Going green in Toulouse!

The Grand Rond district is a veritable green lung in the city. It is made up of large parks designed in the 18th century: the Jardin des Plantes, the Jardin du Grand-Rond and the Jardin Royal. These three gardens form a vast ensemble and are a favourite meeting place for the locals whenever the sun comes out. We love going over the road on the footbridges that link these gardens together!

Located right next to the Natural History Museum, the Jardin des Plantes is the oldest in Toulouse, dating back to 1730! It also includes the Botanical Garden, so you can discover a wealth of trees and plant species. It also houses the remains of a castle! Today, it's above all a family-friendly place, with lots of activities for children, including a playground, merry-go-rounds, a miniature train and pony rides.

The Jardin du Grand-Rond is now recognised as a "remarkable garden"! It's particularly popular for its trees, planted like a crown around the fountain, its pretty flowerbeds, its statues and its bandstand. And while you're there, why not join in a game of pétanque?

The main attraction of the Jardin Royal is its ancient exotic trees and beautiful statues by Fabre. It has also been awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label. This pretty English-style garden, with its duck pond and small bridge, is a delight to stroll around.

Opposite the Jardin des Plantes, you'll also find the little garden of the Musée Georges Labit, which is freely accessible. This garden is an invitation to travel, allowing you to discover the exotic world of the museum in a different way. The atmosphere changes according to Georges Labit's travels to the four corners of the world: for a moment you'll think you're in the Mediterranean, then the Orient, Australia or Asia. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Finally, how can we talk about Toulouse's superb gardens without mentioning the Compans-Caffarelli garden and its famous Japanese garden? This is undoubtedly the most zen of all, with all the elements for a Japanese immersion: the torii (traditional gate), water lilies, cherry trees and bamboo, a small red bridge crossing over the carp pond, and much more! It's the perfect backdrop for a relaxing break with a change of scenery!

The Canal du Midi is a superb tree-lined canal running through the Occitanie region, linking Toulouse to Sète. It is part of the "canal des deux-mers", which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. This historic river route winds its way through the south of France, passing through lush green hills, sun-drenched vineyards and villages with narrow streets!

Starting in Toulouse, the Voie Verte along the Canal du Midi is very popular with Toulousans, as it is the longest and most beautiful in the region. For a few hours or a whole day, you can explore this route on foot, by bike or on rollerblades, to reconnect with nature in the city! This walk is 40 km long in total, and you should allow around 3h30 to 4 hours to cover it by bike. Of course, you're free to do just part of it!

This Voie Verte is in fact the first section of a long walk to Sète! Always in the shade of tall plane trees, this walk allows you to discover the canal, of course, but also its structures (locks, canal bridges, spillways, etc.) and some charming villages. There are several service stops along the way.

And why not discover the canal by boat? You can opt for a guided cruise or hire your own boat or barge. It's a great way to discover the Canal du Midi and its biodiversity at your leisure!

At the start of your trip, take the opportunity to stop off at the Maison de la Violette, near Matabiau. This pretty barge is a boutique offering a range of creations based around violets. You'll of course find the famous violet sweets, a local speciality, as well as other sweet and savoury gourmet products, cosmetics and home fragrances. A great idea for souvenirs or gifts to bring back from your stay in Toulouse!