What to Do in Toulouse: Exploring the City with the 'Key Sights of Toulouse' Walking Tour
There's a unique charm in wandering the cobblestone streets of Toulouse, absorbing its profound history and vibrant culinary scene. Among the multitude of activities on offer, the 'Key Sights of Toulouse' walking tour by Toulouse Walking Tours is one of the best things to do in Toulouse.
I embarked on this guided journey on July 20th and it was an unforgettable experience. Led by the enthusiastic Penny, a British expatriate with an impressive 20-year residence in Toulouse, this 2-hour plus tour unfolds the city's intriguing story from Roman times, through the Middle Ages, to the modern day.
The tour started at the Tourist Information Center, behind the Place du Capitol, leading us through an itinerary punctuated by numerous must-see monuments. The Capitol itself, Église Notre-Dame-du-Taur, Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse, Place Saint Pierre, Place de la Daurade, and Hotel of Assézat are just a few to mention.
Beyond the journey through time, the tour is punctuated by delightful touches. Halfway through, we found ourselves sitting on the riverbank, savoring fresh lemonade and home-made madeleines. These delicacies, baked in the iconic shape of the Occitanian cross, gave us a moment of leisure and a taste of what's typical in Toulouse.
Penny, guide and founder of Toulouse Walking Tours, is a treasure herself, with a passion for Toulouse history that's evident in every tale she tells. She is one of the 200 members of Le Club des Ambassadeurs, a testament to her commitment to promoting Toulouse's cultural heritage. The club aims to make Toulouse known and influential in France and abroad, highlighting its excellence in various sectors including tourism and culture.
Being a part of this small-group tour was also a great opportunity for solo travelers to connect with others. The day I participated, we were seven people who shared a great morning filled with shared discoveries and laughter.
Aside from the historical insights, Penny also provided invaluable tips on the best restaurants in Toulouse, suggesting where to try the best cassoulet in Toulouse, and where to find delicious local cheese, wine, cakes and macarons in Toulouse.
Toulouse Walking Tours’ official website promises that their tours make Toulouse come to life, providing you with a true cultural and historical experience of 'la Ville Rose'. Their 'Key Sights of Toulouse' walk certainly lived up to this promise. If you're pondering what to do in Toulouse, I couldn't recommend this tour highly enough.
In addition, Penny's tour holds the #2 spot out of all 86 experiences in Toulouse, according to TripAdvisor, which speaks volumes about its popularity and quality. And for a deeper dive into the city’s gastronomic scene, my 'Toulouse Traditional Food Tour' offers an ideal complement.
It combines a food tour with a history walk, exploring the neighborhood of Carmes, the southern half of the ancient Roman city of Tolosa. The journey introduces guests to regional culinary delights while offering historical background on places like Palais de Justice, Place du Salin, Rue des Filatiers, Place Ruaix, and the site of the big fire of Toulouse at Rue Maletache, in the 15th century.
Between Penny's northern city exploration and my southern route, you'll experience a comprehensive overview of Toulouse - its history, cuisine, and vibrant local life. What better souvenir from Toulouse could there be than this enriched understanding of the city? So, if you're asking yourself what to eat in Toulouse, or where to enjoy the best wine in Toulouse, these tours have got you covered.
In conclusion, whether you are a first-time visitor, a history buff, or a food lover looking for the best restaurants in Toulouse, our combined tours offer a rewarding experience. Walking tour in Toulouse? Checked. Discovering the city's best culinary gems? Checked. So, pack your curiosity and appetite and let us take you on an unforgettable stroll through 'la Ville Rose'.
