Top 6 activities in Toulouse

Visiting Toulouse in the south-west? The capital of the Occitanie region will give you a thousand and one opportunities to have fun, thanks to its varied range of activities. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Toulouse is France’s 4th largest city. It may surprise you to learn that there’s a lot more to Toulouse than its culinary specialities and red-tinted terracotta bricks, which have earned it the nickname of the “Pink City”. There’s plenty to do in Toulouse.

No, Toulouse is also a strategic crossroads for the aeronautics and space industries. The Toulouse technology park is one of the most advanced in terms of innovation. A range of activities are organised around the cutting-edge industry, including a visit to the Cité de l’Espace museum.

On the other hand, Toulouse’s rich heritage promises some great activities based on local history and culture. Many of the city’s monuments are now listed as unesco World Heritage sites, and are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in France. It’s impossible to visit Toulouse without taking a stroll around the Place du Capitole, visiting the Basilique Saint Sernin, the Chapelle des Carmélites, considered to be Toulouse’s Sixtin Chapel, the Saint Cyprien district and its colourful facades in the historic centre (the city’s oldest)… You can visit all these sites on foot or by public transport, which is widely available in Toulouse.

As you can see, a host of wonderful experiences await you in the Occitanie region. Whether you’re a couple, a family or a group of friends, you’ll soon understand why tourists see life as rosy as soon as they arrive in Toulouse!

What to do in Toulouse? 6 ideas for activities

Toulouse activities to discover :

Toulouse’s culinary secrets seem to be (too) well kept. In fact, it’s hard to find a traditional cooking workshop where you can learn how to prepare emblematic recipes. Instead, you can take part in a number of more traditional – but no less delicious – French pastry and viennoiserie classes. In particular, on the edge of town rather than in the centre by car or public transport.

1 – Jump into the fray at the Stade Ernest Wallon

Category: €€ / Unusual / Sporting

Description : It’s impossible to start this selection without putting the pride of French rugby at the top! As the most successful centre in France and Europe, the Ernest Wallon stadium is Toulouse’s temple of performance. Take an exclusive guided tour and feel the fervour within the walls of this unique venue. Learn all about its history, secrets and news, surrounded by a few enthusiasts and curious visitors.

2. See life in violet, in the house of the violet

Category: € / Unusual / Gastronomic

Description: Head for the Garonne to discover a barge like no other: the Maison de la Violette. This pure product of Toulouse’s nature has become one of the city’s iconic confectioneries… But that’s not all! In this temple dedicated to this star, you’ll find it in all its forms. Take part in the events and workshops organised by the shop every week. Lectures, tastings, scents and flavours… A whole host of surprises await you in this unique venue in Toulouse.

3. Sail the Garonne on an electric boat

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: Meet up at the port de la Viguerie to board an electric boat without a licence! On this self-guided boat trip on the Garonne, you’ll discover the banks of the river, Toulouse’s heritage and even the surrounding countryside from a whole new angle! A relaxing way to spend your holiday, with family or friends, and an impromptu picnic!

4. Do a treasure hunt in the centre of Toulouse

Category : € / Cultural

Description: Immerse yourself in an investigation full of enigmas and make the Pink City your playground by taking part in a treasure hunt in the city centre! Track down robbers in Saint-Sernin, or play pilot on a mission, and explore Toulouse’s heritage through some incredible scenarios! The treasure hunt is a great way to see Toulouse from a different angle during your holidays, and is sure to please young and old alike.

5. Simulate flying an airliner

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: Sit in the cockpit of an A320 airliner simulator and become captain for a flight in the company of a professional pilot. Your guide will reveal to you the secrets of flying an aeroplane during a virtual flight that includes take-off, flying over wonderful landscapes and landing. An ideal activity in Europe’s aeronautical capital!

6. Canoeing on the Garonne and Ariège rivers

photo credit pixabay

Category : €€ / Sports

Description: On the quays of the Garonne in Toulouse, you can hire a canoe-kayak and set off on an adventure on the Garonne in the city centre or around Toulouse, but also on the Ariège. It’s a great way to explore the magnificent landscapes of the Toulouse region, combining sport and fun, and you’re guaranteed to love it!

Canal du Midi, historic monuments, museums, flight simulators – the list goes on and on. All you have to do is choose the dates that suit you best, and you’ll be on your way to discovering the south-west, and more specifically Toulouse, this sublime city in the Occitanie region.