Visiting Toulouse in two days

On this first day, we head for Toulouse's historic city centre and its cobbled streets, home to some of the city's must-see monuments and landmarks.

The Capitole

Let's start our visit with the emblematic Place du Capitole! Now home to the town hall and a theatre, the Capitole is free and open to all, so don't hesitate to step inside and admire its sumptuous rooms. Before you leave, take the opportunity to stroll under the arcades of the square, and don't forget to look up: Raymond Morreti's hanging paintings depict the history of Toulouse!

Rue du Taur and its church

Leaving the Place du Capitole, take the pretty and lively Rue du Taur. You'll pass the church of Notre-Dame du Taur and its unusual bell tower. As you move along the street, you'll also start to catch sight of the superb bell tower of the Basilique Saint-Sernin, another of Toulouse's landmarks.

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin

Dating back to the 11th century, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin has a distinctive architecture that makes it unique: half Romanesque, half Gothic. Push open the doors of the Basilica to discover the interior, which is just as impressive. Worth knowing: Saint-Sernin is a huge reliquary and is the second church in the world to hold so many relics, just behind Saint Peter's in the Vatican!

Victor Hugo covered market

After a busy morning, it's off to the Victor Hugo covered market, renowned among gourmets. Here you can buy local specialities such as Toulouse sausage, fénétra cake and Toulouse violets (little sweets). Then head up to the first floor for one of the market's restaurants!

Stroll through the narrow streets of the centre

After sampling Toulouse's specialities, it's time for a little digestive stroll! Take the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of old Toulouse and admire its famous pink bricks. You can take the rue de l'Esquile, the rue des Pénitents Gris, the rue du Collège de Foix, then the rue Lakanal to reach the Couvent des Jacobins.

Jacobins Convent

This first day ends with a visit to the Jacobins Convent. Don't be fooled by its somewhat austere exterior, and go inside the convent, which is quite simply sublime. Admission to the church is free, but there is a charge for access to the rest of the convent (€5 full price, €3 concessions), but the visit is well worth it, especially to admire the impressive cloister.

Just a few minutes' walk from the city centre, the Mama Shelter offers a warm and friendly atmosphere! Located in a former theatre, the hotel has retained a small cinema and shows films for its guests almost every evening. The charm of the Mama Shelter Toulouse also lies in its superb rooftop with panoramic views over the city!

Take advantage of this second day to stroll along the Garonne and cross the Pont Saint-Pierre or the Pont-Neuf to discover the lesser-known Saint-Cyprien district.

Place de la Daurade

On your way to the banks of the Garonne, pass through Place de la Daurade. This charming square is home to some of the last timber-framed houses in Toulouse! To take in the view, sit down on the terrace of the famous Café des Artistes. On your way out, be sure to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade. Despite its somewhat hidden entrance, the interior of this 5th-century building is well worth a visit.

The banks of the Garonne

Strolling along the banks of the Garonne, particularly between the Pont-Neuf (the city's oldest bridge) and the Pont Saint-Pierre, is a particularly pleasant way to stroll and enjoy Toulouse's gentle way of life. From the quayside, admire the view of the two bridges, as well as the superb dome of Saint-Joseph de la Grave on the other side of the river.

Saint-Cyprien district

To round off your discovery of Toulouse, head to the Saint-Cyprien district for a village atmosphere in the heart of the city. A little less frequented by tourists, this district is nonetheless home to some wonderful gems: the Hôtel Dieu, the famous Dôme de la Grave, and the Abattoirs! Don't panic, these are not the real abattoirs, but Toulouse's superb museum of contemporary art, housed in the buildings of the city's former abattoirs.