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One of the best ways to see a city like Toulouse is by bike! I visited Toulouse and went on the best cycling tour throughout the city! Anyone can join this tour is operated by Toulouse Bike Tour!
This tour is for bike riders of all levels. You will spend approximately 3 hours riding through this beautiful town, also referred to as the “pink city”.
Visit 10 of the most historical monuments and cultural sites in the city! This tour is perfect for anyone who only has a short visit to the city and wants to see it all in one afternoon!
Ready To Book Your Bike Tour Of Toulouse?
What to expect on the bike tour of Toulouse
On this Toulouse bike tour, you can expect to visit all the main attractions in the heart of Toulouse! If you are traveling solo on your trip this is the perfect opportunity to make some friends while on a guided tour of this beautiful city!
The cycle tours will stay on flat routes throughout the city, so you don’t have to worry about a challenging ride, it’s not the tour de France ; ). Your experienced guide will take you down the quiet roads of this incredible city in the south of France.
Bike rides through this impressive medieval city were definitely the highlight of my 3-day trip. It’s truly the best way to experience Toulouse.
The Main Attractions on this Toulouse Bike Tour
Exploration of Toulouse by bike is my favorite way to see Toulouse. Unless it’s poor weather, as in severe storms, then it is not so great. You can book with confidence as this tour is fully refundable in case of very bad weather.
The tour starts by meeting at Le Petit Cyclo and getting situated on your bike. Then it’s off to the famous places, first stop, Cathedrale St-Etienne!
Cathedrale St-Etienne
You will stop at Cathedrale St-Etienne for about 5 minutes where your professional guide will explain the different architectural styles of this church. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it features a distinctive pink brick façade with intricate carvings and sculptures decorating its exterior. If you have time later you should go back and peek inside at the wealth of artwork including stained glass windows and frescoes.
Place de la Trinite
Next up on your bike tour in Toulouse is the famous square Place de la Trinite. This iconic square is located in the city center. It is here where three streets interact, Rue Saint-Rome, Rue Montardy, and Place du Capitole.
You will spend around 5 minutes here learning about the 19th-century fountain that was built to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy after the French Revolution.
Place Roger Salengro
Place Roger Salengro is another famous square you will stop at on your bike tour. This public square is known as the heart of the city. It was named after French politician and World War I hero Roger Salengro who was born in Toulouse.
You will spend around 5 minutes here with your bike tour guide. It is likely a place you will return to on your trip to visit the number of cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Le Capitole
Next, you will stop at Le Capitole, home of the city’s local government, and also an iconic symbol of the city. Here your guide will give you a little history lesson on what shaped the pink city!
Learn all about the uses of the Le Capitole including its home to the Toulouse Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Le Capitole hosts events such as concerts, festivals, and conferences.
Basilique Saint-Sernin
After Le Capitole, you will stop at the most impressive basilica in Toulouse! You won’t spend very much time here, so you might want to go back on your own as I did.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilique Saint-Sernin is a magnificent 11th-century Romanesque basilica. Named after the martyred Bishop Sernin of Toulouse, it is considered to be one of the largest and most important pilgrimage churches in the entire country.
The church has an impressive three-aisled nave flanked by two side aisles and six radiating chapels. Its amazing interior contains an enormous transept, grand apse with three large windows and a huge central tower that stands 60 meters tall.
FIVE STARS “Sylvian, my tour bike guide was so knowledgeable and proud of his home city of Toulouse.” -Gill, (Read More Reviews)
Place Saint-Pierre
Here we discover the banks of the Garrone river while on our way to our next stop. The Place Saint-Pierre is another of those lovely squares with a magnificent fountain.
You will notice the fountain is surrounded by four large towers that rise above the square.
There are also several statues located around the perimeter of the square, as well as many beautiful trees and gardens. The entire area has been meticulously designed to provide the perfect place for relaxing for all who come to visit.
Hotel d’Assezat
Next up is the quick stop at the Hotel d’Assezat, a former mansion built by a wealthy merchant. You can actually stay at Hotel d’Assezat, a four-star boutique hotel that boasts luxurious accommodations and top of the line amenities.
Enjoy an outdoor pool with views of the River Garonne, a spa area with a sauna and steam room, and three restaurants offering regional cuisine.
When I go back to Toulouse I will be staying at this hotel!
Pont Neuf
After the hotel, we ride our bikes over the Pont Neuf bridge. Built-in 1542, it spans the Garonne River and is one of the oldest bridges in France.
It is an important part of Toulouse’s history and culture, with its distinctive pink brick arches becoming synonymous with the city. The Pont Neuf also has a rich history of visitors, including King Francis I and Queen Catherine de Medici.
It is also said to be haunted by a spirit known as The White Lady, who legend says appears on moonlit nights.
Today Pont Neuf remains a popular tourist destination in Toulouse and provides some beautiful views of the cityscape. Its unique architecture and history make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Pont Neuf is one of the best examples of Toulouse’s long-standing cultural and architectural heritage.
La Prairie des Filtres
The second to last stop on this amazing bike tour in Toulouse is La Praire des Filtres! An amazing urban park that was created in the late 19th century.
It is located on the east side of the city and it covers an area of 110 hectares. The park features a large lake, several wooded areas, meadows, and gardens. The park is very popular among locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy its many activities and attractions.
La Praire des Filtres is one of the most beloved parks in Toulouse and an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature.
Canal du Midi
Finish the day at the Canal du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The Canal du Midi in Toulouse France is a historic waterway that connects the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Stretching for 240 kilometers, it was built between 1667 and 1694 under the guidance of Pierre-Paul Riquet, who also designed its intricate system of locks, sluices, dams, and bridges. The canal earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Toulouse.
Explore its many locks, cross the iconic Pont-Neuf bridge, or take a guided boat tour along its length. There are also several small villages along the canal where visitors can stay or take part in water sports.
If you have time on your trip, go back and visit the nearby Museum of the Canal du Midi. It offers a comprehensive look at its history and construction, as well as interactive exhibits about its unique ecology.
The canal is an essential part of Toulouse’s identity and makes for a unique and memorable experience for those who visit.
What You Need For The Toulouse Bike Tour
The bike rental place will provide everything you need for a great experience on the bike, but I recommend a few extras.
- Summers in Toulouse are very warm. So if you have good weather and lots of sunshine wear sunblock!
- It is also good to keep your head covered so a hat may be in order.
- I brought water and a little snack for when we stopped by the Garonne Canal.
- Another great travel essential that comes in handy is the iPhone case that is worn across your body. It was great for stopping to take pictures and not having to fish it out of my bag.
- Get the Toulouse Tourism City Card Pass for free entrance to over 15 top attractions!
Final thoughts on doing a bike tour in Toulouse
I hope my post with information on the best bike tour of Toulouse to take in 2023 has you ready to book! It is such a great value for the money, and so worth it to get a personalized tour from a local in Toulouse!
If you are weary about riding a bike in a foreign city let me assure you it will be ok. Your guide will stick to a bike path leading you out of the way from the local Toulousian cyclists.
There is no better way to see the city than with this tour by Toulouse Bike Tour.
Toulouse FAQ’s
The best way to see Toulouse is on a bike tour. If you have good weather, going on a tour of the city by bike is the best way to see it.
You can cover more ground on a bike, and your professional Toulouse tour guide will provide a mini history lesson on the area.
