Got 24 hours to have the 'Toulouse Experience'...no problem...here's how! 9 am - Breakfast and people watch in the Capitole in the early sunshine. Head up to La Salle des Illustres, inside the Capitole building. An artistic highlight with impressionist frescos and work of Toulousain artists from the last two centuries.
10 am - Hire a bike for €1 (see Getting Around) and enjoy a sightseeing morning. Cycle around the cobbled streets of the centre, marvel at the stunning Romanesque basilica St.Sernin, head down to the river, take some pictures of the beautiful Garonne. On your way to lunch, pop into Les Jacobins - an extremely impressive building not to be missed.
11.45 am - Be at Marché Victor Hugo for your aperitif at one of the stand up bars amongst the hustle and bustle of this great market (closed Mondays). As soon as you can head upstairs for 'The Toulouse Food Experience'. Seven great value restaurants will try and lure you in.
2 pm - You'll need some time to walk off your 3 courses and wine so enjoy the slow pace of life. Take another bike or wander around the small streets of the old, antique quarter, and check out St. Etienne Cathedral.
5 pm - Head back down to the river and join the locals 'en terrace' for beer o'clock. Watch the city come to life! Toulouse's oldest bar, Au Pere Louis, is also a great spot at this time for some regional wine and aperitifs.
8 pm - So, you're ready for dinner, but hang on before hitting one of our suggested restaurants. Find a bar/café in the area and enjoy an apero with olives and nuts. In summer, enjoy the terrace buzz but in winter, La Maison or Les Coulisses will impress.
11 pm - There are plenty of options open to you after your evening meal. You could check out some live music, go to a late night film showing, get another bike and do the Toulouse by night tour, or head to one, or a selection of, our recommended bars/late night drinking venues and dance the night away.
6 am - If you've got the stamina for one more experience, get yourself back to Marché Victor Hugo for a steak and a glass of red wine. A local way to end the evening!
For more information on the places mentionned in this itinery suggestion, please refer to our pages in Food & Fun and Toulouse Yourself
