Things to Do in Toulouse in a Weekend

The Ultimate 48-Hour Guide

Toulouse is a vibrant city combining rich history, world-class gastronomy, and a relaxed lifestyle — all within a compact, walkable centre. Whether you’re planning a Toulouse weekend trip from London or a last-minute escape on a whim, this guide covers the best things to do in Toulouse in a weekend.

Getting to Toulouse from London

Toulouse is one of the most accessible destinations in the South of France for a weekend city break from the UK.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport offers direct connections from London in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. Airlines including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair operate regular flights, with very affordable fares available when booking early.

From the airport, the city centre is easily accessible via the airport shuttle (Navette Aéroport), running every 15 minutes between 05:05 and 00:05. The journey takes around 20–30 minutes to reach central Toulouse, located about 9 km away.

Direct flights are also available from several other UK and Irish cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Manchester — making Toulouse an easy getaway from across the British Isles.

Friday Evening: First Impressions of Toulouse

Place du Capitole

Start your Toulouse weekend at Place du Capitole, the city’s main square and cultural heart. The Capitole building houses the city hall and the Théâtre du Capitole (opera house). Its impressive neoclassical façade and lively atmosphere make it the perfect introduction to the “Ville rose” (The Pink City).

Take a moment to explore the inner courtyard — it is free to access and features beautifully painted ceilings.

Dinner at Place Saint-Georges

A short walk away, Place Saint-Georges offers a charming setting surrounded by restaurants and terraces. This square is popular with locals and visitors alike, especially in the evening.

Recommended restaurants include:

• Monsieur Georges (modern brasserie)
• Émile (traditional Toulouse cuisine, known for cassoulet)
• Ligot (seasonal, locally sourced dishes)
• Prima Fabbrica (Italian option)

Saturday: Exploring Toulouse in Depth

Morning: Heritage and Architecture

Couvent des Jacobins

This 13th-century Dominican convent is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture. The palm-tree vaulted ceiling and peaceful cloister make it one of the most remarkable historic sites in Toulouse.

Basilique Saint-Sernin

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Sernin Basilica is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe and a key stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

Lunch: Marché Victor Hugo

The Victor Hugo Market is a must-visit for food lovers. While the ground floor hosts a bustling traditional market, the first floor is home to several restaurants serving high-quality local cuisine.

Top spots include:

• Le J’Go (regional specialities)
• L’Impériale (hearty traditional cuisine)
• Au Bon Graillou (a grill-style meal)
• Le Magret (duck-focused menu)

Walk along the Garonne River

The banks of the Garonne River are ideal for a relaxed stroll. Start at Pont Neuf — despite its name, it is the oldest bridge in Toulouse — and enjoy views of the city’s iconic pink brick architecture.

Saint-Cyprien District

Cross the river via Pont Saint-Pierre to admire the iconic dome of La Grave before discovering Saint-Cyprien, a more local and less touristy neighbourhood. Here you will find the contemporary art museum Les Abattoirs, housed in a former industrial building.

Evening: Dining in Saint-Cyprien

Stay in the district for dinner and experience Toulouse’s modern food scene.

Suggestions:

• Reflets Toulouse (creative cuisine)
• Faire-Sens (modern French bistronomy)
• AMAR (Mediterranean influences)
• Basta (wine bar and Neapolitan pizzas)

Sunday: Culture and Relaxation

Take it slow — Sunday in Toulouse is all about easy mornings, soft light, and lingering moments.

Musée des Augustins

Housed in a former Augustinian convent, the Musée des Augustins is one of Toulouse’s finest art museums. Its collections span from Romanesque sculptures to paintings from the Middle Ages through to the early 20th century. The cloister garden is a quiet highlight — perfect for a calm Sunday start.

Hôtel d’Assézat

A Renaissance mansion built in the 16th century, now home to the Collection Bemberg. The collection includes works by European masters such as Bonnard, Cranach, and Rubens.

Saint-Étienne District

This elegant area features narrow streets, historic mansions, and independent boutiques. Visit Saint-Étienne Cathedral, known for its unusual asymmetrical architecture.

Sunday Lunch in Les Carmes

Stretch out your final hours with a long, unhurried lunch — this is the French way. The Carmes neighbourhood is a great place for your final meal in Toulouse, centred around its lively market.

Recommended restaurants:

• La Braisière (refined French cuisine)
• La Belle Brune (deal for brunch)
• Le Clan des Mamma (Italian comfort food)
• L’Arpète (excellent value lunch menu)

Practical Tips for Your Toulouse Weekend

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Getting Around

Toulouse city centre is compact and walkable. Public transport includes metro, tram, and buses. Bike-sharing services are also available.

Language and Currency

French is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The currency is the Euro, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.

Why Choose Toulouse for a Weekend?

• Toulouse stands out as one of the best destinations for a city break in France. It offers a unique mix of heritage, gastronomy, and local culture without the crowds of more famous cities like Paris.
• Known as “La Ville rose” (The Pink City), Toulouse’s distinctive brick architecture changes colour throughout the day, creating a memorable visual experience.
• For travellers from London, Toulouse is an easy, affordable, and rewarding escape — perfect for a 48-hour adventure.