One of the perks of living in Toulouse is the access to Occitanie, which means typical south of France charm and underrated villages. Think all the south of France elements, with fewer crowds than you would find in Provence.
I don’t think life in Toulouse is complete without regular day trips in Occitanie. The city and the region really complete each other. And there are MANY options, so I have gathered the best places and created this practical guide.
Whether you have a car or not, and whether you have a lot of time or not, this should help. If you want more guidance, my Toulouse and South West of France city guide will help you plan. And if you would like a fully personalised trip, that’s possible too.
Ok, here is my list.
Day trips from Toulouse by train (no car needed)
Toulouse is very well connected, so you can explore a lot of Occitanie without renting a car.
Montauban (about 30 min by train)
The easiest escape from Toulouse. Pretty red brick like its big sister, but calmer, with a beautiful central square, the Ingres museum and a lovely riverside. Perfect for a half day.
Carcassonne (about 1h by train)
The famous medieval fortified city, and it deserves its reputation. Go early or late in the day to enjoy the ramparts without the crowds, and don’t skip the lower town for lunch.
Albi (about 1h by train)
A UNESCO-listed town with a spectacular red brick cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum. Walk along the Tarn river for the best views. Easy and rewarding.
Narbonne (about 1h15 to 1h30 by train)
Often overlooked, and I love that. Come for the covered market (Les Halles), the canal and a more Mediterranean feel. A great way to taste the south without the Riviera prices.
Sète (about 2h by train)
The seaside option. A canal town known as the “Venice of Languedoc”, with fresh seafood, oysters from the Étang de Thau and a really authentic port atmosphere. A long day, but so worth it in summer.
Figeac (about 2h by train)
A charming medieval town in the Lot, birthplace of Champollion, with narrow streets and honey-coloured stone houses. Slow, pretty and very quiet.
Perpignan (about 2h30 by train)
Catalan vibes, palm trees and a completely different energy. Visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and enjoy the tapas. Ideal if you are happy to stay overnight.
Day trips from Toulouse by car
Using a car usually means more remote places, but trust me, if they are in this list they are really worth it. These are the villages that make you feel like you have the place to yourself.
Mirepoix (about 1h15)
A medieval bastide town with timber-framed houses and one of the prettiest squares in the region. Very popular with international visitors in the know. Its Monday market is a must.
Cordes-sur-Ciel (about 1h15)
A hilltop medieval village that seems to float above the clouds on misty mornings. Climb the steep streets, visit the artisan workshops and enjoy the views.
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (about 1h30)
One of my favourites. A real village with a market, a river, medieval houses and a very local feel. Come on Sunday morning for the market.
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (about 1h30)
A tiny village at the foot of the Pyrenees, crowned by a cathedral with an incredible setting. Peaceful, authentic and ideal for combining with the mountains.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (about 2h15)
Regularly named one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched above the Lot river. Pure postcard material.
Rocamadour (about 2h30)
A dramatic village built into a cliff, and a major pilgrimage site. It’s a longer drive, so combine it with another stop in the Lot.
Plan your Occitanie day trips
Now you have plenty of ideas for exploring the region from Toulouse. If you want to make the most of your time, my Toulouse and South West of France city guide includes my favourite addresses, local tips and practical advice so you can plan without stress. And if you would like a trip designed just for you, get in touch here.
FAQ: Day trips from Toulouse
What is the best day trip from Toulouse without a car?
Albi and Carcassonne are my top picks. Both are about 1 hour by train, easy to walk around once you arrive, and packed with history.
What is the easiest day trip from Toulouse?
Montauban. It is only about 30 minutes by train, so you can go for a morning or an afternoon without feeling rushed.
Which day trip from Toulouse is best for a first visit?
Carcassonne for the medieval atmosphere, or Albi if you prefer a mini pink city, smaller town with a great cathedral and museum.
Can I do a day trip to the seaside from Toulouse?
Yes, Sète is about 2 hours by train and is a lovely option for seafood and canal views. It makes for a long day, so start early.
What are the best villages near Toulouse?
Cordes-sur-Ciel, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Mirepoix are some of my favourites. You will need a car to reach them comfortably and enjoy your time there with no rush.
Do I need to rent a car to explore Occitanie?
Not for the main towns, which are well connected by train. But a car can be very useful for the smaller villages and for combining several stops in one day.
My Toulouse and SW City Guide 🇫🇷
👉 Buy my city guide to visit Toulouse and South West of France like a local and be amazed by what the Pink city has to offer. +160 places, itineraries, day trips ideas and a Google Maps with places all over the region.
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