 days ahead online for slight discounts. Check current ticket options in booking section below.

Canal du Midi Covered Boat Tours

November boat tours operate heated, enclosed vessels perfect for cool 6-13°C temperatures. Autumn colors along canal banks peak in early November, and reduced boat traffic means peaceful navigation. Tours typically 1.5-2 hours with onboard commentary about UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Tip: Heated boat tours run €18-28 per person. Limited November schedule - usually weekends only. Book 7-10 days ahead as fewer boats operate in low season. Dress warmly despite heating. See current canal tour schedules in booking section below.

Museum District Indoor Cultural Tours

November's weather makes it prime time for Toulouse's exceptional indoor cultural sites - Musée des Augustins, Musée Saint-Raymond, and Les Abattoirs contemporary art museum. Comfortable indoor temperatures, reduced crowds, and special autumn exhibitions often launch in November.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entry €5-8, multi-museum passes €15-20 valid for 48 hours. Many museums closed Mondays. Allow 90 minutes per major museum. November often features special exhibitions - check museum websites for current shows. See cultural tour packages in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Chrysanthemum Festival (Fête de la Chrysanthème)

Place du Capitole transforms into a massive floral display with over 50,000 chrysanthemum plants arranged in intricate patterns. Free public exhibition showcasing horticultural artistry - perfect for photography and cultural immersion.

Mid November

Nuit Blanche Toulouse

Annual all-night contemporary art festival with free exhibitions, installations, and performances throughout the city. Museums stay open until 2 AM, and special art installations appear in public spaces. Indoor venues provide weather protection during November's unpredictable conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - Toulouse's pink brick becomes slippery when wet, and you'll encounter cobblestones around Saint-Sernin area
Lightweight waterproof jacket - November drizzle lasts 15-20 minutes but occurs 10 days of the month
Layering pieces (sweater, light fleece) - temperature swing of 7°C (13°F) between morning and afternoon requires adaptability
Compact umbrella - sudden showers common, and many historic streets lack covered walkways
Comfortable scarf - November wind along Canal du Midi can make 13°C (56°F) feel considerably cooler
Power bank - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased phone usage for navigation and translation
Warm hat for early morning - 6°C (43°F) morning temperatures especially noticeable during outdoor market visits
Quick-dry pants - humidity at 70% means clothes take longer to dry if caught in rain
Closed-toe shoes only - open footwear impractical in November's cool, damp conditions

Insider Knowledge

Local Toulousains embrace 'marché weather' - Saturday morning market visits at Marché des Carmes happen rain or shine, creating authentic cultural experiences impossible during tourist-focused summer months
November electricity costs spike heating bills, so many smaller restaurants reduce hours - call ahead to confirm evening hours, especially Sunday-Tuesday
University students return from Toussaint (All Saints) break in early November, revitalizing nightlife districts like Place Saint-Pierre with more authentic, local energy
Free WiFi becomes crucial as November weather drives more indoor time - Capitole, major museums, and Starbucks locations offer reliable connections for route planning during sudden weather changes

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