7 Best Toulouse Tours to Check Out in 2023
One of the best ways to explore the charming city of Toulouse is with a knowledgeable guide. From exploring its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture to sampling locally produced goods, there are so many awesome Toulouse tours worth checking out.
To help you easily find the experience that suits you best, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the 7 best Toulouse tours. And along with detailed information regarding each tour, I’ve also included extra tips about visiting the city so you’ll be able to maximize your time!
Table of Contents
- 7 Best Toulouse Tours (2023)
- Toulouse Tours Comparison
- How Much Do Toulouse Tours Cost?
- Tips for Planning Your Tour in Toulouse
- Where to Stay in Toulouse
- Toulouse Tours: FAQ
- Wrap-Up: 7 Best Toulouse Tours (2023)
7 Best Toulouse Tours (2023)
Below you’ll find the best tours in Toulouse, ranging from food and wine tours to sightseeing and day tours that take you to small towns outside of Toulouse!
🇳🇴 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and would rather get a quick overview of the tours I’ll talk about, click here. It will take you to a little table I made that summarizes the 7 best Toulouse tours.
food tour toulouse
1. Marché Victor Hugo Small-Group Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour includes:
- Exploring Victor Hugo Market with English speaking guide
- Learning the background and origins of several local products
- Sampling the local foods & enjoy a couple of wine tastings
- Chatting with the local market vendors
- Small group tour limited to 8 guests
🥖 Love familiarizing yourself with a city by way of food?
This super popular food tour takes you through the Victor Hugo Market, which is Toulouse’s largest food market!
Over 3.5 hours, you’ll get to explore the various stalls and learn about and sample the local cuisine, such as wine, cheese, and French bread!
And to ensure you remember everything and can share a bit of the experience with your loved ones back home, you’ll also receive a personalized email recap of the tour!
So, if you want to gain a genuine insight into the local culinary scene of Toulouse and sample some tasty food, this Toulouse food tour is a lovely choice!
“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I loved learning about food sourcing and relationship of the food to the land and the growing seasons”
– Sharon J. (See More Reviews)
wine tours from Toulouse
2. Explore Toulouse Wine Bars With a Local Wine Expert
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours
The Toulouse Wine Bars Tour includes:
- Visiting 2 – 3 of the best wine bars in Toulouse’s city center
- Enjoying several wine tastings while snacking on local foods
- Learning proper French wine-tasting techniques
- Trying new grape varietals
🍷 Eager to try the famous French wine?
Make the most of your limited time in the city with this highly-rated wine tour from Toulouse!
During the 2.5-hour experience, you’ll walk along the winding streets of Toulouse, visiting several intimate wine bars and learning about the wines of the southwest France region.
And to complement your wine-tasting experience, you’ll snack on some fresh charcuterie and cheese, which is the perfect accompaniment to any French wine.
Thus, if you’re interested in a lovely night out, sipping on regional wines, and immersing yourself in the local nightlife, this is a tour to consider!
“Jessica is a well informed wine guide who is happy to answer questions. This tour is a good way not only to understand more about French wines, but also to understand the very French culture surrounding food and wine. Recommended 100%”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
Toulouse sightseeing tours
3. The Essential of Toulouse by Bike
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The Essential of Toulouse Bike Tour includes:
- Biking along the banks of the Garonne & Toulouse’s oldest bridge
- Visiting some of the historic squares within downtown Toulouse
- Seeing the Saint-Etienne cathedral, an architectural marvel
- Learning the story behind the iconic Le Capitole building
- Stopping at 2 UNESCO world heritage sites
- Can accommodate up to 6 guests
🚴♀️ Keen on exploring Toulouse without tens of thousands of steps?
Discover the many historical landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and history of the famed pink city by way of bike on this 3-hour Toulouse sightseeing tour!
You’ll get to comfortably cycle around the city with a professional guide, passing by crowd-favorite attractions such as the Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin, France’s largest Romanesque church!
So, if you’re ready for an immersive experience while learning about the rich history and cultural importance behind Toulouse many famous sites, don’t miss out on this fantastic bike tour.
“It was very easy to cover a lot of ground – much better than walking. I learned so much about the city from my guide, and his enthusiasm for history and architecture was infectious.”
– Catherine M. (See More Reviews)
Toulouse Walking Tour
4. Unusual Guided Tour Toulouse in the Age of Enlightenment
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1.5 hours
The Toulouse in the Age of Enlightenment Tour includes:
- Learn the fascinating history of Toulouse’s wealthy Saint Etienne district
- Hear stories & gossip of Toulouse’s aristocrats during the 18th century
- Walking inside the Saint Etienne cathedral
- Wander through Place Saint-Etienne
- Tour guide dressed in period costume
- NOTE: This tour is only offered in French!! (I speak a bit of French, so I figured I’d include it for any fellow French-speaking people!)
📜 Are you a French-speaking history buff?
During this 1.5-hour Toulouse walking tour, you’ll make your way through the Saint-Etienne district, which is filled with several of the city’s most historic landmarks.
For example, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Saint-Etienne cathedral up close and admire its unique mix of architectural styles. You’ll also visit Griffoul fountain, which is the oldest fountain in Toulouse, and pass by hôtel particuliers, which were mansions built for the aristocrats back in the day.
And of course, to enhance the experience, your guide will be dressed in a fun period costume! Therefore, if you’re looking for a unique walking tour of Toulouse and understand French, this is definitely one to check out.
“Original concept, fascinating and passionate guide. You don’t see the time passing and you learn a lot of things, whatever your age.”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
day tours from Toulouse
5. Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out 5 – taken by 80+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 day
The Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip includes:
- Round-trip Transportation from Toulouse via Coach
- Departing Toulouse at 9:30 AM for 10:30 AM arrival in Carcassonne
- Exploring the Cité de Carcassonne
- Entrance ticket to Château Comtal
- Depart Carcassonne at 4:30 AM, 5:30 PM arrival in Toulouse
- ❌ guided tour of Carcassonne
🏰 Looking for a nice day trip to see lesser-known areas of France?
This is one of the most affordable and popular day tours from Toulouse! During this excursion, you’ll be transported back to medieval times as you wander through the historic Cité de Carcassonne.
Although there is no actual guided tour portion, you’ll have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the castle grounds, courtyards, museums, & beautifully preserved ramparts.
Afterward, you’ll have time to taste the local food (not included in the price) and explore other sites outside the Cité de Carcassonne at your leisure. So, if you want to visit one of the most well-preserved medieval fortifications in the world, this is a fun tour to do!
“It was a very pleasant visit to Carcassonne, I definitely recommend it. The tour leaves on time, and the meeting place is very convenient to those close to the center of Toulouse”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
day tours from Toulouse
6. Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse includes:
- Discovering the second most famous Catholic pilgrimage site in the world
- Exploring the many sanctuaries of Lourdes at your own pace
- Round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan
- Direct pickup & drop off from your hotel
- Personalized private tour
NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others
⛪️ Want to visit France’s most famous pilgrimage site?
Another possible day tour from Toulouse is to Lourdes. This famous Catholic pilgrimage site is located 2 hours away from Toulouse, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains near the border of Spain.
Here, you’ll be able to travel along the same path that Bernadette Soubirous is said to have had 18 visions of the Virgin Mary, which were confirmed by the Vatican.
Other sites you’ll be able to witness include the Rosary Esplanade, the Crypt and the Immaculate Conception Basilica (where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared), and the underground Saint Pius X Basilica, which can accommodate 25,000 people.
Thus, if you’re looking for an easy way to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds this important religious French town, this is a day tour from Toulouse to look into.
“Our guide Pierrick was really nice and punctual. Lourdes was magical, I recommend it. The travel was easy going, the vehicle clean and good maintenance, everything worked well.”
– Maria Andrea (See More Reviews)
day tours from Toulouse
7. Albi, Cordes and Gaillac Day Tour From Toulouse
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour includes:
- Visiting 3 idyllic small towns and villages in Southwestern France
- A guided walk through Albi’s old town & time to explore on your own
- Enjoying a guided walk to the medieval hilltop village of Cordes sur Ciel
- Stopping by a local winery in Gaillac
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Toulouse
- Personalized private tour
NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others. Also, the cost of entrance to attractions and wine tastings is not included.
💐 Want to see some of France’s most picturesque towns & villages?
On this full-day tour from Toulouse, you’ll have the opportunity to escape the commotion of the city and delve deep into France’s history and culture.
For the first stop, you’ll visit Albi, where you’ll be able to explore the red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec museum, and the grounds of Berbie Palace!
Afterward, you’ll make your way to Cordes sur Ciel, where you’ll be able to take in the old Market Place, many Renaissance houses, and spectacular views. To cap the day off, your guide will drive to one of the wineries in Gaillac, where you’ll partake in a wine-tasting session!
“Very beautiful villages of Albi and Cordes sur Ciel! It’s really beautiful, a breathtaking view you absolutely have to do it if you come to this area.”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
Toulouse Tours Comparison
Need a quick recap? Me too 😅 Here’s a handy little chart I made to help you recall the highlights of each tour.
PRO-TIP: If you’re viewing it on your phone, try turning your phone sideways so you’re reading across the long way. This should increase the readability!
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour | 3.5 hrs | > Learn all about the Saint-Etienne district during the 18th century by a guide dressed in period costume > Tour is only offered in French |
| Toulouse Wine Bars Tour | 2.5 hrs | > Visit 2 – 3 of the best bars in Toulouse > Enjoy several wine tastings and snacks > Intimate experience with up to 8 guests |
| Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike | 3 hrs | > Pass by Toulouse’s architectural marvels, historic squares, hôtel particuliers, & famous UNESCO sites > Small group tour with up to 6 people |
| Toulouse in the Age of Enlightenment Tour | 1.5 hrs | > Round-trip transport from Toulouse via Coach > Explore Cité de Carcassonne at your own pace > Entrance ticket to Château Comtal |
| Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip | 1 day | > Round trip transport from Toulouse via Coach > Explore Cité de Carcassonne at your own pace > Entrance ticket to Château Comtal |
| Lourdes Day Tour | 8 hrs | > Visit France’s most famous pilgrimage site > Learn the history of Bernadette Soubirous > Customizable private tour |
| Albi, Cordes and Gaillac Day Tour | 8 hrs | > Visit 3 quaint towns in Southwestern France > Enjoy a wine tasting in Gaillac > Private tour with hotel pick up/drop off |
How Much Do Toulouse Tours Cost?
As you would expect, the cost of the tour depends on which tour you select.
Some of the tours cost as little as $23 USD per person, whereas the more expensive day tours cost $805 USD.
Keep in mind that pricey group tours are the cost for an entire group and that you can go with up to 8 guests. Thus, going even with a group of 4 would bring the cost down to ~$200 USD, which is around the average price of most full day tours.
Tips for Planning Your Tour in Toulouse
To ensure you have a wonderful time exploring Toulouse and the surrounding region, here are some things to keep in mind while planning your tour.
- ✅ Book in advance: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer and winter travel season, so try to plan ahead to get the most out of your vacation!
- 📆 Schedule tours early: A great way to gain local knowledge and recommendations that you can use for the rest of your visit is by booking a tour early in your trip! I try to schedule one the second day I’m in a city so I can wine and dine at the best spots and explore the true local hidden gems 🙂
- 🌞 Check the weather: Be sure to dress appropriately for whatever activities you have planned. For example, you may need to bring a raincoat, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- 🍎 Bring your own food and drinks: Bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks will save you money since most of the tours (minus the food tour and wine tour) don’t include food in the tour price. Plus, you never know when hunger might strike!
- 🚗 Check departure points and times: Make sure to double-check the meeting point for your tour and take into account the time it’ll take you to get there from your housing accommodations.
- 📸 Bring your Camera: Capture the experience and take plenty of pictures so you can share your story with friends and family back home!
- 🤠 Enjoy the experience: Above all else, make sure to relax, have fun, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Occitanie region!
Where to Stay in Toulouse
If you’re visiting from out of town, you’re going to need housing accommodations. Here are a few places I recommend checking out based on where I’ve stayed as well as my own outside research!
All of these hotels are centrally located within Toulouse and are within a 25-minute walk from the Toulouse Train Station.
Low-Cost Stay
- La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin — hostel I stayed at & loved! | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
- Hôtel Héliot — 3-star hotel with airport shuttle | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Mercure Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ breakfast, bar, & pool | ⭐️ 8.0 / 10
- Hotel Toulouse Centre Albert 1er — 3-star hotel w/ restaurant | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
Fancy Stays
- La Cour des Consuls Hôtel & Spa — luxurious 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
- Hotel SOCLO Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ outdoor pool & restaurant | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
Want to see additional housing options? Feel free to use the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform!
You can also use the interactive map below to find housing. The prices shown reflect current prices. However, you can enter your travel dates and the number of guests to see more accurate prices.
Toulouse Tours: FAQ
The best tours for avoiding crowds within Toulouse are the Toulouse Wine Bars Tour and the Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike. And for day tours from Toulouse, these two private tours are best for avoiding crowds: Lourdes Day Tour and Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour.
This is subjective, but the Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour, Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike, and Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip are the most popular tours in Toulouse.
Personally, I spent 3 days in Toulouse and loved it! It was the perfect amount of time to explore the city as well as fit in a day trip!
Toulouse is best known for being the capital of France’s Occitanie region. Many people refer to it as “The Pink City,” because you’ll notice many of the buildings have a distinct pink color. This is due to them being constructed out of terra-cotta bricks.
In addition to this, Toulouse is known for being home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse. It is also the largest Romanesque Church in France and is quite the architectural beauty!
Yes! I found Toulouse to be extremely walkable as the city is almost completely flat. Literally, the only elevation you’ll find is walking across the bridges and going up and down steps to reach the riverbank…
Wrap-Up: 7 Best Toulouse Tours (2023)
All in all, a tour of Toulouse is the perfect way to gain an authentic insight into life in the Occitanie region of France.
From admiring the timeless beauty of the Basilique Saint-Sernin as you bike through the winding streets to indulging in the local food and regional wines, these tours provide you with so much more insight into the history and culture of the city than you would otherwise receive.
Plus, if you’re like me and looking to see what lies beyond Toulouse, there are some fantastic day trip options. So, be sure to enhance your experience in the pink city by joining one of the fabulous Toulouse Tours!
Read More About France
- Visiting Paris? One of my favorite things to do that I highly recommend everyone do at least once is visit Giverny, a nearby small town in the countryside & see the Paris Opera House.
- Headed to the dreamy French Riviera? Here’s my ultimate guide for spending a day in the seaside town of Nice! You’ll get to indulge in the local Niçose delights as well as sip on the regional wines!
- If you want to travel off the beaten path of France and to a more affordable destination than Nice or Paris, consider exploring Biarritz! It’s a charming town on the western side of France that’s famous for being the surf capital of France
