Toulouse is a city that perfectly combines culinary delights, stunning architecture, and lively streets. Its compact size makes it a prime candidate for walking and biking adventures, while its historic sites lend themselves well to guided tours. We’ve picked out some of the best experiences available, from food-focused explorations to engaging bike rides and even a unique nude drawing session. One of our favorites is the Victor Hugo Market Small Group Tasting Tour, because it offers an authentic taste of Toulouse’s local produce with fresh cheese, wine, and bread—plus a chance to chat with vendors directly.
Whether you prefer a food, history, or sightseeing adventure, Toulouse has a lot to offer. These tours are carefully selected to showcase diverse ways to experience the city while offering practical insights into local culture.
Quick Overview
This list includes food tours, such as the Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef, which combines culinary treats with historical stories, and the Toulouse: City Sightseeing Tour by Bus that covers main landmarks from a comfortable bus. For active travelers, the Essential Toulouse by bike is ideal, offering a scenic ride through the city’s historic streets. Those looking for something a bit different can opt for the Photoshoot à La Ville Rose, capturing Toulouse’s charm with a professional photographer.
Below, each experience is broken down with details to help you decide which tour suits your style and interests.
1. Toulouse Victor Hugo Market Small Group Tasting Tour
This tour takes you inside Toulouse’s largest market, where a native English-speaking guide introduces you to regional cheeses, wine, and French bread. You’ll chat with local vendors about their products and sample a wide variety of foods, making it an excellent choice for foodies. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with a small group for personalized attention. It’s perfect if you want an authentic taste of Toulouse’s food scene and to learn about regional specialties. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from nearly 300 travelers, who praise the guide’s friendliness and the plentiful tastings. Keep in mind, the market has no seating, so be prepared to stand and walk throughout.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, in-depth experience exploring Toulouse’s local food culture in an authentic setting.
2. Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef
For around $127, this 4-hour walking tour offers a unique blend of cultural insight and culinary mastery. Led by a trained chef, you’ll taste seven traditional regional dishes at seven different spots across the city, including the Fondation Bemberg mansion and the historic Place du Capitole. The chef’s expertise means you’ll also see how regional recipes are prepared right before your eyes. This tour stands out because it combines cooking demonstrations with historical stories, making it a rich, engaging experience. Reviewers love Alejandro’s knowledge, with one calling it the “best food tour” they’ve ever done. It’s suited for those eager to learn the story behind Toulouse’s flavors while enjoying freshly made dishes.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers who want to combine culinary education with sightseeing, especially if you appreciate a hands-on approach.
3. The Essential of Toulouse by Bike
Covering about 10 kilometers in roughly 3 hours, this guided bike tour is a fantastic way to see Toulouse’s main sights. On a comfortable bike, you’ll explore Cathedrale Saint-Etienne, Place de la Trinite, and the Basilique Saint-Sernin, among others. This tour is geared toward active travelers who want to enjoy an easy, scenic ride while soaking in the city’s architecture and ambiance. The guide is praised for being both informative and entertaining, and the tour is well-paced for most fitness levels. It’s also very affordable at just over $46, making it excellent value for money.
Review highlight: “Sylvain was a great guide, very knowledgeable and entertaining,” says a recent rider. Note that in hot weather, cycling might be less appealing, so plan accordingly.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a lively, active day exploring Toulouse’s highlights on two wheels.
4. Toulouse: City Sightseeing Tour by Bus with Audio Guide
This quick, 1-hour bus tour offers a convenient way to see Toulouse’s main attractions from a comfortable open-top minibus. It features an audio guide available in 8 languages, providing commentary on key sites such as the Toulouse Cathedral and Basilica of Saint-Sernin. This is perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a relaxed overview of the city. The reviews are generally positive, with many praising the clear commentary and easy access to the city’s highlights.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers short on time or with mobility concerns who want an efficient introduction to Toulouse.
5. Explore Toulouse Wine Bars with a Local Wine Expert
This 2.5-hour small-group walking tour is a delightful way to discover Toulouse’s lesser-known wines. Your guide takes you to cozy wine bars near Place de la Bourse and Marché des Carmes, where you’ll taste a variety of regional wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. The guide shares tips on wine tasting techniques and how to order wine confidently in France. With a perfect 5-star rating from 76 reviews, this tour is popular among wine enthusiasts. It’s especially valuable for those wanting to expand their knowledge of southwest France wines without the hassle of organizing tastings independently.
Bottom line: Designed for curious wine lovers eager to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting.
6. Aeroscopia Admission Ticket
Aviation buffs will appreciate this self-guided visit to Aeroscopia, about 25 minutes outside Toulouse. The museum showcases a stunning collection of aircraft, including the legendary Concorde and Airbus A300B. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and the chance to walk through historic planes make it a fascinating experience for all ages. It’s flexible—you can visit at your own pace—and the museum’s English captions and multimedia enhance understanding. The reviews highlight the impressive aircraft collection and the educational value.
Bottom line: Best for aviation enthusiasts and families seeking an interactive, educational outing.
7. Toulouse: Guided Food Tour with Tastings
This 3-hour guided food tour immerses you in Toulouse’s culinary scene. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s best hidden eateries and sample regional specialties, including cheeses, charcuterie, and local desserts. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to combine gastronomy and sightseeing, discovering both local flavors and parts of Toulouse’s vibrant neighborhoods. The tour is praised for its friendly guide and excellent food, with visitors leaving with a solid list of local recommendations.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies looking for a well-rounded taste of Toulouse’s culinary diversity.
8. Toulouse: Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour with Photo Stops and Audio
For a quick, fun way to see Toulouse, this 1-hour electric tuk-tuk tour offers a relaxed ride through the city’s streets. You’ll visit major sights like Basilique Saint-Sernin and Le Capitole, with photo stops and commentary in multiple languages. The silent, eco-friendly vehicle makes it a great choice for families or groups wanting a light-hearted introduction without the fatigue of walking. Reviewers mention how fun and comfortable the experience is.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or anyone short on time who still wants a memorable city overview.
9. Take off your clothes and let yourself be drawn!
This truly unique experience invites you to be a model for a drawing in a safe, relaxed environment. Whether nude, draped, or dressed, you choose your comfort level, and Olivier the artist guides you through a creative process that’s both liberating and relaxing. Perfect for those curious about art and self-expression, this session lasts about 1.5 hours. Reviewers rave about the professionalism and kindness of Olivier, and many mention feeling more confident about their bodies afterward.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous travelers looking for a personal, empowering artistic experience.
10. Toulouse Food Tour – A Full French Meal by Do Eat Better
This 3.5-hour walking tour takes you through Toulouse’s culinary hotspots, enjoying a full meal across at least four stops. You’ll sample iconic dishes like foie gras, aligot sausage, and local cheeses. The guide shares rich stories behind each dish, giving you insight into Toulouse’s gastronomic traditions. Reviewers note the excellent variety of food and the detailed explanations, making it a favorite among serious food travelers. The experience is suited for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Toulouse’s best eats in a relaxed, social environment.
Bottom line: For food lovers eager to indulge in a full French meal while exploring the city.
11. Photoshoot à La Ville Rose
Capture Toulouse’s distinctive pink architecture with a professional photographer during this private photoshoot. You’ll visit scenic spots like Marché des Carmes and Jardin des Plants, posing against the city’s charming backdrop. After the session, you’ll receive over 30 edited HD photos within a week. It’s perfect for travelers wanting memorable keepsakes of their trip, especially couples or solo travelers who love photography. The reviews highlight the professionalism and personalized care.
Bottom line: A great way for travelers to get beautiful, personalized photos of their time in Toulouse.
12. Toulouse panorama, electric bike ride and cable car
This 3.5-hour tour blends history, nature, and panoramic views. Starting with a bike ride along the quays of the Garonne, you’ll cross suspended footbridges and ride on the Canal du Midi. The highlight is an aerial cable car crossing offering sweeping views of Toulouse. The route is designed for easy riding and includes stops at key viewpoints. It’s excellent for those who want a bit of everything—cycling, sightseeing, and a touch of adventure.
Review highlight: “Very informative and enjoyable, especially the cable car experience,” says a recent rider. Suitable for active travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration.
13. Toulouse Tour in Electric Tuk Tuk
This electric tuk-tuk tour offers a compact overview of over 35 sights in just one hour. It’s a lively, eco-friendly way to see the city’s landmarks like Le Capitole, Jacobins Convent, and Pont Neuf. The commentary is engaging, and the stops for photos are frequent. It’s especially popular among families and groups who want an easy, private experience with a little bit of everything. Reviewers note how personalized and fun it is.
Bottom line: Ideal for those short on time but eager to see a wide range of highlights comfortably.
14. Toulouse: Guided Food Tour with Full Meal and Drinks
This 3.5-hour tour takes you through five different eateries, sampling delicious regional fare like foie gras, aligot sausage, and local drinks. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll experience Toulouse’s culinary diversity firsthand while exploring historic neighborhoods. Many reviews praise the variety of food and the friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for visitors who want a comprehensive food experience across different settings, from traditional to trendy spots.
Bottom line: Best suited for gastronomy enthusiasts looking for a full, immersive meal experience.
15. Toulouse: get drawn by an artist
This 1.5-hour drawing session allows you to become the art. You choose your pose and style—portrait, draped, nude—and Olivier creates a personalized sketch that captures your essence. Many reviewers describe it as relaxing, empowering, and a memorable keepsake. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a creative, unconventional activity that results in a beautiful piece of art to take home.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a personal, artistic experience and a lasting memento.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal experience in Toulouse, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love food and local markets, the Victor Hugo Market Tasting Tour or the Full French Meal Tour are fantastic options. For outdoor enthusiasts, the bike tour offers a scenic, active exploration, while the tuk-tuk tours and bus tour provide quick, comfortable overviews for limited time.
If you’re interested in more personal experiences or capturing memories, the Photoshoot or the artistic drawing session are unique choices. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
From culinary adventures and sightseeing tours to active bike rides and creative activities, Toulouse offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the city. For a deep dive into local flavors, go for the Toulouse Food & History Tour. For a quick but rundown, the City Bus Tour or the Electric Tuk-Tuk are excellent options. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the get drawn or photoshoot experiences will give you lasting memories.
No matter your style, Toulouse’s tours promise a rich, authentic experience. Reserve your spot early to ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic adventures in the Pink City.