Camping to visit Toulouse
Ideal for discovering a place, a campsite to visit Toulouse has only advantages since it is more economical than a hotel and allows you to take advantage of the infrastructures and leisure activities it offers, and thus to please the children. There are also two campsites in the town itself. The Le Rupé *** campsite is located 8 kilometres from the centre of Toulouse and offers water sports activities on the large Sesquières lake, 400 metres from the campsite. 9 kilometres from the Place du Capitole, the La Bouriette campsite ** welcomes you on the banks of a river... ideal for cooling off in summer after an afternoon of sightseeing. Finally, Les Violettes *** campsite in Deyme is located 20 kilometres from Toulouse and only 800 metres from the Canal du Midi.
The Capitol
Located in the centre of the city, the Capitole is the symbolic building of Toulouse. It serves as the city hall, the theatre and the Toulouse opera house. It is grandiose and illuminates with its sumptuous pink and orange coloured façade the city. On the walls you can see the great monuments of the city's history. The visit of the interior is done by the splendid court Henri IV. In the superb rooms, you will find allegories of the city represented by painters as well as sculptures of celebrities. The visit of the Capitol is free but closed on Saturdays.
The Jacobin Convent
A Gothic marvel of medieval art and a former convent, the Jacobins are located 5 minutes' walk from the Capitole, which is one of the advantages of the provincial city. The church is surprisingly bright and the play of light is particularly dazzling in the late morning. Known for its palm-shaped vault, it also has a double nave and an altar which houses the bones of Thomas Aquinas. Next to the church, the cloister and the refectory and two chapels are perfect to visit when the weather is hot, as you can find coolness and calm in the middle of the city. Finally, children will not be bored at the Jacobins, as they are offered digital tablets with games, animations, and thematic visits (but inaccessible during the health crisis). Open from Tuesday to Sunday until Christmas.
The banks of the Garonne
Located 5 minutes walk from the Jacobins, you arrive on the banks of the Garonne for a magnificent view of Toulouse with the dome de la Grave (Hôpital St-Joseph), the Pont-neuf and the Garonne. The Promenade Henri Martin is also a very pleasant walk, especially in the summer months, to cool off at sunset. Boat cruises are available to discover Toulouse in a different way. Discover also the very pretty Place de la Daurade to complete your stroll.
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is one of the largest Romanesque buildings in the West and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century in stone and pink brick, it is one of the symbols of Toulouse. Inside you will find a majestic nave of 21 metres with superb representations dating from the Middle Ages. At the end of the day, the natural light penetrating the stained glass windows makes the place magical. You can access the very pretty crypt at the back of the church where bones are kept and contemplate an enamelled reliquary. For information, the entrance to the basilica is free and the visit to the crypt will cost you 2,50 €.
The Canal du Midi
Between Toulouse and Sète, the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ideal place to cycle along its banks in summer when you are looking for a bit of fresh air. It is also possible to take a cruise from the Canal de Brienne to the Canal du Midi. A nice walk, discovering magnificent natural landscapes. Another way of discovering Toulouse and also an activity that the whole family will enjoy.
What do we eat?
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the regional specialities with the cassoulet, here the undisputed star of the kitchen, it is also a must that you will find in many restaurants. But cassoulet would be nothing without its famous Toulouse sausage! It is also perfect with a salad. Finally, among the many Toulouse dishes, the violet is certainly the city's "culinary emblem". It can be found in mustard, in sweets and even in the form of crystallised petals.