Toulouse Things To Do

Food
Gastronomy and wine are an important part of life in south west France. The city has a decidedly Spanish touch when it comes to enjoying life’s pleasures. Toulouse restaurants enjoy a very high reputation. Try the famous cassoulet stew of duck, goose, pork and beans. For classic French cafes and brasseries head for Place Arnaud-Bernard and Place du Capitole. Romantic waterfront dining on the banks of the River Garonne. Excellent creperies on Rue du May. For upmarket fashionable restaurants try Rue de la Colombette. For a superb cheap lunch try the restaurants above the lovely food market in Place Victor Hugo. Toulouse food markets are full of tempting local produce. The student population ensures plenty of economical restaurants.

Art
The Musee des Augustins, in an atmospheric 14th century monastery, boasts the world’s finest collection of Romanesque sculpture. The museum also features medieval paintings and Old Masters like Rubens and Manet. The museum is worth a visit for its cloisters alone. Another wonderful building, the 15th century Hotel Assezat, is home to the Bemberg Foundation collection of paintings spanning from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Highlights include Monet, Bonnard and Matisse. More art at the gorgeous 15th century Hôtel de Bernuy. The modern art collection in Les Abattoirs includes Picasso.

Museums
Toulouse has played an important role in European aviation and space travel. Children will love the Cite de L'Espace, a highly interactive look at space travel that includes a truly incredible planetarium and the chance to experience a satellite launch and the MIR space station. The Musée Saint Raymond focuses on the city’s Roman history and archaeological remains. Other worthwhile Toulouse museums include the Natural History Museum and a fascinating Chinese and Egyptian collection at the Musée Georges Labit.

Sightseeing
Strolling around the beautiful Ville Rose is amazingly relaxing for such a large city. The huge 18th century Capitole square is packed with superb Baroque buildings like the Town Hall and the Theatre National. Wonderful churches include the 18th century Baroque Basilique Notre-Dame La Daurade and 11th century Basilique St Sernin, considered the finest Romanesque church in Europe. The Chateau de Launaguet is one of the prettiest in France: a fairy tale confection with beautiful gardens.

Walks
Wandering the medieval core of Toulouse is a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s unique architecture and soak up the atmosphere. Superb walks and boat trips along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toulouse has an exceptional amount of attractive parks and gardens. Favourites include the formal Grand-Rond, the Jardin Compans-Caffarelli with its Japanese garden and lake, and the Jardin des Plantes with its farm animals and waterfall. There are fine walks along the banks of the Rivers Garonne, Baise and Lot.

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