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Nicknamed ‘the pink city’ due to the shade of terracotta the buildings are made from, Toulouse is also very well known for its food. Sitting near the Spanish border, the fourth largest city in France makes for an excellent city break.
This Toulouse Travel Guide will help you plan your time in the Southern French city, whether you’re planning a short city break or using Toulouse as a launch pad to the beautiful surrounding towns and countryside of the Occitanie region.
Toulouse Travel Guide Contents:
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WHERE TO EAT IN TOULOUSE
RESTAURANTS
Brasserie Les Beaux Arts
1 Quai de la Daurade, 31000
We had a wonderful prix fixe lunch in this gorgeous brasserie which felt like many of the old Parisian brasseries I’ve been lucky to visit – white tablecloths, wood panelling, mirrors lining the walls.
Mussels gratin were cooked to perfection, Toulouse sausage with buttery mash was spot on and as for the Paris-Brest choux pastry dessert with praline and chunks of hazelnut – oof.
We washed it all down with a beautifully smooth Côtes du Rhône and I would do the whole thing all over again given the chance.
L’Entrecote
5 Boulevard de Strasbourg, 31000
One and the same as one of my favourite restaurants in London, Le Relaise de Venise L’Entrecote, the menu here in Toulouse is exactly as you’ll find at home.
A green salad with walnuts and a more-ish mustard dressing starts off proceedings, followed by perfect steak frites with their signature secret sauce. They’ll bring you up seconds halfway through your mains, too. Seriously. God, it is the best. I can also vouch for the profiteroles here.
Meet The Meat
18 Boulevard de Strasbourg, 31000
Just over the road from L’Entrecote with a similar vibe but slightly bigger menu, Meet the Meat is the one if you want a bit more choice.
A massive steak with a gorgeous peppercorn sauce and frites followed goats cheese and honey on toast, washed down with good French red wine (always) – highly recommend. Despite the name, you’ll find fish as well as meat on the menu.
Le Grenier de Pépé
1 Rue Denfert Rochereau, 31000
Are you really in France if you don’t have at least one crepe? Le Grenier de Pépé’s specialise in savoury galettes and sweet crepes, but also serve fondue – it really doesn’t get more French!
L’Aubrac
7 Bis Rue de la Colombette, 31000
If you want the ultimate classic French meal in a country style setting, with sausages hanging from the ceiling and an oak wood fire serving as the grill, look no further.
The menu carries all the French classics: cold cuts of meat, pâté, cheese and foie gras; plus steak, duck and Toulouse sausages. The 3 course set menu is a steal at €29.50.
La Cave au Cassoulet
54 Rue Peyrolières, 31000 Toulouse
More classic French fare done well at La Cave au Cassoulet. In a cave like space, all brick and cozy, the cassoulet comes highly recommended, as you would hope – the clue is kind of in the name after all.
Profiteroles are huge with lashings of dark chocolate sauce and flaked almonds, so despite the large portions, worth keeping some space for afters. Booking is recommended!
PATISSERIE & DESSERTS
Perlette
Various
I nipped into the small patisserie Perlette on my way back to the airport, grabbing a macaron and some insanely delicious chocolate and salted caramel eclair thing I’m pretty sure I can still taste (in a good way).
There are various Perlette’s across Toulouse – a good sign of its popularity.
Flower’s Cafe
6 Place Roger Salengro, 31000
Tucked away in a little square not too far from the impressive Capitole building, Flower’s Cafe is well known for their desserts, and in particular their crumble, of all things! Get the pear and chocolate with good espresso or a steaming chocolat chaud.
WHERE TO DRINK IN TOULOUSE
ROOFTOP BARS
Ma Biche sur Le Toit
4-8 Rue du Lieutenant Colonel Pélissier, 31000
If there’s a rooftop bar to be found, I will find it. Ma Biche sur Le Toit sits at the top of the Galleries Lafayette department store, a sweeping terrace overlooking the orange rooftops of the city beyond.
With well priced wines, it would be all too easy to while away a few hours up here in the sunshine, and I can imagine it’s a fantastic spot during sunset.
Mama Shelter Toulouse
54-56 Boulevard Lazare Carnot, 31000
This boutique hotel has a beautiful summery rooftop terrace open in the warmer months with comfortable seats strewn with brightly coloured cushions and parasols to shield from the sun’s rays.
WHERE TO STAY IN TOULOUSE
In a central location, Boutique Hotel SOCLO offers an incredible breakfast with just about every pastry you can imagine.
Rooms are stylish, decorated in soft pinks, greens and gold accents, and are complete with mini bars and coffee machines. What’s more, there’s a terrace and outdoor pool for the summer months. Book here.
Sangha Toulouse boasts an impressive rooftop terrace bar which is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink before heading out to one of Toulouse’s great restaurants.
Great service, modern rooms and touches like a herbal tea and water station on each floor make Sangha Tolouse a great place to stay. Book here.
Lovely hotel in the historic centre of Toulouse, just a 10 minute walk from the train station. Interiors are modern and stylish, and there’s an outside terrace from where you can enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine. Book here.
Quirky, contemporary hotel full of personality. Mama Shelter has an excellent rooftop bar serving cocktails and pizzas, whilst the interior bar has games tables to get increasingly better at as you drink. Book here.
Ideally situated in a central Toulouse location, rooms at OVYO Hôtel are very reasonably priced even in peak months. Rooms are contemporary; sleek yet simple with comfortable beds, and there is a great continental breakfast on offer each morning. Book here.
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Updated July 2025.
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Great blog today! Excellent tips xxx
Thank you!! 🙂 xxx
I want all the steak and wine now!
You’re only human!
Watch me accidentally book a flight…
This was a fab read xx
Do ittttt! Thanks doll x
This Toulouse travel guide provides excellent suggestions for exploring the city. The recommendations for food, culture, and attractions make planning a trip here exciting and easy.