Do you want to visit Toulouse while spending as little as possible?
Then follow this Top 10 free tours, museums and activities to do in Toulouse that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Marvel at the beauty of the Capitol
A trip to Toulouse without a visit to the Capitole would certainly be lacking in many ways. Indeed, it is a must-see. The Capitole square is a magnificent and mythical place
It is essentially dedicated to the public. Every evening, many inhabitants of Toulouse and tourists come there to relax but also and especially to contemplate the architectural beauty of the Capitol
Built 200 years ago, the beauty of the Capitol seems to resist time. The majestic building is now home to the Toulouse City Hall and the Theatre of the Pink City. And, hold on to your hat, you can visit a whole part of the Capitole for free!
Admire the stars at the Jolimont Observatory
Toulouse is clearly a city of the future. Indeed, you will find several places in Toulouse dedicated to revolutionary technologies but especially to aerospace
In fact, Toulouse is home to the Airbus industry. So, if you are an aerospace aficionado, Toulouse is the place to be. Airbus organizes open days for the public
Unfortunately, there is a charge for the visit. So, instead, I recommend you to go to the Jolimont Observatory to get a closer look at the stars. Built in 1733 by the Academy of Sciences, the Jolimont Observatory gives you the opportunity to attend free lectures on astronomy
If you want to go there, remember that the panels take place every last Friday of the month (between October and May).
Visit the departmental museum of the resistance in Toulouse for free
City of history, art and culture, Toulouse is full of museums that are really worth a visit. And access to most of them is free. This is the case of the departmental museum of resistance and deportation inaugurated in 1994
You will find there unpublished archives dealing with the resistance period. So, if you are interested in history and culture, I really advise you to visit this museum for free in Toulouse
Visit the Saint-Etienne cathedral
I also really recommend you to visit the magnificent Saint-Etienne cathedral for free. Majestic, the Saint-Etienne cathedral is located in the heart of downtown Toulouse
The Saint-Etienne cathedral has the particularity to contain about 17 sacred bells dating from the time before the revolution. Inside, you can marvel at its architectural beauty. So don’t hesitate to visit this historical monument of Toulouse for free
Walk along the prairie of filters
The prairie des filtres is a vast and beautiful green area where you can do several activities for free. It is located between two of the most famous bridges of Toulouse: pont neuf and pont Saint-Michel.
As a reminder, it should be noted that this large space dedicated to relaxation takes its name from the sand galleries playing a function of filtration of the water discharged at the level of the water tower of the pink city
For the anecdote, you should know that the prairie of filters was also the very first rugby field of the local club, the Stade Toulousain.
So, i really advise you to go there to relax with friends and or lovers or friends and lovers or to have a picnic with your family
Relaxing at the Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden is absolutely idyllic. This haven of peace in Toulouse was created in 1981. Also located in the heart of the city, the Japanese garden is the perfect place to relax in Toulouse, alone or in very good company
I really recommend you to go there to enjoy an unforgettable stroll for free. Don’t miss to take pictures on its sumptuous red bridge
Worship in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin
The Basilica is one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world. The magnificent Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a monument full of history and has a prominent place on the Unesco World Heritage List
Moreover, the Basilica owes its fame to the fact that it is part of the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela. So, I really advise you to go and contemplate this great historical monument of Toulouse for free
Stroll along the Garonne river
The quays of the Garonne are certainly the most romantic place in Toulouse. I really wish you to experience an intoxicating stroll along the Garonne River
No matter the weather or the season, it is always pleasant to walk along the quays of the Garonne. If you arrive in Toulouse on vacation with your partner, I suggest you take a romantic stroll along the river. I suggest you go there when the sun takes its leave. The view is simply breathtaking and intoxicating!
Visit the works of art in the metro
This is a very fun free activity to put on your list of things to do on your family vacation in Toulouse. The works of art in the metro are the product of a program launched by Tisseo Collectivités in 2013
The program offers you through games of reflection and track to reconstitute works of art. This is an activity that your children could love
Visit the Jacobins convent in Toulouse for free
The Jacobins convent is also a Toulouse monument that is really worth the trip. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. I advise you to discover this convent full of stories
Note that you can access a whole part of the Jacobins convent for free. The other half is unfortunately not free
What to do for free in Toulouse? Walk along the canal midi
The canal du midi is also an exceptional monument of the pink city. A stroll along the banks of the Canal Midi is one of the must-do activities during a stay in Toulouse
You will be able to take advantage of a small cruise in boat or barge along the canal du midi. Moreover, the banks of the canal are perfect for doing sports in Toulouse. I really recommend you to go and enjoy this historical monument of Toulouse for free
Relax in the Jardin des plantes
This is another place where you can relax in Toulouse. A botanical garden at one time, this huge park now includes three relaxation areas
It should be remembered that when it was created in 1794, the garden served as a study and practice area for students enrolled in botany
Nowadays, the garden has been completely renovated and there are many playgrounds where you can spend unforgettable moments with your family
Visit the Carmelite market
I also recommend you to make a small detour to the Carmes market in Toulouse. It is the perfect place where you can find fresh products. You can also go there to discover the fabulous layout of the beautiful stalls
The vendors there are very good at their job and are very friendly. So, if you want to prepare something at home, I suggest you go to the Carmelite market
A rewarding walk in the Saint-Rome street
Saint-Rome is one of the most famous streets in Toulouse. This shopping street connects two big squares of the pink city: place du capitole and place d’Esquirol. On both sides of the Saint-Rome street, you will discover stores and branded boutiques. You will have understood it, it is the perfect place for shopping in Toulouse
Beyond the shopping, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent architecture of the buildings around the rue Saint-Rome
I really advise you to take a walk on rue Saint-Rome. Don’t forget to look up and admire the beauty of the buildings.
Visit the Saint-Aubin Church
Finally, I close this review of free things to do in Toulouse with the majestic Eglise Saint-Aubin. This atypical and magnificent church, located in the popular district of Saint-Aubin, was built between 1847 and 1856
It opens its doors free of charge every day (from 9 am to 11 am), except on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Conclusion
As we have seen, you can do many things for free in Toulouse. I hope that my list of 15 things to do and see for free will help you to prepare your future vacations in Toulouse. If you have already visited the pink city, don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me in the comments of this article!
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