Toulouse, also know as La Ville Rose (‘The Pink City’) is the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region. The pink city takes its nickname due to the bricks used in many of its buildings. Toulouse is a wonderful city to visit and it has a lot to offer and it can all be seen on foot! Toulouse is also known for its rich culinary culture and you should not leave the city before trying the Toulouse sausage!
Within this post you shall find some tips and information about places to visit and where to eat! Since I adore food, I shall start with that!
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Home is where the heart is: Food & Drinks
Wherever I travel, one of the most important factors for me is food. What’s good about Toulouse is that you will find all sorts of food here. From local French cuisine to Japanese and Indian cuisine amongst others, you’re in for plenty of options.
1. Le Café Cerise
Le Café Cerise is the first on my list and this is for a reason. This chic and cozy Café is situated right in front of Pont Neuf and is an excellent place to enjoy an exquisite brunch (if you’re vegan, they have options for you too!) or a cup of coffee. It is worth mentioning that all the coffees on the menu are roasted on site.
This place is very busy and sometimes queuing is needed, however you don’t need to que for long and the wait is most definitely worth it. The staff are super friendly and very welcoming and I had the pleasure of visiting this establishment twice during my trip. I was very happy with the food and the service on both occasions.
2. FUFU Ramen Japanese Noodle Bar
Second on my list is FUFU Ramen Japanese Noodle Bar. The food here is 100% authentic and so is the experience. You can either order and eat on one of the tables, otherwise you can eat right on the bar in front of the open kitchen. If you would like to visit this awesome diner, I would suggest you to book in advance as you might find a bit of a queue as there are very limited spaces.
3. Le Wallace Café
In the heart of the pink city, you can find Le Wallace Café, perched on one of the most stunning squares around. A true hotspot for the in-crowd, this establishment boasts an expansive south-facing terrace. Here you can soak up the sun while sipping on cocktails and nibbling on originally tasty tapas.
With its modern and stunning decor, Le Wallace is the perfect place to start your evening off right – or to keep it going well into the night. I’ve got to say that the ambience here at night is quite nice and magical.
4. La Réserve
If maybe you are after trying out some good local beer and wine, someplace which is different than the usual modern venues, La Réserve might be your thing!
The theme and atmosphere here is like being on top of a mountain. Furthermore, the food served is seasonal, so the menus may change with time.
During my trip back in December, they had a cute food truck right outside their establishment serving the most delicious local sausages served and Christmas wine (a.k.a mulled wine). I instantly surrendered myself to the smell of the cooking sausages which you could smell from meters away, and let me tell you what, not disappointed at all! 🤤🌭
Other Mentions:
Aside from the above places, I’ll be listing some other establishments that are worth mentioning – some of which I have not necessarily visited myself during my trip but other people who were there seemed to go crazy for.
1. Art Tea Shop: This tea shop is a cute little place situated in a lovely part of Toulouse. Its artistic vibe is very distinct and differentiates it from other tea shops in the area. I did have the opportunity to grab a quick snack (vegan snacks were also available) and a coffee.
2. Au Jardin Des Thés: This place reminded me of the stereotypical fancy tea shops you see in movies. With a diverse and vast options of teas and it’s stunning flowery decorations, I think it’s a lovely place to stop for a few minutes.
3. Les Frères Chapelier – Boulangerie Bio Artisanale – CAPITOLE: If you would love to buy some fresh bread right from a bakery, make sure to make a quick stop at this place!
4. Café Brûlé: Last on my list is Café Brûlé, a lovely and cozy establishment serving only plant-based food. Here you’ll find from savoury pancakes with scrambled tofu to granola bowls and mac n cheez.
Places to visit in Toulouse
Now that I’ve covered the food and drinks, I’m moving on to locations you should consider visiting during your stay.
1. Pont Neuf & Pont Saint-Pierre
Located in possibly the most scenic part of Toulouse, you’ll find the Pont-Neuf. A stunning bridge which spans over the Garonne River. This bridge is an important part of Toulouse as it is the oldest bridge in the city. The bridge was built in the 16th century and completed in the 17th century, and it has become quite an iconic landmark in Toulouse.
A unique feature of Pont-Neuf is that there are no houses or shops built on it, which was a common feature of many bridges during the time when it was built. The bridge is 220 meters long and has seven arches, each with a different size and shape.
Pont-Neuf is also known for its stunning views of the Garonne River and the city of Toulouse. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the bridge, take photos, and admire the architecture of the bridge and the surrounding buildings. Furthermore, this bridge has played an important role in the history of Toulouse. During the French Revolution, it was used as a place for public executions. Today, it is a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Not very far away from Pont-Neuf, you will find the iconic Pont Saint-Pierre. This bridge was built in the mid-19th century and is named after the nearby Saint-Pierre des Cuisines church. Pont Saint-Pierre features an elegant and ornate design. The bridge is decorated with sculptures, including a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
During World War II, the bridge was a strategic point for the Resistance movement in Toulouse. Today, the bridge is a symbol of the city’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
If you do visit these stunning bridges, don’t forget to snap a selfie with the scenic Dôme de la Grave.
SHOP FROM OUR TOULOUSE PRINT COLLECTION
2. Prom. Henri Martin
Whilst you are in the area of Pont Neuf & Pont Saint-Pierre, visiting Promenade Henri Martin is a must! Prom. Henri Martin is a popular park full of trees and charming greenery situated just across from the city center.
It is the perfect spot for a stroll in the morning, a picnic, or simply a place to sit and chill. The park is usually a go-to for families, joggers and cyclists, as there is a pathway that runs along the river and connects to other parks and trails in the area.
Overall, Promenade Henri Martin offers a peaceful and refreshing escape from the city. If you’re visiting Toulouse, you should definitely consider including it in your itinerary.
3. Place Saint-Georges (Saint-Georges Square)
Place Saint-Georges is a gorgeous square located right in the heart of Toulouse. The square is home to Le Wallace Café and a vast variety of other cafes and restaurants. Here you will find a lively atmosphere during the evening with numerous lights lit up all around the cafes and bars.
Its beautiful architecture, magical night-time atmosphere, and historical significance make it a very beloved spot for locals and a popular attraction for tourists.
4. Capitole De Toulouse & Art Ceiling
Another spot that you must visit during your trip to Toulouse is no other than the Capitole De Toulouse (commonly known/referred to as the Capitole), home to the town hall and Théâtre du Capitole.
This magnificent building is situated in Place du Capitole (Capitole Square), located right in the heart of the pink city. This is where all events happen, from Christmas and flea markets, to political and cultural events.
Aside from the building, the square is surrounded with cafes and restaurants where you can grab a snack. Above the cafes opposite the Capitole’s building, you will find the stunning Galerue des Arcades, a collection of painted art on the ceiling by Raymond Moretti – dating back to 1997.
5. Couvent Des Jacobins
The Couvent des Jacobins is a medieval gem which holds a great significance. Constructed during the 13th century, the historical convent is a remarkable example of Southern French Gothic architecture and is considered to be an architectural masterpiece.
Today, the Couvent des Jacobins serves as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its architectural grandeur and historical importance. The site also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, further enriching the visitor experience.
6. Basilica of Saint-Sernin
Another gem that you should consider visiting whilst on your trip is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
It is the largest Romanesque church in France and its construction began way back in the 11th century. It was built on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse and a Christian martyr.
The basilica showcases a cruciform layout with a long nave, transepts, and an ambulatory with radiating chapels. On the exterior, you will notice the gorgeous and robust brickwork as well as the unmissable octagonal bell tower.
Going back to 1998, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historical sites in Toulouse.
Gardens
Aside from the spacious squares and the stunning bridges, Toulouse has a number of green spaces which are worth visiting. Myself, I like to visit a few parks whenever I travel as I find it quite relaxing.
1. Prairie Des Filtres
Whilst in the area of Pont Neuf, it would be a good idea to visit Prairie Des Filtres. This stunning park is right next to the iconic bridge (opposite Prom. Henri Martine) and is the perfect spot for a tranquil picnic on the grass. Here you will find numerous benches, but you can also opt to sit by the peaceful river.
2. Japanese Garden & Compans-Caffarelli
Another garden which in my opinion is really worth visiting is The Japanese garden (Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis). The botanical garden is located in the heart of Compans-Caffarelli park.
At Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis you will experience the bliss and serene atmosphere that one can enjoy at the gardens found in Kyoto, Japan.
From different oriental trees to a lake with tea pavilions as well as a red bridge and an island of Paradise amongst much more.
Lastly, three other gardens/parks that I vare worth mentioning are Jardin Des Plantes, Jardin Royal and Jardin Du Grand-Rond. From water fountains to streams that home numerous ducks, swans and geese, you will find a bit of everything within these green spaces.
Over all my trip to Toulouse was quite enjoyable. In my opinion most of the things I’ve mentioned above can fit into a 3 day trip. The Pink City has a lot of great offerings for travellers who visit. From iconic bridges to squares, cafes and bars, there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
Well, that is all from my end! I hope you found this post useful in planning your trip to Toulouse, and should you decide to visit the pink city, I hope you have a fabulous time!
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Much love,
Stained Beauty
