How to plan a trip to Toulouse

Toulouse, fondly known as the “Pink City” for the warm color of its brick buildings, is a fascinating melting pot of culture, history and technology that attracts visitors from all over the world. But we’re not here to tell you about the city’s charms, but about how to plan a trip to Toulouse to make the most of your next vacation.

In this article we guide you through the secrets of the city and tell you how to prepare everything in detail through numerous travel tips that answer questions such as the best time to travel, what to eat or where to stay. Prepare to immerse yourself in the fascinating city of Toulouse, where every street and square invites you to become part of its history and community.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Toulouse

When traveling to France there are a number of considerations and requirements to be taken into account, varying according to the country of origin or the purpose of the trip. European Union and Swiss citizens can enter without a visa, with a valid ID card or passport is sufficient. However, travelers from countries outside these zones may need to apply for a visa, depending on bilateral agreements or the length of their stay.

These countries, in addition to those previously mentioned, are exempt from needing a visa: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Vatican City, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Among the documents generally required to apply for a visa to France are a valid passport, proof of accommodation and financial resources, return ticket, and travel insurance. In addition, it is relevant to know that when entering the Schengen area, free movement is allowed by the member countries during the 90 days authorized for tourism, with the migratory control performed only in the first country of entry.

The visa takes less than two weeks to process, but we recommend you apply at least one month in advance in case there is any unforeseen event or failure in the application. The price varies according to the reason for the trip and the duration, but the general visa for stays of up to 90 days costs €80.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Toulouse

Although any time of year is good for a getaway to this beautiful city, the best time to travel to Toulouse is during spring and autumn. During these periods the weather offers a perfect balance with pleasant temperatures that favor the exploration of the city without the typical summer crowds or winter cold. These seasons provide the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and the rich cultural offerings of Toulouse in a quieter environment.

The climate of Toulouse is a mixture of oceanic and Mediterranean climatic influences, resulting in mild winters and warm but bearable summers. The temperature during the summer months, especially in July and August, is usually warm, making Toulouse a destination full of life and cultural events. However, if you prefer to avoid the more intense heat and possible rainfall of other seasons, planning your visit between July and October may be wise.

We traveled in early June and the experience could not have been better. Although due to the good weather there were already some tourists, it didn’t feel crowded and we were able to enjoy the city comfortably.

3. Find out how to get to Toulouse

Toulouse is a very accessible and well connected city. For those who choose to travel by plane, you should know that Toulouse-Blagnac airport is the main entry point, with daily flights from Spain and other parts of Europe. This airport has a city bus service to the city center every 20 minutes. The ticket costs 9€. Alternatively, Tarbes-Lourdes airport is also an option for regional flights. When booking your flights we recommend doing so through the Passporter App, where Skyscanner will help you compare and find the best prices and connections.

Another great way to travel, and one that will save you all the airport hassle, is the TGV, France’s high-speed trains. These trains will take you to Toulouse central station from different French and European cities in a comfortable and fast way.

Once in Toulouse, getting around the city is easy thanks to its efficient public transport system which includes bus, metro and streetcar. If you buy the machine ticket costs 1.8€, and 2€ on the bus. You can also buy a 10-trip pass for 14.8€ or 1 or 3-day passes with unlimited travel. Another option is to rent bikes and discover the city by yourself. We rented bikes one morning to explore the city on our own and it was a wonderful experience that allowed us to discover different neighborhoods and get into local life.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Toulouse

We have good news! Staying in Toulouse is not particularly expensive when compared to other French cities, which means that you can find quite affordable options close to the center and thus avoid spending extra on transportation.

Our hotel was in Capilote, right in the center, but we also had the opportunity to walk around the rest of the neighborhoods and be surprised by their charms. That is why here we leave you a list with the characteristics of each neighborhood to stay:

• Capitole: in the heart of Toulouse, where the famous Capitole square is located. Perfect for those looking to be close to the main tourist sites, restaurants and stores.
• Saint-Cyprien: located across the Garonne River, this neighborhood offers a more relaxed atmosphere with museums, parks and local markets. Ideal for a more authentic experience
• Carmes: known for its vibrant market and charming streets, it is an excellent choice for food lovers and those wishing to explore local life.
• Compans Caffarelli: this trendy neighborhood, close to the city center and the Japanese Garden, so it is perfect for those looking for a quiet stay with easy access to green areas.
• Les Minimes: a little further away from the hustle and bustle of the center, it offers more affordable accommodation while maintaining good access to the city center via public transportation.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Toulouse

When you plan a trip and your itinerary in Toulouse, keep in mind that it is usually recommended to spend at least 3 days to make the most of the city, although it is also a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. In this post we tell you all the points of interest that you should include in your visit: What to see and do in Toulouse France?

We spent four days in the city and had plenty of time to stroll leisurely among the buildings of the pink city and stop at all of these iconic sights:

1. Place du Capitole: in the heart of Toulouse, this large square houses the impressive Capitol building, home to the town hall and opera house. It is a perfect place to start exploring the city.
2. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin: one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in France, this 11th-century basilica is famous for its beautiful tower and its relics of saints.
3. The Convent of the Jacobins: this is an impressive set of Gothic buildings that house the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas. Its cloister and the “palm tree” of its church, a central column from which radiate ribs that support the vault, are particularly remarkable. The entrance fee ranges from 8 to 12 € depending on the season.
4. La Cité de l’Espace: is an educational theme park focused on space and space exploration, with interactive exhibits, replicas of spacecraft and a planetarium. Admission costs 26€.
5. The Canal du Midi: this historic canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for walks, bike rides or boat rides, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
6. Le Marché Victor Hugo: the largest covered market in the city, where you can taste the rich local gastronomy, including cheeses, foie gras and wines of the region.
7. The Japanese Garden: located in the Compans Caffarelli park, this garden offers a space of tranquility and beauty inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, perfect for a moment of relaxation.

6. Where and what to eat in Toulouse

The gastronomy of Toulouse is famous for its culinary richness and its use of local products. And having an inland position, closer to the mountains than to the coast, its dishes are rather hearty, spoon dishes based on meat, legumes and sausages. But that doesn’t mean that they are not delicious!

Here are the most famous dishes of Toulouse that we recommend you try during your visit:

• Cassoulet de Toulouse: stew of white beans, Toulouse sausage, duck confit, and sometimes lamb, slow-cooked.
• Saucisse de Toulouse: fresh pork sausage and spices, ideal for the grill or as an ingredient in cassoulet.
• Confit de Canard: duck legs cooked in their fat, tender and tasty, often accompanied by potatoes à la sarladaise.
• Foie Gras: delicate duck or goose liver pâté, cooked or marinated, a delicacy in Toulouse.
• Toulouse Violet Mustard: mustard flavored with violets, it brings a floral touch to meats and cheeses.
• Garbure Toulousaine: cabbage, vegetable and pork soup, a comforting dish for winter.
• Fénétra: almond, lemon and apricot cake, traditional sweet perfect to conclude the meal.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Toulouse

Toulouse is a destination that invites you to enjoy, and we can’t think of a better way to do it than surrounded by our best friends. However, experience has taught us that sometimes organizing with friends can be a challenge, so we encourage you to use the Passporter App to help you create a travel plan together and share your experiences through photos and comments with other travelers and your loved ones.

With Passporter you can all do your bit and help organize your vacation without any conflicts or logistical problems. Everyone will be able to add to the itinerary their preferences and find the best option to visit the destination. In addition, here are several tips that will help you in the process: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Toulouse

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to travel to Toulouse is in spring, when temperatures are more pleasant and there are not many tourists.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in Toulouse is drinkable.
• Toulouse is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep our belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our travel itinerary to Toulouse Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Toulouse

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Toulouse.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Toulouse