Dissected by the Garonne River is the picturesque French city of Toulouse. Toulouse is the capital of the southern region of Occitanie, not far from the French border with Spain. The city is popular with tourists due to its warm climate, historic buildings, and proximity to the Pyrenees mountains. Toulouse's pink terracotta brickwork has earned it the nickname, "The Pink City."

Toulouse was originally founded by Romans as Tolosa and was the capital of the Germanic Visigothic Kingdom during the 5th century. Over the next few hundred years, Toulouse was the capital of Languedoc province until it was dissolved during the French Revolution. Today, Toulouse is the fourth biggest city in France, with over a million people living within the city's metropolitan area. 

Fun Fact: Toulouse is home to the oldest university in Europe, dating back to 1229. 

Toulouse is a popular destination for history buffs and foodies, with tons of delicious dishes and historic landmarks to discover. Once you arrive in the city, drop your bags off at a Toulouse luggage storage service and swing by some of these great attractions.

Sample some of the local cuisines at one of Toulouse's classic French eateries. Be on the lookout for traditional meals such as duck confit and French cassoulet. You can find many of these delicacies at the Victor Hugo Market, the region's largest covered market.

Plan a late-night stroll along the Pont Neuf. This 16th-century bridge spans the Garrone and is the oldest bridge in Toulouse. 

Discover the Place du Capitole. Place du Capitole is the main square in Toulouse, with a beautiful Neoclassical city hall as the backdrop. The plaza hosts everything from bustling markets to rugby celebrations. 

Enjoy a family day out at the Parc zoologique de Plaisance du Touch. Translated as Zoo African Safari, this zoo is home to over 80 different exotic animal species, including Siberian tigers, red pandas, and rock wallabies. 

Spend the day shopping along Rue Saint-Rome. Rue Saint-Rome is one of Toulouse's major shopping high streets and is home to many of the city's boutiques and designer fashion stores.

Self-service bike rental (VélÔtoulouse)

Toulouse is the ideal city for a vacation, with plenty to do and see. Before heading to a local museum or planning a romantic walk down one of the city's canals, stow your suitcases at a Toulouse luggage storage service. Bounce provides several facilities across the city, located at shops and hotels. Just jump on the Bounce app, and in a matter of minutes, you'll have a safe and convenient place to leave your belongings before discovering the beauty of Toulouse.

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin: The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Toulouse's most famous buildings. The basilica was constructed in the 11th century and was named after Toulouse's first bishop, Saint Saturnin. With its Romanesque-style architecture, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is said to be one of the largest Romanesque buildings in the world. Inside the basilica, you'll find stunning religious iconography and sculptures. One of the most famous sights is the Miègeville Door, which shows the Ascension of Christ carved from Pyrenean marble. You won't want to drag your heavy bags through this beautiful church, so swing by a luggage storage service in Toulouse before your visit. 

Cité de l'espace - Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry, and stargazers will love visiting Cité de l'espace. Cité de l'espace offers tons of aerospace artifacts and interactive exhibits all ages will love. Some of the highlights from the museum include full-scale replicas of famous spacecraft, including Ariane 5 rocket. You can also step aboard a recreation of the Mir Spacestation and see what life is like for astronauts. Cité de l'espace also boasts an IMAX cinema and an interactive planetarium. After taking the museum's amazing displays, stop off at the 149 Cafe for a coffee or a bite to eat. You won't be able to bring any large bags inside Cité de l'espace, so visit a Toulouse luggage storage service beforehand. 

Musée des Augustins - Musée des Augustins is a beautiful Romanesque art museum packed with thousands of works dating back as far as the 14th century. Many of the paintings on display are religious and the collection consists mainly of pieces confiscated during the French Revolution. While perusing the museum's vast collection, you'll see some famous artwork on show, including Descent from the Cross by Nicolas Tournier and Death of Cleopatra by Jean-André Rixens. Peter Paul Rubens, Bernardo Strozzi, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo are other familiar names you'll see around the museum's numerous exhibitions. At the end of your tour, head to the Museum shop and pick up a print of your favorite piece of art. 

Musée Saint-Raymond - Another hugely popular museum in Toulouse is Musée Saint-Raymond. The museum first opened in the late 19th century and has been many things over the centuries, including a hospital, university, and prison. Today, the museum holds archeologically significant artifacts dating back thousands of years. Many of these relics are carvings and sculptures created by Roman, Celtic, and Christian civilizations. In the museum's basement is the remains of a necropolis, where nearly one hundred burial sights and numerous artifacts were discovered in the 1990s. 

As you explore more of Europe Bounce has convenient luggage storage in cities such as Marseille, Strasbourg, and Paris. Check out our guides to learn more.

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6 beaches near Toulouse: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf

Plan your luggage storage in Toulouse

Toulouse Visitor Guide 2023: Everything you need to know

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