A Solo Female Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Toulouse

As a solo female traveller who loves France, I always recommend adding cities beyond Paris to your itinerary. Travel in a major capital is exciting, of course, but after several trips to France, I’ve found that you forge deeper connections and create your most memorable moments in the country’s smaller cities. 

Most recently, I explored Toulouse, also known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City). Before visiting Toulouse, I was already fascinated to learn that many of the city’s historic buildings are constructed from warm pink terracotta bricks, which glow beautifully at sunset. After several European friends urged me to spend a weekend there, I suspected it would be a magical city for a solo escape, and I was right. 

An Easy Weekend from Paris 

Toulouse is in the Occitanie region of south-western France. At first, I wasn’t sure a four-and-a-half-hour TGV journey made sense on a nine-day trip, but Toulouse is remarkably accessible, even from Paris. As a woman travelling alone, I felt perfectly comfortable on the journey from Gare Montparnasse to Toulouse Matabiau. The direct train gave me time to unwind and plan my activities.  

A quick note: TGV trains are reservation-only, so book ahead to secure a seat. 

Stunning Walks and Architecture 

Despite being smaller than Paris, Toulouse offers plenty to keep a solo traveller busy for two or three days. I could easily have spent an entire week exploring Occitanie. 

Its walkability makes it ideal for travelling alone. The city is simple to navigate, even if you’re a bit anxious about solo travel, and most major attractions are within easy walking distance. 

Your “must-sees” will depend on your interests, but Place du Capitole should top the list. This elegant main square is filled with cafés perfect for enjoying a drink while admiring the Capitole de Toulouse, which is a gorgeous pink building that dominates one side of the plaza. 

I also loved visiting Toulouse’s exquisite churches. Solo travel is awe-inspiring and builds remarkable confidence, but it’s occasionally overwhelming, and stepping into a quiet sanctuary offers a much-needed moment to re-centre. Be sure to visit Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse, which is a UNESCO site, as well as Basilique Notre-Dame de la Daurade. 

Another favourite experience was an evening walk through the Carmes neighbourhood, a trendy area lined with boutiques and small restaurants. My dinner at La Cuisine À Mémé was especially memorable. The service was kind to solo diners, and their soup (the house speciality) was fantastic. 

A Nature Retreat in a City Atmosphere 

Toulouse gives solo travellers the best of both worlds: a lively urban atmosphere balanced with serene natural spaces. 

I highly recommend a sunset walk along the Garonne River, where you can admire the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques and the Pont Neuf. In the evenings, the riverbanks fill with students, families, and travellers. This area is an easy place to blend in and enjoy the view, without worrying whether or not you stand out. 

Another lovely spot to unwind is the Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis, a peaceful Japanese garden that felt especially welcoming during the hot August afternoons. 

For slow-paced exploration, Toulouse’s UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi is ideal. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, or simply sitting by the water, the canal is a relaxing retreat from the city centre. Adventurous solo travellers can even take a leisurely boat ride. 

Solo Dining Made Simple 

Solo dining is liberating once you get used to it, but sitting at a table alone can still feel intimidating in a brand new city. Luckily, Toulouse creates the perfect atmosphere for eating alone, and you’ll often see other solo diners, especially around lunchtime near Marché Victor Hugo. 

For breakfast, I adored Le Café Cerise, located right beside the river. Their brunch special, which consisted of avocado and egg toast, orange juice, coffee or tea, and a granola bowl, was one of my favourite meals of the trip. 

Lunch options near Marché Victor Hugo are plentiful, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Furthermore, plenty of food tours are available to guide you through the market. Organised food tours make it easy to sample all of Toulouse’s delicacies and make new friends at the same time.  

If you want a special solo dinner, book a spot at Cartouches, which has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent value and high-quality cooking. Cartouches is a small establishment, so reservations are highly recommended. The small bar is warm and cozy, which makes it perfect for treating yourself to a multi-course dinner. 

And, of course, you can’t leave Toulouse without trying cassoulet, the city’s signature dish of duck confit, white beans, and Toulouse sausage. A hearty French casserole is the perfect solo comfort meal, and you won’t have to share a bite. 

Connections with Locals 

As a woman travelling alone in Toulouse, I found the locals exceptionally welcoming and eager to talk about their city. I stayed at The Social Hub Toulouse, which was reasonably priced, centrally located, and had the kindest staff, who shared a lot of their favourite places with me. 

Thanks to the University of Toulouse, the city has a large student population, giving it a young, lively energy without feeling overwhelming or chaotic. 

Speaking a little French is certainly helpful, but you don’t need to be fluent to enjoy your stay. I especially enjoyed chatting with a cashier at The Bookshop, a charming and cosy English-language bookstore with a great selection of novels. It is an essential stop for solo travellers who love to read during those leisurely (and wonderful) meals. 

Solo Travel Safety in Toulouse 

Toulouse felt very safe throughout my visit. I explored the city both day and night and didn’t encounter the typical tourist scams that are more common in larger cities. 

It was easy to switch off, relax, and enjoy the churches, shops, and restaurants. Basic common sense is enough to stay safe here, though, as always, share your itinerary with someone you trust and consider purchasing travel insurance ahead of your trip. 

Public transport is efficient, safe, and simple to use. Tisséo’s metro and buses accept Apple Pay, so you can just tap your phone and board without worrying about tickets or day passes. Even without French, navigating the system was effortless. 

Easy Historical (and delicious) Day Trips 

Toulouse makes a brilliant base for day trips, especially for solo female travellers. 

Carcassonne is the region’s most popular excursion, and for good reason: it’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval walled cities. The train takes about an hour and is very straightforward with plenty of options throughout the day. 

Other wonderful towns include Albi (birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec) and Cordes-sur-Ciel, a stunning hilltop village. To maximise my time, I booked an Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel and Gaillac Day Tour with Ophorus. It was excellent, particularly since Gaillac wineries and Cordes are not easily accessible by public transport. The small group atmosphere made it effortless to connect with other travellers. Who wouldn’t want to make new friends over wine and fine art? 

Ultimately, Toulouse is a fantastic city for solo travel. A lively student energy, fascinating historic sites, delicious food, and peaceful natural spaces all blend together to create a destination that feels welcoming, manageable, and endlessly rewarding, whether it’s your first trip to France or your fiftieth. 

Lead photo credit : Toulouse Sunset © Rachel Miller @ Blond Wayfarer