The guinguettes

The Guinguette cafés

Summer in Toulouse means glorious sunshine and lovely terrace cafés. Rather than the glitz and glamour of private beaches on the coast, there’s a resurgence in the French tradition of conviviality: the guinguettes!

From establishments on the banks of the Garonne with uninterrupted views over the city to guinguettes in more unusual locations, here’s a selection of addresses where you can sample the gentle, ‘à la toulousaine‘ way of life that reigns in the city as the days get longer.

Guinguettes at the water’s edge

On the Port de la Daurade, the guinguette Les Pêcheurs de Sable is a delight for groups and families looking to cool off under the parasols. Making full use of local produce, visitors here can enjoy snacks, brunches, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as live music in the evenings.

A stone’s throw away, the Turbine guinguette, on the terrace of the EDF Bazacle complex, offers a lively atmosphere and exciting cuisine. This hydro-electric plant, still in operation, is home to a fine gourmet eatery with an unbeatable view over the Garonne and its bridges!

For lovers of river cruising, head for the barge that is home to the Horizon guinguette. From the Port Viguerie, you can take an aperitif/tapas cruise or a gourmet cruise, with the option of lunch at weekends.

Still on the Saint-Cyprien side, head to Racines, the trendy, healthy guinguette at the foot of the Big Wheel, or to the local Saint-Cyprien guinguette, À m’en Donné, for a breathtaking view over the Garonne, in the shade of the plane trees.

Among the summer’s not-to-be-missed pop-up restaurants, locals and tourists alike will be able to dip their toes in the sand at La Centrale, a seasonal hip spot with a vintage-industrial decor that has set up shop in the former hydro-electric plant on the Ile du Ramier.

The guinguette on the Quai de Tounis, Les Canotiers, is making a comeback this year. Set up on the quay alongside the Garonne, opposite the Prairie des Filtres, this guinguette is one of the must-visit spots of the summer.

On the tip of the Ile du Ramier, the restaurant-guinguette L’Écluse offers a cool, gourmet break in the shade of the plane trees on the banks of the Garonne, with an uninterrupted view of Toulouse and the Pont-Neuf.

Along the canal

The guinguette Le Gros Arbre is an intimate neighbourhood spot, housed in an old house that is typical of the Toulouse region. This really is a cool haven in the height of summer, next to the Bassin des Filtres between the Garonne and the Canal de Brienne.

On the banks of the Canal du Midi, in a former lock-keeper’s house, Museau Musette has set up shop for the summer.

In the heart of nature

At L’Union, the Nomad guinguette is a real invitation to travel in an out-of-the-ordinary setting complete with white sand.

A little closer to the stars, the guinguette de l’Observatoire invites you to its bodega for a tapas menu that’s 100% Occitan… Fresh, local produce and the best views from Pech David hill!

The Odyssud guinguette in Blagnac welcomes you to the heart of the Parc du Ritouret, beside the lake and its huge fountain. The guinguette sets the mood with its after-work DJs and live evening entertainment.

In the grounds of the Château d’En-Haut in Cornebarrieu, the BBT guinguette offers a panoramic view of the Pyrenees and serves up local beers, Neapolitan pizzas, pintxos and brasero grills.

For a country-style atmosphere north of Toulouse, gourmets can meet up at Min-Ou, the guinguette at the Grand Marché Toulouse Occitanie. A place with South-Western flair, where good local produce is accompanied by the tinkling of pétanque balls, for evenings bursting with sweet treats!

Guinguette in the vineyards

Did you know that Toulouse is home to a vineyard? The Domaine de Candie is a vineyard managed by Toulouse City Council. In summer, it welcomes you to its guinguette, Les jardins de Candie.
Come and feast on barbecues cooked over vine branches and taste the Domaine’s wines. A change of scenery guaranteed, just a stone’s throw from the Capitole!

Urban Guinguettes

The Pétanque des Copains is a guinguette opened by four friends, including two Stade Toulousain players: Cyril Baille and Antoine Dupont. With seating for 160 on the esplanade alongside the Jardin des Plantes and quality local produce, it’s the place to be all summer long if you want to throw around the oval ball!

The Canaille Club, the indus-style guinguette at Espace Cobalt, lights up the Montaudran district every summer. The little extra is the “CanailleFlix” cinema space, which is sure to delight the little ones.

Les Terrasses de l’Atelier is located at the foot of the Pech-David hills. Surrounded by trees, the venue extends over several levels with a magnificent view over the Garonne. There’s a food court ambience with several stalls and drinks served at the table, so you can make the most of the games, the atmosphere and the special children’s corner.

La Maison Malepère is a guinguette set up in a local community centre that offers a cultural and artistic programme based around a cultural, social and solidarity project.

For a midday break, head to Chut guinguette, a discreet address for a weekday lunch at a local’s poolside restaurant.

Summer clubbing

For an open-air party in a clubbing atmosphere, head for the poolside venue at La Voile Blanche. For an exceptional selection of concerts and DJs, the evenings at the Poney-Club will keep you dancing right the way through the summer! And at L’Envol, the themed evenings promise a musical voyage of discovery.

See all the guinguettes