Nicknamed ‘La Ville Rose’, Toulouse is a famously beautiful city of pink-tinged brick buildings. Split into two parts by the Garonne River and fringed by the Canal du Midi, this sophisticated hub is the centre of the Haute-Garonne region. Toulouse is also the gateway to many of the smaller towns and villages of the nearby Lot and Dordogne. A wealth of accommodation options reflect Toulouse’s long-standing appeal, with simple B&Bs as well as glamorous design hotels aplenty. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in Toulouse and head out to explore!

The imposing Place du Capitole is widely regarded as the heart of the pink city. Admire heritage churches, municipal buildings, halls and theatres on foot or by bicycle; take a guided tour to really delve into the city’s past. The plethora of cultural highlights include the 17th-century Carmelite Chapel, the Basilica St. Sernin and the Cathédrale St. Etienne. The Jacobins Monastery and Wilson Square are also lovely. Art aficionados can wander the halls of the Musée des Augustins and the more modern Les Abattoirs, before contemplating the city’s role as an aerospace centre at La Cité de l'Espace. Amble along Rue Emile Cartailhac towards the river, lose yourself in winding cobbled lanes or take a boat tour to see the city from the water.

The second-hand shops around Rue Peyrolières yield excellent finds, as do the monthly Brocante des Allées François Verdier and the food and book markets on Place Arnaud-Bernard. You’re in one of France’s foodie hotspots, famous for foie gras, duck confit, truffles and tapenade. Speak to the teams at the best places to stay in Toulouse for restaurant recommendations and delight in eating your way around the city.

The Best Places to Stay in Toulouse

For Great Value

• Hotel Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole is right alongside the Place du Capitole. A rose-brick 17th-century townhouse transformed into a smart city hotel, this is a top spot for business or leisure travellers looking for modern amenities and affordable prices in a central location.
• Hotel Albert 1er is a family-run 3-star hotel with a friendly team. Set just 100 metres from the Place du Capitole, it's well-located for on-foot explorations, but there are also bikes for hire and restaurant recommendations aplenty. Enjoy big breakfasts and relax in comfortable, well-appointed rooms. A classic, well-priced choice.

For Groups

• Atout Carmes has two contemporary suites, each with self-catering facilities. Ideal for small groups of friends or family travelling together, the suites each have two bedrooms. Breakfasts are served in the dining room each morning. A lovely choice for those planning a longer stay.
• Mama Shelter Toulouse, tucked in a former cinema, is a fabulous choice for fun-loving travellers. Sociable individuals or groups will love the inviting shared spaces, including a buzzy rooftop bar, convivial eatery and cinema room. Small, well-designed rooms feature illuminated headboards and monochrome geometric carpets. Great fun.

For Classic Charm

• Grand Hotel de L'Opera, opposite the Théâtre du Capitole and close to designer boutiques, was once a medieval college. It has been transformed into a heritage hotel with elegant rooms and suites, two glamorous restaurants and a soothing spa. For fans of classic style.

For A Design Hotel

• L'Hôtel des Beaux Arts is housed in the city's former fine arts school. Carefully restored rooms have been individually designed, offering a spectrum of contemporary and classic styles, with bold artwork. Brilliant for design aficionados, the hotel also has a very good restaurant and free bikes for hire. A chic boutique base.
• Hôtel Du Grand Balcon has sleek guest rooms with modernist paintings, high-tech touches and a nod to the magic of air travel. A luxurious design hotel by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel in a 1930s brick building, this is a top spot for romantic couples and well-heeled travellers. On the Place du Capitole.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Toulouse Blagnac Airport, and journey into the city by shuttle bus or car. Alternatively, travel by train from other French hubs; the TGV from Paris takes just under five hours.
• The Haute-Garonne, around Toulouse, is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. If you're planning to explore within the city, you'll find that public transport, pedestrianised zones and cycle lanes make having a car largely unnecessary.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 28°C from June to August. May or September-October are ideal for quieter trips. Avoid the school holidays and peak summer if you can; this is easily the busiest time of year in the city.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in the Haute-Garonne.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the nearby Dordogne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Toulouse