11 Best Things to Do in Winter in Toulouse [2024]
If you’re planning a trip to France this winter but are not in the mood for the cold and hectic energy of Paris, head south and visit the beautiful city of Toulouse in winter instead!
With its historic landmarks, renowned museums, and delicious Occitan food, Toulouse offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that offer something for every traveler, with milder climates than you’ll find in more northerly parts of France.
| ⌛ Planning your trip to Toulouse at the last minute? Here are my quick picks for what to do & where to stay! 🍷 Top Toulouse Experiences: 1. Victor Hugo Market and Food Tour of Toulouse 2. Expert-Led Wine Bar Walking Tour of Toulouse 3. Small Group Day Trip to Carcassonne 🏨 Best Toulouse Hotels: 1. Grand de L’Opera Toulouse (mid-range comfort in heart of city) 2. Boutique Hotel SOCLO (upscale luxury boutique hotel) 3. Hotel Wilson Square (central, basic but charming) ✈️ Flying in? Book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups — they’ll greet you at the airport, help with bags, & bring you into the city, all pre-booked! |
Toulouse is known as The Pink City, La Ville Rose, a name derived from the hue of Roman-era brickwork used in many of the city’s landmarks. As the sun rises in the mornings, it illuminates the city’s architecture in soft shades of pink — absolutely stunning!
Its mild, southern winter makes Toulouse a perfect destination during cold weather seasons, especially as this formerly former hidden gem of France.
Often overlooked by tourists more focused on Paris, Bordeaux, and the Côte d’Azur, Toulouse is nonetheless no secret, and crowds can be a real bother in the summer… meaning that winter in Toulouse is certainly one of the best times to go!
As one of the most historic cities in France, Toulouse is home to many museums, historic buildings, and churches which offer a variety of indoor activities perfect for cold weather!
Caught in the rain? You’ll easily find refuge in one of many cafés, brasseries and restaurants, where delicious Southern French cuisine is served for a fraction of the Parisian prices.
Read on to discover our full guide of best things to do in Toulouse in the wintertime, including what to see, where to go, and what to eat!
The Best Things to Do in Toulouse in Winter
Discover French cuisine at the central market.
Le Marché Victor Hugo has been Toulouse’s main market for more than 120 years!
Whether you’re drawn into the indoor market to grocery shop like a local, or simply to enjoy a small meal or a drink in one of the excellent cafés or bars, you won’t be disappointed.
Food is an essential part of French culture, and local markets are its truest features, in even the smallest villages like L’isle-en-Dodon, an hour outside of Toulouse.
Intimidated by the prospect of navigating a French market on your own, perhaps if you don’t speak the language? There are guided food tours of the market like this one, a 3.5-hour food tour is led by a local, showing you all the secrets of this historic market.
From tasting wines and cheeses to the city’s best baguettes and unique regional specialties, this tour will give you a greater understanding of the Toulouse food scene.
Local specialities you’ll try include chocolatines (don’t call them pain au chocolat here!), delicious farm-to-counter foie gras, expertly crafted local cheeses, and exceptional charcuterie. You’ll cap off the visit with a private wine tasting at a tonneau in the market!
Enjoy French wine and aperitifs.
It’s not a true French meal without an apéritif, a (usually alcohol-based) drink enjoyed before your meal. And of course, that’s followed by the digestif, enjoyed after the meal. For your apéritif, head to the trendy Mama Shelter Hotel, or L’Apothicaire or DAda are both excellent for after-dinner drinks.
You can also take an expert-led wine bar walking tour of Toulouse to help you get acquainted with the city’s wine scene, which reflects the local viticulture of the surrounding area. This tour explores the local apéritif tradition of pre-dinner drinks with a 2.5-hour spin around Toulouse, trying three local wine bars and tasting the equivalent of three glasses of wine.
Don’t expect your average wines here — you’ll try unique regional varietals particular to Southwest France, like Braucol, Négrette, and Mauzac. And of course, you’ll pair everything with local charcuterie and cheese…. when in France!
Admire stunning architecture of the Capitole.
The Place du Capitole, the former royal square in front of the town hall, hosts a variety of markets and events throughout the year, most famously during the festive season. It has a history dating back to the 12th century and was named for the Roman Capitol.
The emblematic building’s façade is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, starring the city’s characteristic pink bricks.
Visitors can tour several opulent reception halls inside the Capitole featuring some of the finest artworks by Paul Gervais and Henri Martin.
It’s absolutely spectacular and totally free!
Bask in holiday spirit at the Place du Capitole Christmas Market.
Toulouse’s Christmas Market is like a fairytale come to life! Every year, in the month leading up to Christmas, the city’s main square is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
Wander around the many vendor chalets filled with unique, handcrafted Christmas goods while enjoying mulled wine. Another fun highlight is the ice rink located in the heart of the Christmas Market. There are ice skates available to rent and the price for admission is just €5.
Take a day trip to Carcassonne.
This fun day tour from Toulouse to the historic city of Carcassonne is the perfect way to spend a wintry day in Toulouse if you feel like you’ve exhausted the city’s sights (not possible, but sometimes you want a change of pace anyway)!
As you enter Carcassone, a unique UNESCO fortified city just an hour from Toulouse, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you explore renowned sites like the Carcassone Ramparts and the Saint Nazaire Basilica.
This tour departs Toulouse at 9:30 AM and returns to Toulouse by 5:30 PM, just in time for a little bit of rest before dinner at a fashionably French hour!
Become an astronaut at Cité de l’Espace.
While you may not actually be able to lift off into space from the city’s Space Museum, it’s still an unforgettable experience that includes an outstanding planetarium! You can easily spend a full day exploring the scientific wonders this museum has to offer. It’s also a great indoor activity for children, if you are traveling with family.
The museum features original space travel engines and a rocket, along with fascinating overviews ofthe latest scientific discoveries. An IMAX theater shows a variety of documentaries about space travel and exploration.
Keep an eye on the museum’s website for special events hosted by the Cité de l’Espace! It’s a little costly but worth it; tickets are €23 for adults, whereas children and students pay a bit less.
Wander the Canal du Midi.
Winter weather in Toulouse is generally mild and ideal for long winter walks! The Canal du Midi, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and is well worth a visit.
In Toulouse, the canal is framed by the Voie Verte, a green belt with walking and cycling trails that wind through the city, all the way to nearby villages in the beautiful surrounding area.
The Garonne River runs through the city itself, and its beautiful riverbank park is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike for picnics or a strolls.
Enjoy a walk in the Jardin Japonais Toulouse.
One of my favorite places to go for a winter walk in Toulouse is the Japanese Garden (Jardin Japonais) located in the Compans-Caffarelli park, which is close to a section of the Canal du Midi so you can extend your walk if you wish.
It’s a really scenic place with a traditional Japanese pavilion on a pond, complete with a red bridge, Japanese shrubberies and plants, and even a Zen rock garden!
Experience the Southern French cuisine.
Some of the best French dishes come from the country’s southern regions, particularly the southwest (Occitanie in the local language).
If you try just one local dish, go for the confit de canard, duck cooked in fat for at least two hours and usually served with potatoes and garlic. Magret de canard is duck breast cooked in butter, with meat that’s slightly more tender, similar to roast beef.
Another iconic dish from this region is foie gras. Served as a pâté or mousse, this duck or goose liver specialty has a buttery taste and is usually accompanied by bread as an entrée.
Another dish very popular in rural areas of southwest France is cassoulet, a rich, meat-and-bean stew named after the traditional deep pot, or casserole dish, it is cooked in. It’s my personal favorite French dish!
Trying to decide where to eat dinner on a frosty winter day in Toulouse? Here are my top picks:
- For budget-friendly fare in the city center, try the galettes bretonnes (buckwheat crepes) at Le Galuchat. They have great lunch deals for about €10 including a crepe, salad, and espresso.
- For a traditional cassoulet, check out La Cave au Cassoulet, located on Rue des Peyrolières. The restaurant’s unique decor and traditional cuisine make for a cozy experience.
- If you’re looking for more vegetarian options, La Faim des Haricots is the place for you. This trendy restaurant located not far from the Capitole offers a varied vegetarian buffet.
- Le Genty Magre is a wonderful place to enjoy a good-quality meal. The chef made a name for himself by putting contemporary twists on classic French cuisine.
- While not for the budget-conscious, Restaurant Michel Sarran is an incredible experience. This renowned, 2 Michelin-starred restaurant is easily the best in Toulouse. If you want to treat yourself to an exquisite meal, this is the place to go.
Immerse yourself in modern art at Les Abattoirs.
As the name suggests, this museum is located in a former industrial slaughterhouse, un abattoir, that was converted into an art center in the late 90s. Its unusual architecture alone makes Les Abattoirs well worth a visit, but of course, the art is quite nice as well!
This museum is dedicated to modern art and contemporary art, featuring emerging new artists and well-known icons like Niki de Saint Phalle or Fernand Léger. The museum’s variety of exhibitions range from paintings to sculptures and photography.
The entry fee is currently set at €10 with reduced prices for children, groups and students. Budget Tip: Check out the Nocturne des Abattoirs if you’re in town on a Thursday – you’ll get in for only €6 after 6 PM.
Warm up in Toulouse’s oldest café, Le Bibent.
Ideally located at Place du Capitole, Le Bibent is the oldest café and brasserie in Toulouse. Stop here for a delicious café au lait or a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).
Opened in 1843, Le Bibent’s decor is breathtaking, with both Baroque and modern elements.Linger for a while and imagine yourself traveling back in time to the Belle Epoque, surrounded by the artists, writers and painters who made Le Bibent a local legend.
Travel back in time through the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
The most prominent church in Toulouse is one of the most well-preserved Romanesque buildings in the world, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built between the 11th and 12th century, the architecture of this church is simply stunning. The church is also part of the Route of Santiago De Compostela, a network of Catholic pilgrimage routes.
If you’re visiting Toulouse on a sunny day, make sure to also stop at the Couvent des Jacobins, a Dominican monastery built in the 13th century, with a beautiful garden in the heart of this historic monument.
The main church interior is free. To enter the rest of building and see the famous courtyard, you must pay a small entry fee, but it’s well worth it!
Where to Stay in Toulouse
Budget: Hotel Victor Hugo
The laidback Hotel Victor Hugo is a no-frills hotel just across the street from the Marché Victor-Hugo and also within walking distance of the Toulouse train station and the Capitole.
Its rooms aren’t necessarily anything to write home about, but it’s clean, convenient, and central and I really liked it for my one-night stay in Toulouse.
Mid-Range: Grand Hotel de l’Opera
The Grand Hotel de l’Opera offers a luxurious sanctuary in the heart of Toulouse, with colorful, aesthetic rooms with tons of personality, right on the bustling Capitole Square.
Known for its refined aesthetic that blends historical charm with modern comfort, the hotel provides its guests with impeccable service, gorgeous rooms, and convenient access to the city right at your doorstep
Luxury: Boutique Hotel SOCLO
The lovely four-star Boutique Hotel SOCLO has gorgeously designed rooms in charming pastel tones, modern bathrooms, and sumptuous daily breakfasts — all just a few blocks from the Garonne River.
The overall vibe is extremely elegant yet laid-back, exuding that classic Southern French charm everywhere, down to the L’Occitane bath products!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
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