Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)

Toulouse , France

Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)

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About this experience

Ever embarked on a food tour where your guide is a trained chef who doesn't just buy premade food from vendors but preps and plates some regional recipes on the spot for you? Join Chef Alejandro on a Toulouse food tour that's unlike any other. Our 4-hour walking food tour through the historic center of Toulouse features 6 stops, 6 stories, and 6 food samples.

We cover the most iconic monuments in the city, such as Place du Capitole, Basilique Saint-Sernin, Hôtel d'Assézat, Quai de la Daurade, and the largest covered market, Marché Couvert Victor Hugo. Our unique experience blends Toulouse's rich history with its vibrant culinary scene. From Roman times to the Middle Ages, each site in our Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef tells a story, enhanced with a traditional Southwestern French dish.

Ranked as a top experience among things to do in Toulouse, are you ready for this taste adventure?

Available options

Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)

What's included

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

Uncover the most beautiful of the 200 private mansions in town and learn how these families made their fortunes in the 16th century to afford such grand houses. Savor the city's most iconic baked good as you explore this architectural gem.

Learn about the great fire of Toulouse that burned down 85% of the city in the 15th century and changed its architecture forever. While taking in the views over the Garonne River, enjoy a sweet bite from the town's oldest pâtisserie.

Discover the oldest timber frame house in town, dating back to 1533.

Learn about a wrongful execution in the 18th century that changed the country's political future after the revolution. Enjoy a main course made with the region's star product, la véritable saucisse de Toulouse.

Trace the evolution of this square from a medieval rampart to an art-nouveau market, which ultimately became a brutalist car park built in concrete. Delight in an amazing cheese and wine pairing, highlighting artisanal and hyperlocal cheeses and wine.

Stop 6

Hear the story of the first Christian of Toulouse who fought against the Roman Empire. Savor the most famous dessert of Toulouse, a cake with a recipe that is over 2000 years old.

Explore the aviation history of Toulouse, uncovering why it became the aerospace hub of Europe and the headquarters of Airbus. Sample the most typical charcuterie product of this area.

Available languages

Guide guide

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We'll be eating on our feet, as there is NO SEATING in the tour - so wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared to stand/walk the whole time

Please alert us at least 24 hours in advance if you have food allergies or don't drink alcohol

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers

The minimum traveler to accommodate for this is 2

Meeting point

The tour starts in front of Hôtel d'Assézat. Your guide will be standing next to our black cargo bike, which is adorned with the pink Toulouse Gourmet Tours logo.

About Toulouse

Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) for its distinctive terracotta architecture, is a vibrant city in southern France. It's renowned for its aerospace industry, historic universities, and rich cultural heritage, making it a unique blend of innovation and tradition.

Top Attractions

Capitole de Toulouse

The Capitole is the heart of Toulouse, housing the city hall, a theater, and a famous square. Its pink brick facade is iconic.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore the square and exterior, guided tours available for a fee

Basilique Saint-Sernin

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Romanesque basilica is one of the largest remaining Romanesque buildings in Europe and a key stop on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Free entry, donations welcome

Cité de l'Espace

A space-themed park with interactive exhibits, simulators, and full-scale models of spacecraft. It's a must-visit for space enthusiasts.

Museum/Adventure Half day €25-€35 depending on the season and age

Jardin des Plantes

One of the oldest botanical gardens in France, featuring a diverse collection of plants, greenhouses, and a small zoo.

Nature 1-2 hours Free, small fee for greenhouses and zoo

Pont Neuf

The oldest bridge in Toulouse, spanning the Garonne River and offering beautiful views of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cassoulet

A rich, slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, meat (usually duck, goose, or sausage), and tomatoes.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with substitutions.

Saucisse de Toulouse

A traditional Toulouse sausage made from pork, garlic, and pepper, often grilled and served with bread and salad.

Snack/Dinner Contains pork.

Violette de Toulouse

A sweet, violet-flavored liqueur made from the flowers of the local violet plant, often served as a digestif.

Dessert Contains alcohol.

Confit de Canard

Duck legs slow-cooked in their own fat, served with potatoes or bread. A classic dish of the region.

Dinner Contains duck, high in fat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Pyrenees Canoeing on the Garonne River Hot air ballooning Picnicking in Jardin des Plantes Wine tasting in local vineyards Sunbathing by the Garonne River Visiting museums and galleries Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and lively atmosphere. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Occitan
English: Moderately spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Toulouse is generally a safe city for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution in less touristy areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less touristy areas

Getting there

By air

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Toulouse Matabiau

By bus

Toulouse Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with two lines (A and B) connecting key areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Saint-Pierre Carmès Saint-Cyprien Saint-Aubin

Day trips

Albi

80 km from Toulouse • Full day

A charming medieval city known for its stunning Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

Carcassonne

90 km from Toulouse • Full day

A fairytale-like medieval fortress city with a double-walled castle and a rich history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

70 km from Toulouse • Half day to Full day

A picturesque medieval village perched on a hill, known for its art galleries, cobblestone streets, and stunning views.

Festivals

Toulouse Festival • June Rio Loco Festival • June Fête de la Musique • June 21st

Pro tips

Use the Toulouse City Card for discounts on attractions and unlimited public transport
Visit the markets for authentic local products and a taste of the city's culture
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties like cassoulet, Saucisse de Toulouse, and violette de Toulouse liqueur
Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Albi, Carcassonne, or the Pyrenees for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture