A Week in the Pink City: Toulouse, France

Overview

A Week in the Pink City: Toulouse, France
Toulouse, France
Oct 1 - 7, 2026
Chelsey Andrews image
Chelsey Andrews
$3,200
Deposit: $1,000
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Travel to Toulouse, France with me!

Enjoy a true slow travel experience with six days and seven nights in Toulouse, France.

Experience the city like a local as we visit bustling markets, browse a beloved flea market, learn the art of traditional pastel dyeing, and share delicious meals together.

You'll have plenty of free time to discover Toulouse in your own way wander into a charming café, visit a museum, explore historic churches, shop local boutiques, or simply relax along the banks of the Garonne River.

Toulouse will be our home base, with the option to take an easy day trip by train to nearby destinations such as Albi, home to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, or the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.

Along the way, you'll connect with fellow travelers through shared experiences while still enjoying the freedom to create your own adventure.

My hope is that you'll leave with more than photographs and souvenirs. You'll leave with favorite cafés, familiar streets, new friendships, and memories of living in Toulouse, if only for a little while.

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Day 1

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Arrive in Toulouse, France and a welcome dinner!

  • Arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).

  • Check-in at your accommodation.

  • Welcome dinner at a local Toulousain restaurant.

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Day 2

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Explore the market and Toulouse!

  • Breakfast on your own. A list of bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores will be provided to you.

  • Meet at MARCHE COUVERT VICTOR HUGO (Victor Hugo covered market) for a guided tour and lunch.

  • Free time to explore Toulouse! I will provide a list of thrift and antique shops, local boutiques, museums, boat canal tours, and more for you to use.

  • Dinner on your own. A list of restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores will be provided.

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Day 3

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French antique market and pastel dying class

  • Breakfast on your own. A list of bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores will be provided to you..

  • Meet and as a group take the metro to explore “BROCANTE DES ALLÉES” (flea market).

  • Lunch on your own. There are food carts at the antique market, or walk to a nearby restaurant.

  • Free time to explore Toulouse before our pastel class. I will provide a list of things to you can explore.

  • Pastel dying class at ESPACE PASTEL.

  • Dinner on your own. A list of restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores will be provided.

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Day 4

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Local Toulouse lunch, exploring, and a picnic dinner by the water!

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Day 5

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Cheese and wine tour and shopping day.

  • Breakfast on your own. A list of bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores will be provided to you..

  • Private cheese and wine tour with the group during lunch time.

  • Free time to explore Toulouse! I will provide a list of thrift and antique shops, local boutiques, museums, boat canal tours, and more for you to use.

  • Dinner on your own.

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Day 6

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Last day in Toulouse and goodbye dinner.

  • Breakfast on your own. A list of bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores will be provided to you.

  • This day is yours to do as you wish! Explore Toulouse to visit any shops or sites you may have missed. Or, take a one hour train or bus ride to Albi or Carcassonne! Albi is home to the Sainte-Cécile cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum. Just over an hour away is the medieval city of Carcassonne. In Carcassonne you can tour the castle and walk the ramparts. There are also many restaurants and shopping to enjoy.

  • Final dinner with the group at a local Toulousain restaurant.

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Day 7

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Travel home today

  • Breakfast on your own and check out of your accommodation.

  • Travel to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) for your flight home.

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Is This Trip for You?

This trip was designed for travelers who want to experience France at a slower pace and spend time getting to know a place beyond the highlights.

You may enjoy this trip if you:

  • Love exploring local markets, cafés, and neighborhoods.

  • Enjoy having a mix of planned activities and free time.

  • Appreciate art, history, food, and everyday French culture.

  • Like the idea of settling into one city rather than rushing from place to place.

  • Enjoy wandering, discovering hidden gems, and following your curiosity.

  • Value meaningful travel experiences and authentic connections.

  • Would like the support of a small group while still having plenty of independence.

Whether it's your first trip to France or your fifth, this experience is designed for travelers who want to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy Toulouse the way locals do.

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Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra Toulouse Centre

Check inThursday, Oct 1, 2026
Check outWednesday, Oct 7, 2026

Experience the charm of the Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra Toulouse Centre, located in the heart of Located on the iconic Place du Capitole in the heart of Toulouse, the Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra is one of the city's most elegant and historic hotels. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century convent, the hotel blends classic French charm with modern comfort, creating a peaceful retreat in the center of the bustling Pink City.

Guests can enjoy the hotel's flower-filled courtyard, refined interiors, and unbeatable location just steps from Toulouse's cafés, markets, shops, museums, and historic landmarks. Whether you're sipping a morning coffee before a day of exploring or returning after an evening stroll through the city, the Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra offers a welcoming and memorable place to call home during our week together in Toulouse.

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Apartment Accommodation Option

For travelers who prefer more space and the comforts of home, I can also help arrange a private apartment in Toulouse in place of the hotel stay.

Many of the apartments I stay in myself offer features such as a kitchen, living area, and additional space to relax throughout the week. Having a kitchen can be especially helpful for preparing breakfast, enjoying local market finds, or simply settling into the rhythm of daily life in Toulouse.

Apartments can also be a wonderful option for friends or family members traveling together. Sharing an apartment allows your group to stay together, enjoy common living spaces, and experience Toulouse more like a local resident than a hotel guest.

Because Toulouse is an old and historic city, apartment buildings often reflect that character. While they offer charm and a more local experience, they may not include the amenities and services of a traditional hotel. Some buildings do not have elevators, air conditioning can vary, and furnishings may differ from one apartment to another.

If you're interested in an apartment stay, please contact me before booking and I'll be happy to discuss available options and pricing.

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Minimum Participants

This tour requires a minimum of four travelers to operate.

While tour payments are non-refundable, there is one exception: if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the tour must be canceled, all payments made directly to the Tour Organizer will be fully refunded.

Participants will be notified at least 60 days before departure if the minimum number of travelers has not been met.

What's included

Accommodation

6 nights accommodation in Toulouse, France

Airport transfer

Transfers will be provided upon your arrival and when you leave

Four Group Meals

Group meals as outlined in the itinerary: Lunch on day four. Apero (enough food for dinner) on day four. Dinner on day one and six

Victor Hugo Market Tour

Substantial wine and food tastings (enough to replace lunch) and a guided tour of the market

Cheese and Wine Tour

Wine, cheese tastings, and a charcuterie platter for the group

Pastel Dying Class

Learn the art of pastel dying in this class

Welcome to Toulouse Bag

A goodie bag from me to help welcome you to this beautiful city

What's not included

Flights

Flight travel for this trip is not included

Travel Insurance

It’s not included, but highly recommended

Taxis, Train, or Metro

Any additional travel outside of the airport transfer is not provided

Additional Meals

Any meals or snacks not listed in the itinerary

Alcohol

Alcohol that is not mentioned in the itinerary (meals will not include alcohol, but you can purchase your own)

Hotel incidentals

Any fees, incidental charges, or damages incurred during your stay at the accommodation are the responsibility of the guest and are not included in the tour price

Photo gallery

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About your organizer

Hi, I'm Chelsey Andrews, creator of The Paper Mama and a longtime lover of travel, photography, trying new food, and discovering the beauty in everyday life. I believe some of the best travel experiences happen when we slow down, wander a little, enjoy a great meal, and leave room for unexpected discoveries.

France holds a special place in my heart, and I love sharing the culture, food, history, and simple joys that make it such a memorable place to visit. My goal is to create thoughtful, welcoming travel experiences that help travelers connect more deeply with the places they visit and the people they meet along the way.

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1. Toulouse, France

Toulouse, France
© 2026 Chelsey Andrews