Toulouse Guided Walking tour Private
About this activity
Highlights
- Get to Know ‘La Ville Rose’ from the Expert’s Perspective
- Enter the Magnificent Saint Sernin Basilica
- Walk Through the Convent Des Jacobins
- Local Tour Guide, Toulouse Expert
Full description
But this vibrant southern city has so much going for it: a crackling cultural scene, a beautiful old quarter packed with hôtels particuliers (private mansions) and a glorious location at the confluence of the Canal du Midi and the River Garonne.
Throw in some of the southwest’s finest food markets and restaurants, and it becomes hard to think of any trip to France that shouldn’t include a few days in Toulouse.
Today, meet your licensed tour guide directly at your accommodation or Hotel lobby who is a specialist in private tours and historical walking tours in Toulouse. With your own private guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the history of the rose city and discover its cultural richness.
Visit Saint Sernin Basilica
Depart with your licensed tour guide and first discover Saint Sernin Basilica, one of the most glorious churches on the medieval pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a masterpiece of Romanesque art. This exquisite church, built between the 1th to 13th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Constructed from the red bricks typical of Toulouse, the Basilica has a five-aisled nave and three-aisled transept in the Romanesque style. Visit the Basilica with your guide. After the visit of the Basilica, head towards the ‘Couvent des Jacobins’ Church.
Visit Couvent des Jacobins
A beautiful example of Southern Gothic architecture, the Couvent des Jacobins was founded as a Dominican monastery in the 13th century. Built between 1260 and 1292 it was constructed entirely from the red bricks of Toulouse and has a similar tower to the Basilique Saint-Sernin.
The massive and austere exterior contrasts with the delicate interior architecture. Inside the convent’s church, the two-aisled nave features inspiring vaulting with the famous palm-frond shaped ribs radiating from seven central piers in the choir.
Visit the Capitole, Toulouse Town Hall
Finally, end the tour with the visit of the ‘Capitole’, the city’s Town Hall located on the main square of Toulouse. The name “Capitole” referred not only to the Roman Capitol but also to the Capitulum which was the chapter of the governing magistrates.
In the 20th century, the structures surrounding the vast Place du Capitole were redesigned. Some of the interior of the Capitole can be traced back to the 16th century, but the current façade, 135 metres long and built of the characteristic pink brick in Neoclassical style, dates from 1750. The eight columns represent the original eight Capitouls.
A thorough redesign of the Place du Capitole in 1995 reserved the space for pedestrians. Today the Capitole houses the city hall, as well as the Theater, an opera company and a symphony orchestra. The Salle des Illustres contains 19th century works of art and sculptures that represent the most famous persons originating from Toulouse.
Other tour options in Toulouse
Since this is a private tour, it is also possible for us to include the visit of other iconic sites of Toulouse. We will open up the doors of the Occitan culture especially if you would like to participate in a tour based on the story of the Cathars. Other charming historical sites of Toulouse include the Cathedral, the Saint-Raymond Museum of Antiques or the Bemberg Foundation located in a private Mansion.
Included / Excluded
- Meet your guide at your accommodation in Toulouse
- 2 hour Private Guided walking tour of Toulouse
- English speaking licensed guide
- Entrance fees, tasting fees or activity fees
- Personal insurance and expenses
- Gratuities for the guide
Meeting point
Start Location
Toulouse, France
Important information
Know before you book
- Group size of 1 to 15 participants maximum
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request
- Currency is in Euros
Know before you go
- Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
- Tour available all year round (except May 1st, Dec 25th and Jan 1st)
- Tour involves some walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Cancellation policy
Ophorus requires full payment by credit card, internet payment (through our website) or wire transfer (Wire transfer fees at the charge of the Guest) to make a reservation. We accept payment by AMEX, Visa and Master Card. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit card payments except with American Express +3%. For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: > Up to 30 days before the service, 100% refund > From less than 30 days to 15 days before the service, 20% fee > From 14 days to 4 days before the service, 50% fee > From 3 days before the service, 100% fee
Reviews
We had a great day with Manon taking us through this beautiful location. We were fortunate it was a small group so we were able to ask so many questions all day and she was quite knowledgeable. It was a hot day so we were able to spread out in the comfortable van. The boat ride was beautiful and relaxing, such beautiful scenery all around us. We found a nice spot for lunch that had the menu items we were looking for. The wine tasting at the end of the tour was a great ending. We will have fond memories.
We had Luanne( not sure if that's the correct spelling) she was brilliant. We could understand her perfectly & she gave us so much information that we did not know. Our driver was excellent. This is a fantastic company to use & highly recommend them. Thank you for a perfect day in Normandy
Our group of 5 ladies had a delightful day of wine tasting with Thierry in Alsace. After our river cruise was cancelled at the last minute, we pivoted and decided to spend a few days in Colmar. We booked the Full Day Grand Cru tour, visiting Domaine Kirrenbourg and Domaine François Schwach in the morning, followed by Louis Sipp in the afternoon. We enjoyed the small, intimate tasting rooms as well as the private attention for our group. It allowed us to taste and compare many different wines in a short period of time. There was some free time for lunch in Riquewihr, which was very charming and picturesque. Thierry was a great fit for our group - funny, informative, and a great photographer. We left with lasting memories and too many bottles of wine!
