City Center

The city is compact and the top attractions are all within a central area in the city center. Extending south from the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint Sernin to the landmarks around Place du Capitole and beyond to the cathedral. Within this area are the traffic-free streets of the Vieux Quartier, the charming medieval quarter.

The tree-lined Garonne River divides the city in two with the vieux Quartier (Old Town) falling to the east and the former suburb of Saint-Cyprien rising in the west. Most sights are located on the right bank, where the 17th-century Canal du Midi flows around the city`s north-east shoulder.

Old Town

Toulouse`s atmospheric Old Town was built from clay bricks. The area offers narrow pedestrian streets leading to the Capitole or along the banks of the Garonne. It is rather neatly divided into quarters by the Rue d`Alsace Lorraine and the Rue de Metz. At its heart is the hub of Toulouse, the Place du Capitole, home to the 18th-century city hall and its Théâtre du Capitole, an acclaimed opera house. This is a huge square with plenty of bustling city atmosphere, particularly on market days. Leading out of the square, you`ll find an abundance of town houses, fountains, charming squares and museums. To further discover the the historic center of Toulouse, continue south of the Place du Capitole to arrive at the Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter). The medieval quarter has many charming pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafes.