Things to Do in Toulouse in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Toulouse
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November Events & Festivals
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.
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.