Cycling travel news: Seven of the best things to see during a visit to Toulouse ahead of Tour de France Stage 11
Stage 11 of the 2025 Tour de France loops through Toulouse on July 16 as the peloton returns to the “Pink City” for a 157 km flat stage under southern France’s summer sun.
For fans of the tour, it's the perfect opportunity to explore the city's Romanesque streets and array of attractions.
Here, Travel News Blitz’s Sam Condy highlights seven standout stops to enjoy during Tour week.
Place du Capitole
Toulouse’s vibrant city centre, Place du Capitole is a pink-toned neoclassical square flanked by the iconic Capitole building and the Théâtre du Capitole.
The square is a hub for Street artists, café terraces, and local walks, making it the ideal place to mingle with the other fans before the peloton rolls by.
Garonne and Canal du Midi
Wander along the Garonne River or the historic Canal du Midi to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
You can even rent a boat, and explore sweeping architecture and leafy riverbanks at your own pace.
Basilique Saint‑Sernin
A UNESCO-listed symbol of Toulouse’s Romanesque roots, Saint‑Sernin dates back to the 11th century and features some of the finest sculptures and architecture in the region.
Descend into the crypt or admire the sculptural façades, it's spiritual and impressive all at once.
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Les Abattoirs
One of France’s leading contemporary art museums, Les Abattoirs’s site used to serve as a slaughterhouse on Garonne's left bank.
The rotating exhibitions deliver cutting-edge art, with the museum keeping over 3,500 works for your viewing pleasure.
Halle de La Machine
Visit an aviation museum with a twist at the Halle de La Machine, where giant moving sculptures - including a 14-metre Minotaur - blur the line between art and engineering.
The museum offers fun for the whole family, while holding onto Toulouse’s deeply rooted aerospace DNA.
Cité de l’Espace
This space-themed park and science centre showcases rockets, meteorites, and simulators - including full-size Ariane 5 and Mir modules.
It’s a fun, futuristic destination that once again nods to Toulouse’s space-age legacy - ideal if you're after something beyond cobbled streets and cafes.
Jardin Royal
Tucked just off the main thoroughfares, Jardin Royal is a beautifully landscaped English-style garden created in the 18th century.
The garden features a duck pond, a selection of statues, and an incredible backdrop looking out onto the nearby streets.
Summary
Toulouse is more than stone façades and cycling stripes, it’s a city of riverside calm, Romanesque power, and inspiring high-tech artistry.
Whether you're watching the riders assemble at Place du Capitole or cruising by the canal, Stage 11 offers the perfect escape outside of chasing down the yellow jersey.
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