Top Things to Do in Toulouse: Boating, Biking & Exploring the City
Last Updated: January 2026
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Toulouse, known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), charms visitors with its pink terracotta streets, peaceful car-free centre, and vibrant student energy. From cruising the Garonne River, strolling along the Canal du Midi, and exploring the Carmes and Saint-Cyprien neighborhoods, to cycling through the city streets and enjoying French cuisine on sunny patios, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the city’s charm. In this post, I’ll share my top things to do in Toulouse so you can make the most of your visit. For more information, check out my full Toulouse Travel Guide.
1. Boat along the Garonne River
This was my favourite thing we did in Toulouse! If you can, I highly recommend renting an electric boat for the privacy and freedom it offers, though you also have great options if you’d rather join a guided cruise or save some $.
Option 1: Rent your own electric boat
For a more hands-on experience, rent an electric boat from Les Cabo Teurs. This is the only option I saw when researching for my trip where you can rent your own boat. No license is required, making it super easy and fun for anyone. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, starting at €50 for one hour, with larger boats for up to 8 people available for €60/hour. Rentals are available from June to mid-October.
You can order picnic baskets and drinks directly from the company, or bring your own food and beverages. We opted to save some money and brought our own drinks and charcuterie for the boat. (Heads up: the driver must stay sober of course, but passengers are free to enjoy a drink!) It’s a relaxing, romantic and scenic way to spend an afternoon, experiencing Toulouse’s pink-hued buildings and riverside bridges from a new perspective.
Option 2: Take a guided river cruise
If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, try Les Bateaux Toulousains. These cruises run from early July through the end of October, and they even have special Christmas cruises during the holidays. Tickets are very affordable, around €14 per adult, and you can also choose a cruise that includes a meal for a higher price.
Both options offer a unique perspective on Toulouse, whether you want the freedom to explore on your own or a guided tour with a story behind the sights.
Why it’s worth it: My favourite thing we did! So fun to just cruise along the river, having the freedom and privacy of it being just us and not on a tour.
2. Visit Basilique Saint-Sernin
No trip to Toulouse is complete without seeing the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a stunning Romanesque church and UNESCO World Heritage site. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, it’s one of the largest churches in Europe and a true masterpiece of medieval architecture.
We visited in the late afternoon, and the square around it had a wonderfully peaceful, almost timeless feel. Locals lounged on benches reading books, strolled slowly with their dogs, and chatted quietly with friends. The pink-brick exterior glowed softly in the warm light, making the whole scene feel calm and inviting. I didn’t go inside myself, but I’ve heard from other travellers that the interior is beautiful, with soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and preserved relics.
Why it’s worth it: The basilique is huge and striking, and its pink-brick exterior and Romanesque details make it one of the most iconic sights in Toulouse.
3. Stroll the Canal du Midi
For a peaceful escape in the heart of Toulouse, head to the Canal du Midi, (another UNESCO World Heritage site!) that stretches over 240 kilometers from Toulouse all the way to the Mediterranean Sea! The best section to explore in the city runs between Port Saint-Sauveur, a charming marina, and the Ponts Jumeaux. You can walk the canal in either direction you’d like.
Lined with majestic trees, this stretch offers a shady, scenic path perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride. During our visit, I loved watching small boats drift by. Along this route, you can stop at the Japanese Garden (Jardin Japonais), a free, quiet and beautifully landscaped park.
Why it’s worth it: It’s peaceful, scenic, and a nice break from the city. Perfect path for a walk or bike ride along the water with a different view of Toulouse.
4. Wander the Carmes and Saint-Cyprien neighbourhoods
For a taste of Toulouse’s lively and creative side, spend some time exploring the Carmes and Saint-Cyprien neighborhoods. Carmes, with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and lively cafés, is perfect for a leisurely stroll and some window shopping. Saint-Cyprien, on the other side of the Garonne, has a slightly more bohemian, artsy vibe, with colourful street art, and markets.
During our visit, we stayed right in the heart of Carmes and found lots of delicious spots to stop for food or coffee. On one of our days, we walked through both of these neighbourhoods making a loop with the two bridges as well. It’s a very scenic area to explore!
For places to eat in these neighbourhoods and more details about the logistics of Toulouse, check out my Toulouse Travel Guide here (coming soon!).
Why it’s worth it: These neighbourhoods are full of charm, with narrow streets, local cafés, and little shops—you can just wander and soak up everyday life in Toulouse.
5. Sightsee Toulouse by bicycle
If you love cycling (like I do), Toulouse is an absolute dream. With very little car traffic in the city center, it’s the perfect place to explore on two wheels. During our visit, we saw plenty of locals and tourists enjoying the bike-friendly streets, which made the city feel lively yet relaxed at the same time.
Cycling gives you the freedom to see the city from a fresh perspective. You can ride along spots I have already mentioned, like the Canal du Midi, along the Garonne River, or through the Carmes and Saint-Cyprien neighborhoods.
For rentals, you have a few convenient options: pick up a bike from a shop like La Bicyclette Verte, or use one of the VélôToulouse stations, which work via their app for easy short-term rentals. The system is perfect for tourists, you can grab a bike, explore at your own pace, and return it to any station when you’re done.
Whether you’re in Toulouse for a few hours or a full day, cycling is one of the best ways to feel the city’s youthful energy, see hidden corners, and enjoy the calm, car-free streets.
Why it’s worth it: Very few cars make biking peaceful and easy! You can cover more ground, see a lot of Toulouse, and feel safe doing it.
6. Savour French food and relax on sunny patios
Toulouse has no shortage of cool, vibey cocktail bars, along with laid-back patios that are perfect for hanging out with friends, sipping a few beers, or enjoying classic French food. We tried quite a few spots during our stay, and I’ve listed some of my favourites below, but there are plenty more worth checking out, all pinned in my Toulouse Map further down.
Petit Voyage – We stopped here for lunch and it was incredible. I’d definitely recommend making a reservation, as it’s a trendy, very small space. After several heavy French meals, it was so refreshing to enjoy a veggie-forward lunch that was still packed with flavour.
Hopscotch Pub & Brewery – A true Scottish pub: dark, cozy, and always a good time. They also have a great outdoor patio in the summer, making it an easy spot to linger for a drink (or two).
Billy Brandy – One of the coolest cocktail experiences in the city. You tell the bartender the flavours and alcohol profiles you like, and they’ll create a custom cocktail just for you. My partner and I loved everything they made, and the atmosphere is just as fun as the drinks.
Why it’s worth it: I mean you have to eat right? May as well do it as the locals do and enjoy sitting outside, people watching and having good food!
7. Have a sunset drink or picnic along the Garonne River
As the sun began to set and the air cooled, everyone seemed to flock to the Garonne River, wine bottles in hand, pizza boxes in tow, to enjoy the evening. The riverbanks were lively, with friends meeting up, chatting, and soaking in the sunset.
We found a spot along the edge, dangling our feet over the water watching it slowly flow by, while sipping on two beers from a local convenience store. It was the perfect way to unwind after a hot, busy day, and for a moment, we truly felt like we were living in Toulouse, not just visiting.
Why it’s worth it: The riverbanks are the perfect spot to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the city winding down around you.
8. Sightsee at the Cathedral, Capitole & Museum
Start at Place du Capitole, the lively heart of Toulouse. You can step inside the Capitole building to see its grand halls and artwork, and wander the square for people-watching and photos. Entry to the public areas is free, with tickets only needed for performances at the theatre.
Nearby, Saint-Étienne Cathedral is worth a quick stop for its unique mix of architectural styles and peaceful interior. Entry is free, making it an easy addition while exploring the historic centre.
Finish at the Muséum de Toulouse, one of France’s largest natural history museums. It focuses on science, nature, and the environment, with interactive exhibits that are great for all ages. Tickets are €5-12, and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Why it’s worth it: Check out some beautiful architecture (for free!) and explore the historiy of Toulouse while you’re here.
9. Check out the local cultural scene
When I travel, I always like to see what local events are happening so I can feel part of the city, not just pass through ticking off tourist sights. Toulouse’s young, vibrant energy means there’s almost always something going on, from live music to cultural events. Below is a quick list to help you see what’s on while you’re in town.
🎶 Live Music Spots:
• The Frog & Rosbif + The George & Dragon– these are both local bars that hosts everything from open mic nights to local jam sessions
• Halle aux Grains – this spot hosts classical and symphonic concerts all year round with the orchestra
• Zénith Toulouse Métropole – this is the local live music hall, check out the schedule and see who’s performing when you’re in town!
🎭 Festivals & events:
• Rio Loco Festival– festival in June that celebrates world music with concerts and cultural performances across the city
• Les Siestes Électroniques – a free summer music festival in parks featuring contemporary and electronic music
• Piano aux Jacobins – in September offers a month of top-tier piano performances in a stunning historic venue
• Fête de la Musique – on June 21 (the first day of summer!) brings free music performances city-wide
Why it’s worth it: Going to an event is a way to see how the locals actually enjoy their time, and it feels like you are experiencing something genuine, fleeting and special.
For more information about Toulouse, check out the full Toulouse Travel guide here!
Where to next? Head north and check our Lourdes and the Pyrenees mountains for stunning views and hikes, or head south to Marseille for the Mediterranean Sea!
Interactive Toulouse Map
Save this interactive Toulouse map to your Google Maps
