Essential Free Tour Toulouse

The ancient city of Toulouse collects all the essences of the culture of the South of France. Walking along its charming cobbled streets and vast idyllic green spaces, one breathes an air of freedom and ease that makes this town one of the most relaxing and beautiful retreats in Europe. Joining the best Essential Free Tour of Toulouse will be the perfect introduction to all the main landmarks of the vieux quartier (old medieval city), where the great impressionist painters felt inspired to create their masterpieces. This tour has been designed by local guides with a passion for their city, who want to share the best of Southern French culture and customs with a small group of international travelers. Come and enjoy history, architecture and local culture!

Your Free Essential Tour of Toulouse will take you around the old town, so you can visit all the highlights of the city. You better have your camera ready when approaching St. Stephen’s Cathedral—this stunning basilica dating back to the 13th century was designed with a highly unusual combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles that never fails to impress. Just a short walk away, tourists will find the Convent of the Jacobins, whose pink walls are further adorned with huge Gothic-stained glass windows. Likewise, the Basilica of Saint Sernin is the emblematic temple of the city because there rest the remains of Saint Saturnin, the patron saint of Toulouse. In addition, it is estimated to be the largest Romanesque church in Europe and an obligatory destination on the Way of St. James.

During your tour, you will see many wonders and, also, hear interesting information about the tempestuous history of the city. This ancient Roman and Visigoth settlement on the banks of the legendary Garonne River, over which today rises the Pont Neuf, was chief town of the Carolingian kingdom of Aquitaine and, famously, adhered to the Cathari heresy. Later, during the 19th century, the city flourished into a burgeoning commercial capital, and today it’s the world hub of the aerospace industry. In the heart of Toulouse, next to the markets and cafés of the magnificent Place du Capitole, you will also hear many tips about where to go, what to eat and what to do to enjoy your trip to this corner of Occitania.