Toulouse Travel Guide

In just a few hours, these two tours will help you discover the main tourist attractions and many charming features unique to the Pink City. The walk round the shopping area will lead you through the pretty historic alleyways woven around the center and down some of the shopping streets of Toulouse. Opt for the leisurely walk to wander across the town center from south to north, taking you through the gardens, the old districts, and along the banks of the Garonne River.

Tour the Shopping Area

The walk starts in Place Saint-Sernin where the splendid Basilique St. Sernin and the Musée Archéologique Saint-Raymond should be admired. Do not miss the Marché aux Puces de St-Sernin, or flea market, on Sunday mornings.

Capitole To appreciate a perfect view of the Capitole (Le), which houses the town hall at the heart of the Pink City, stroll along the pretty cobblestones of the Rue du Taur. Before starting the walk, enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the great cafés under the arches (try the Florida (Le)), and lean back to discover Toulouse's history painted on the ceilings by a local artist, Raymond Moretti. From the various prestigious brasseries around the Place du Capitole like the Grand Café l'Opéra, take in the local perspective: either the bustling organic market or Toulouse's emblem, the cross of Languedoc, will be clearly visible.

Admire the Capitole (Le) building and its splendid façade and enter through the main passage leading to the Salle des Illustres (La). With luck, your visit will coincide with one of the many art exhibitions held here. Exit onto the Square Charles-de-Gaulle and find the Office de Tourisme in the castle keep of the Capitole. Take the time to gather information on the many attractions of the city and plan an excursion for the following day by reserving a seat on the boat Bateau-mouche Le Capitole or on the Petit train touristique. Back outside, enjoy the cheerful little park with its statues created by Toutain, a local sculptor, and rest awhile under the tall shady trees before resuming your walk.

Moving West Take the Rue Lafayette on the other side of the Rue Alsace-Lorraine to access the lively Wilson Square with its many cafés and brasseries (the Cardinal (Le), the Capoul (Le), the Bistro Romain (Le)). Through the Rue St Antoine-du-T, not far from the Hôtel Rességuier and the Eglise Saint-Jérôme discover the quaint charm of the Place Saint-Georges with its restaurants such as the Van Gogh (Le) or the Emile), and its cafés boasting large terraces. Then follow the pretty cobblestoned Rue Boulbonne, lined with little shops. Take the Rue d'Astorg on your left to access the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Etienne and its beautiful square.

Place Esquirol Walk westwards up the main street, Rue de Metz. This route will lead you past the magnificent Musée des Augustins. This is the neighborhood to find gourmet delicacies - regional wines, meats, candies, and cheeses - at renowned vendors like the Comtesse du Barry, Pillon, and the Domaine de Lastours. On the Place Esquirol or in the adjoining streets, you are bound to find a restaurant which suits your tastes: start reading menus at Autre Salon de The (L') or La Grillée...

Pedestrian area From the Place Esquirol, take the Rue des Changes going north. This was, in medieval times, the Grande Rue, today a pedestrian area adored by serious shoppers for its many boutiques selling the latest fashions and gadgets. This area is also greatly appreciated by those keen on architecture with the Hôtel d'Astorg, Hôtel de Comère, and the Hôtel Dumay close by. Continue until the Rue Saint Rome and turn right onto the tiny Baour-Lormian street, which leads to the small Place Salengro. In the Rue Pantaléon, stop by the Violettes et Pastel, a shop selling local produce, then walk along the Rue du Poids-de-l'Huile to reach the Place du Capitole.



Leisurely walk

Your visit starts at the Jardin des plantes, the oldest green area of the town. If you have time, wander through the three gardens (Grand-Rond, Jardin Royal and Jardin des Plantes), climb the foot-bridges over the road, and admire the handsome structure of the Palais Niel on the corner of the pretty Place Montoulieu.

Towards the old districts Once you have got your breath back, walk along the wide Jules Guesde alleyways, which host the antiques fair Brocante du Grand-Rond one weekend a month and the big Saint-Michel festival early each fall, until you reach the Place du Salin and the adjacent Place du Parlement, where fairs and executions were once held. They also mark the southern limits of the medieval walls and the entrance to the antique dealers district. Take the Rue de la Fonderie, a well-known destination for bargain hunters and for those who appreciate fine architecture: passing by the Institut Catholique, take the Rue de la Dalbade where beautiful private mansions such as the Hôtel de Molinier, the Hôtel de Clari, or the Hôtel Messac surround the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-la-Dalbade. Through the Rue des Paradoux and the Rue du Coq-d'Inde, you will reach Place de la Trinité.

Main street Leave the peaceful district of Carmes to join the hustle and bustle of the city. Take the Rue de la Bourse on the other side of the Rue de Metz. As you arrive at the Place de la Bourse, don't miss the Hôtel d'Assézat, which houses the Fondation Bemberg, devoted to fine arts.

Towards the river banks Take the Rue Clémence Isaure and discover the Academy of Fine Arts and the Jardin de la Daurade. The Basilique de la Daurade overlooks the river here. Take the time to rest on the banks of the Garonne (La) River and admire the Pont Neuf to your left. Next, stroll up the quays towards Pont Saint-Pierre on your right. It's a truly pleasant place for a walk under the plane trees, to revel in the charms of this shady and picturesque area. To conclude your walk, follow the Rue Pargaminières (next to the Couvent des Jacobins), then the Rue Romiguières, which will lead you back to the Place du Capitole (Le), the heart of Toulouse .

An Intimate Tour If you're visiting France from abroad, take one of Ophorus' small group tours. The intimate tours can immerse you in beautiful areas of France and show you authentic French traditions, and walking or multi-day tours of Toulouse are very popular. Look over http://www.ophorus.com/ or contact Ophorus at +33 (0)5 61 575 139 for further details.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 219