Toulouse tours

Things to do in Toulouse

Welcome to Toulouse, a city that embraces you with its warm, pink glow, known affectionately as La Ville Rose. It's a place where the past and present seem to dance in a joyful rhythm. Your local guide is your key to unlocking the true soul of Toulouse, venturing beyond the well-trodden paths. Wander through the lively Saint-Cyprien district, where the air is alive with creativity from local artists and musicians. A food and wine tour offers you the chance to savour the city's culinary heritage, perhaps with a steaming bowl of cassoulet in a bistro that's been serving locals for generations. On a private tour, you can explore the majestic Basilica of Saint-Sernin or skip the line at the Cité de l'Espace for a peek into the future. It's about capturing the essence of Toulouse, one step at a time, transforming your visit into a series of unforgettable experiences. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Toulouse. Explore Toulouse your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Toulouse tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Toulouse for every interest, including: History tours: Step inside Basilique Saint‑Sernin to see carved Romanesque capitals, stand under the “palm tree” vault at the Couvent des Jacobins, and hear Resistance stories at the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation. Your guide can also unlock hidden courtyards like Hôtel d’Assézat and trace the brickwork of the Capitole’s arcades as you explore. Off the beaten path tours: Sample violet sweets aboard the Maison de la Violette barge on the Canal du Midi, then meet the giant Minotaur at Halle de La Machine in Montaudran. You might cycle quiet towpaths to a neighbourhood guinguette or browse street art in Arnaud‑Bernard with a local who knows the murals and the makers. The centre is very walkable, and public transport includes metro, trams, and buses for longer hops. For wider distances or extra comfort, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Toulouse inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Toulouse on a private walking tour and discover its vibrant neighborhoods with a local guide. There’s no better way to truly understand a place than having someone who knows it well by your side. Consider adding these popular neighborhoods to your tour itinerary: - Saint-Cyprien: A lively area known for its artistic vibe and multicultural flavor. Families and multi-generational groups will enjoy the colorful street art and local markets. It's a wonderful spot for those looking to experience Toulouse's diversity. - Carmes: Perfect for cultural tourists, this neighborhood offers narrow streets filled with historic architecture, quaint cafés, and antique shops. Your guide can share fascinating stories about the area's rich history while you soak in its charming atmosphere. - Capitole: The heart of Toulouse, where you can explore the iconic Place du Capitole. This area buzzes with activity and is ideal for those seeking meaningful connections with local culture. Don't miss the chance to see the stunning architecture and enjoy its vibrant outdoor cafés. - Saint-Étienne: Known for its elegance, this neighborhood is a haven for those interested in architecture and history. With its beautiful cathedral and serene gardens, it's a perfect spot for cultural tourists and those looking to slow down the pace. - Victor Hugo District: A food lover’s paradise, where you can explore the bustling Victor Hugo Market. This area caters to anyone interested in local cuisine and offers a delightful experience for those keen on tasting regional flavors with insights from your guide. Day trip ideas from Toulouse From Toulouse, plan easy day trips to nearby towns, hilltop villages, and river valleys that match what you like to see and taste. Carcassonne: Walk the double medieval walls, duck into cobbled lanes, and get a feel for Cathar history; your tour can focus on fortress architecture or keep things lighter with a stroll in the lower town for local bites. Albi: See the brick power of Sainte‑Cécile Cathedral and the Tarn riverside, then compare gothic art with modern colour at the Toulouse‑Lautrec collections; your tour can pace the day between the cathedral quarter and the covered market. Cordes‑sur‑Ciel: Climb into a hill town built of pale stone, browse small workshops, and take in big views over the Aveyron; your tour can add a Gaillac winery stop if you’re curious about local reds and whites. Canal du Midi and Castelnaudary: Follow towpaths beside plane trees, watch boats work the locks, and try cassoulet where it’s a local staple; your tour can link quiet canal stretches with time in a Lauragais village like Avignonet or at the Naurouze watershed. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Toulouse most travellers miss.