3 Days in Toulouse: Discovering the Pink City Through Its Women

Visiting Toulouse in 3 days was my plan to finally explore the famous Pink City. Its sun-kissed brick façades, the lively terraces where everyone chats like old friends… everything drew me in. People say Toulouse has a warm soul and an accent that makes you smile. I wanted to feel that mix of warmth and laid-back charm people call typically Toulousain. And I’m so glad I did.

For this long weekend, I chose to stay with a local woman. Thanks to the NomadSister community, I met inspiring Toulouse women who were eager to share their city and their stories.

In three days, they led me through the must-see places of the city center: from the Saint-Étienne district to the lively alleys of Saint-Cyprien, passing by the Musée des Augustins (a true medieval art gem), the Couvent des Jacobins, and the Victor Hugo market.

We wandered along the Garonne River, admired the pink façades glowing at sunset, and soaked in that unmistakable Toulouse art de vivre. Three intense days!

My only regret? It was too hot to try the famous cassoulet.

Planning a Solo Weekend in Toulouse

Trust me: when you traveling alone as a woman, preparation makes all the difference. Before embarking on this southwestern adventure, I messaged several female hosts on NomadSister. We exchanged in advance, shared wishes and schedules. Instantly I felt the kindness and solidarity that define this community.

To give meaning to this solo weekend, I decided to explore Toulouse through the eyes of women who live there. Three hosts, three perspectives on the city, three itineraries mixing culture, walks, and confidences. Their advice became my best guide to creating a trip suited to me.

If you travel with family, Toulouse is also great for escapes with children: parks, interactive museums, the Cité de l’Espace, and that ambient charm make it a friendly destination for all.

Getting Around Toulouse: On Foot, by Tuk-Tuk, or Metro

I mostly walked everywhere during those three days. It’s the best way to admire the beautiful old buildings, spot every terracotta rooftop, and appreciate the city’s unique blend of brick and light.

When I needed to get somewhere faster, the metro was ideal—with only two lines, you can’t go wrong. The tram takes you directly to the airport.

For a fun twist, I also tried a tuk-tuk ride, an easy and playful way to explore while enjoying the street art scattered across the city.

I used a Tisséo travel card, valid for all public transport. Super practical—it saves you from thinking twice every time you hop on.

3-Day Itinerary to Visit Toulouse

This getaway offered me more than just a trip: it was a chance to see Toulouse differently. Each day brought new discoveries in a different part of town.

Toulouse is an architectural delight, especially in its historic center, with a maze of narrow medieval streets where the façades almost touch. These small passages create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for wandering at your own rhythm and stumbling upon a bridge, a sunny square, or a stunning view of the Garonne.

Day 1: Historic Center with a Local Woman

Meeting Carmen at Place du Capitole

Early in the morning, I met Carmen—a Toulouse native by birth and by heart—at Place du Capitole, right under the clock. Here there’s no “city hall,” but a Capitole, majestic! That day, guests in festive attire awaited the civil wedding ceremony.

To start, Carmen guides me to a bakery. A dedicated fan of chocolatines, she’s tried them all over town and swears the best are at Sandyan, the pâtisserie-tea salon on Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Too bad we arrived too late: not a single one left. No matter – we spent an hour exchanging travel stories over coffee. I loved that immediate camaraderie.

Walk through the historic center

Carmen knows her city very well and shared information about its rich cultural heritage and history, making the walk even more enjoyable.

Together, we strolled from Place du Capitole to the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in the West. Its octagonal dome and five bell towers make it a masterpiece of Romanesque art. Admission is free, and frankly, the interior is well worth a visit.

Lunch Break by the Garonne

Around noon, we paused for lunch along the Garonne, on the Quai de la Daurade at the terrace of the bar-restaurant in “guinguette” style, Les Pêcheurs de Sable.

What a setting: almost feet in the water, with a clear view of the river and the greenery lining the city.

This restaurant doesn’t serve a specific Toulouse specialty, but it places priority on artisan and local products.

L’Enfant au bonnet d’âne, the Red Statuette on Pont-Neuf

Later, walking along the riverbanks, I glimpsed a small red statuette in a drainage channel under Pont-Neuf. At first glance I thought it was a little devil. Carmen told me it’s actually “L’Enfant au bonnet d’âne”, a temporary work by local artist James Colomina, representing a punished child wearing a dunce cap.

Many people make a big deal out of it: some see it as a demon, others as a symbol of mischief. It is not the emblem of the city – the Occitan cross has held that role for centuries – but this red sculpture has become an endearing landmark, both discreet and intriguing.

The Carmes Alleyways, a Charming Labyrinth

In the afternoon, under the crushing August heat, we ventured into the narrow lanes of the Carmes quarter, more and more sheltered from the sun. Carmen showed me secret inner courtyards and splendid hôtels particuliers I’d never discover on my own.

We let ourselves drift along, a little lost, our noses in the air, guessing at the secret gardens behind the high surrounding walls, or imagining what lay behind those heavy iron doors. Carmen confessed to me that she was still discovering unknown corners.

What surprised me was the mix between old stone and modern touches: a contemporary façade here, a concept store there. The neighborhood breathes, without being frozen in time.

We ended the day at the Embouchure port, on the barge Maison de la Violette. Intrigued by the concept, I hoped for a full experience around Toulouse’s emblematic flower, but in reality it’s mostly a tourist shop. A pity; the idea had promise.

Day 2: Strolling the Canal du Midi & Evening in the City Center

A Peaceful Cruise on the Canal du Midi

The next day, I set out with Margaux to discover another face of Toulouse: a walk along the mythical Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I had booked a boat ride aboard the Catefifi, captained by Malcolm, who knows the canal intimately and tells its stories with enthusiasm. Between anecdotes and local tales, the ride took on a living dimension.

This intimate activity (the boat carries only about ten passengers) is perfect to drift slowly under centuries-old plane trees. The vibe is calming; the view of colorful barges moored in line is hypnotic. Pure relaxation.

Dinner & Exceptional Wines at 5 Winebar

Later, we let ourselves be guided by the energy of the city center, wandering randomly through bustling streets. No reservation—just the desire to pause where the ambiance pulled us.

In August, finding an open restaurant is almost a challenge. So I was lucky to stumble on Le 5 Winebar! From the entrance, you sink into a refined, warm atmosphere, enhanced by a vaulted wine cellar with red brick walls.

The shared-plates concept is ideal: each dish a festival of flavors. As for the wines, it’s hard to do better: an ingenious system lets you pour yourself a glass from a display of fine vintages.

What I loved as a woman: the large communal table. You can’t feel isolated—you quickly end up chatting with neighbors. The welcome is flawless, the food excellent, guided by a passionate sommelier who advises without pretension. A must for an original evening.

Day 3: Soaring into Aviation History & Winding Down

Dive Into Aviation at Aéroscopia

On my last day in Occitanie, Julie—an aviation enthusiast—led me to discover the Aéroscopia air museum. I loved seeing up close the legendary Concorde and the impressive A380.

Located near the massive Blagnac hangars where they once assembled the A380, this museum, under a monumental hall, holds a remarkable collection.

Allow at least an hour for the visit.

Final Evening at Place Saint-Georges

To wrap up this Toulouse adventure, Julie proposed a walk toward Place Saint-Georges, one of the liveliest neighborhoods downtown, with gardens, terraces, and restaurants.

We stopped at Monsieur Georges. Unfortunately, the experience did not measure up: inattentive service and disappointing dishes. I do not recommend it—even for an impromptu drink or dinner.

When to Visit Toulouse? Best Time for a Weekend Escape

I went in August, and while the city remained charming, the heat was intense and many locals had left Toulouse for vacation.

To truly enjoy its convivial atmosphere, I’ll come back in spring or autumn without hesitation. Those seasons bring milder weather, pleasant temperatures, and a livelier local scene.

I learned that the real richness of a trip doesn’t lie in monuments, but in authentic encounters and human connections.

Carmen, Margaux, and Julie became far more than occasional hosts: they’re now part of my network of travel sisters and contacts.

This concept of female sisterhood in travel answers perfectly the needs of women wanting to explore the world safely while forging lasting bonds. NomadSister brings that human, authentic dimension sorely missing in traditional tourism.

Three days are enough to get a feel for the soul of Toulouse, but not enough to explore everything. I didn't have quite enough time to visit the Cité de l'Espace, a place dedicated to space exploration. With its immersive exhibitions and life-size machines, it's a must-see in France. Next time, I'll make sure I have time to go. The official website already makes you want to dive into this cosmic adventure.

ADVENTURE| ROAD TRIP| TRAVEL

Maria

Traveler

13 Octobre 2025

The editorial team:

Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!

Who are we?