Toulouse: 10 experiences in the stunning Haute-Garonne region in the South of France is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejsThe article was written in collaboration with Toulouse Haute-Garonne.
Toulouse – the best city to visit in 2025
There are many good reasons to visit the beautiful city of Toulouse in the South of France. One of them is that Lonely Planet has named Toulouse as the 'Best City to Visit in 2025' – and it's not hard to see why. Here, old-world charm meets modern spirit in a beautiful mix of culture, innovation and gastronomy.
However, Toulouse offers much more than just big city charm. The city is also the gateway to the lush and fantastic Haute-Garonne region, known for its vineyards, mountains and canals. A trip to Toulouse therefore offers the best of all worlds, and it is the perfect destination if you want to combine culture, food and breathtaking nature.
With direct flights from Denmark with Norwegian, it's easier than ever to step into this French adventure. Here are 10 amazing experiences you can't miss in Toulouse and Haute-Garonne in the South of France.
Discover old Toulousewhere culture and adventure await
At first glance, Toulouse manages to charm its visitors with its warm colors and beautiful architecture. Toulouse is called La Ville Rose, the Pink City, and for good reason. The characteristic brick buildings create a warm, almost golden glow when the sun hits them.
With its iconic pink-toned bricks, cozy streets and warm atmosphere, the city welcomes you with open arms. This is especially true in the city center, where you can fly away on the wings of history.
Behind the beautiful buildings lies a world of history and culture. The majestic Basilica of Saint-Sernin is not only breathtaking; it is also historically an important church for pilgrims, and today it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Couvent de Jacobins is a Gothic gem that tells stories of a bygone era. Toulouse is anything but monotonous – the city is a living mosaic of past, present and everything in between.
Embark on an aviation adventure and let imagination and progress run wild merge
Toulouse isn't just about romantic buildings and history – it's also Europe's space and aviation capital. At the Cité de l'Espace museum, it feels a bit like stepping straight into a science fiction movie, with full-size space capsules, a Mars arena and a moon landing simulator that sends you skyward.
At Aeroscopia you can experience the legendary Concorde plane and take a guided tour behind the scenes at the Airbus factory, where the aircraft of the future are born.
Museums for all ages and desires in Toulouse
Are you into machinery, modern art or medieval mysticism? Toulouse has it all, and there is a museum for every need. At the Halle de La Machine you can experience what happens when you play with technology and theatre and come face to face with enormous mechanical animals, while the museum Les Abattoirs challenges the senses with contemporary art.
At the Musée Saint-Raymond, Roman treasures, archaeological finds and mythological sculptures await you, and the museum gives you a unique insight into the history of the area. At the Fondation Bemberg, you will be enveloped in Renaissance beauty, where culture and curiosity go hand in hand.
Life and summer atmosphere on the riverbank
Throughout spring, summer and autumn, the banks of the Garonne River transform into Toulouse's green and vibrant sanctuary. Here you can either speed up or slow down depending on which of the many experiences you choose to indulge in.
For example, you can take a relaxing boat trip with Les Bateaux Toulousains or pilot your own small electric boat with Les Caboteurs. If you want to get your heart pumping, grab a paddle and go canoeing with Granhòta or Canoë Kayak Toulousain – either in the city centre along the banks, where people enjoy the city atmosphere, or in the peaceful Confluence Ariège natural park.
Once you've seen the city from the water, you can take a ride on the Ferris wheel and end the day with delicious food and cold rosé wine at one of the cozy riverside cafes or 'guinguettes', a type of old-fashioned tavern, where you get both local specialties and world-class views.
Canal du Midi: Take a journey through time in the South of France
Slow down both your pace and your shoulders as you experience French history by water aboard a boat along the iconic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you can sail from, for example, Port Lauragais to Toulouse and admire the beautiful area as you glide calmly through beautiful nature, village charm and historic places such as Avignonet-Lauragais, Ayguesvives and Montgiscard. Along the way you will encounter old locks, lush fields and historic windmills.
The tour ends at Port Saint-Sauveur, but you can continue on to the Canal de Brienne, which connects the canal with the Garonne River. For cyclists, there is also a peaceful and pleasant cycle route along the canal's old towpath. The path is perfect for a relaxing and scenic day on two wheels.
Discover the voice and music of Haute-Garonne and Toulouse
Toulouse is not just a beautiful city – it's also full of sound and life. As an official 'UNESCO City of Music', the city is buzzing with life and sounds all year round, and there's always plenty of opportunity to listen to music, whether you're into classical piano concertos or heavy techno tunes.
The festive pulse is particularly palpable in the summer. Every Friday and Saturday, the square in front of the 'Halle de La Machine' is transformed into a large, open-air party with free concerts and a guinguette atmosphere. Here you can dance under the stars in the company of Astérion, the impressive 14-meter-high mechanical minotaur that watches over the area with majestic calm.
Get your heart pumping in the Pyrenees in southern France
Just a few hours from Toulouse, a whole different world awaits: the majestic Pyrenees. And with the new train connection to Luchon, it's easy to get straight up into the fresh mountain air.
The Pyrenees are a wealth of beautiful natural experiences. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the valleys or hop on a shuttle bus to the mountain trails and be overwhelmed by the wild views. You can also take the cable car up to the Luchon-Superbagnères ski and viewing area, which is open both summer and winter.
If you need some relaxation, you can visit the newly renovated thermal baths in Luchon, where spa experiences and the famous Vaporarium, a natural hammam, ensure total relaxation and unwinding after a few hours in the fresh mountain air.
Cheers to Fronton wine
Just a short drive north of Toulouse you will find the Fronton wine region, which will celebrate the 2025th anniversary of its protected designation of origin in 50. The beautiful Négrette grape is grown here, which is primarily found here in the South of France, and which produces wines with a completely unique character.
If you are a wine enthusiast or just want to immerse yourself in the unique wine culture of the area, a day trip to Fronton is the perfect option. Visit passionate winegrowers, taste wines straight from the cellar, take a walk among the vines and take part in the many festive events that the area offers. An absolute must for wine lovers – and a wonderful detour from city life.
Take your taste buds on a journey through the South of France
Toulouse is a true paradise for food lovers. It's all about taste, good ingredients and community around the meal. The city is full of atmospheric terraces where you can enjoy the sun and a glass of wine while people-watching and feeling the city's vibrant pulse.
A visit to the modern food market Halles de la Cartoucherie is a must. Here, street food and cultural events go hand in hand, and your taste buds will dance with joy.
You can also go on a gastronomic tour with Farinettes & Co, Toulouse Food Tour, Taste of Toulouse or Toulouse Gourmet Tours. Here you will be taken on an adventure to the city's vibrant markets such as Victor Hugo and Carmes, where you will find everything from cassoulet og canard confit to local cheeses and wines from the Occitanie region.
Whether you opt for a Michelin-starred experience or share small dishes at a cozy bistro, Toulouse's culinary scene is almost guaranteed to leave you wanting more – and then some.
Medieval magic in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges
In southern Haute-Garonne at the foot of the Pyrenees lies the picturesque village of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages – an official designation for villages with a rich cultural heritage in the country. Here, the impressive cathedral towers over the village’s rooftops and bears witness to the site’s history as a stop on pilgrimage routes.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets, discover the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. Every summer the city comes alive with a festival of classical concerts. An ideal day trip for those who want history, tranquility and beauty all rolled into one.
Really good trip to Toulouse and Haute-Garonne in the South of France!
What you shouldn't miss in Toulouse and Haute-Garonne in the South of France
- Basilica Saint-Sernin
- Jacobin Convent
- Cite de l'Espace
- Halle de La Machine
- Paul Dupuy Museum
- Musee Saint Raymond
- Boat trip on the Garonne
- Canal du Midi
- Hiking in the Pyrenees
- Wine tasting
- Go to the food market
Did you know: Here are the 7 cities in Europe with the most hours of sunshine
7: Nice in France – 342 hours/month
6: Valencia in Spain – 343 hours/month
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