The Top Things To See And Do In Carmes Toulouse

Just outside the center of Toulouse and cut-through by an ancient Roman road, is the historic district of Carmes. While the centrally located Carmelite convent and covered market have faded into history, visitors shouldn’t miss all that this lively neighborhood has to offer. Here is a list of the top things to see and do when in the area.

Place des Carmes, Toulouse, carrefour Place des Carmes – Rue du Languedoc – Rue du Canard

Marché des Carmes

While this covered market no longer dominates the center of the Places des Carmes, it certainly continues to be a neighborhood destination. Recently renovated, the Marché des Carmes offers those visitors lucky enough to have access to a kitchen a wide section of fresh produce, from meat to cheese, and much more, all six days a week. Those who don’t have access to a kitchen should be sure to stop by the market-based bistro, Jeannot Les Carmes; many of the ingredients used there come straight from the more than 50 vendors around all around.

Marché des Carmes, 2 Place des Carmes, Toulouse, France, +33 5 34 31 64 02

El CanailleLocated just steps from the Marché des Carmes, El Canaille is a deli, grocery and sandwich shop with a distinct Spanish flair. The grocery offers a myriad of products imported directly from Spain, such as sardines packed in their characteristic yellow tins, piquillo peppers, and – of course – ham. However, the real reason to come to El Canaille is for the Spanish-inspired sandwiches. Keep it simple and try the Serrano. Between the thin slices of melt-in-your-mouth ham and pleasantly chewy French baguette, what could go wrong?

El Canaille, 39 Place des Carmes, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 32 76 07

Place du Salin in Toulouse – Southwest exposure

Carmes/Place du SalinSometimes, one of the greatest ways to explore any part of a new city is to simply walk around. Carmes is the perfect district to spend the afternoon wandering aimlessly, largely due to its stunning architecture and wealth of charming little side streets. Be sure to stop in the Place du Salin. This large, park-like square in the heart of Carmes contains several historical sites worth seeing; the Church of St. Matthew, the old parliament building built on the site of the Château Norbonnais, and the former studio of photographer Eugène Trutat. Small markets tend to crop up each week as well as the famous garlic market, held every August 24th, marking the anniversary of the massacre of St. Bartholomew.

Carmes/Place du Salin, Toulouse, France

Garonne River/Le Pont Neuf

The Garonne River forms a large section of the Carmelite border. Once the city’s lifeline, this magnificent river is the perfect setting for a long afternoon walk. Not only are there stunning views of the city and the Prairie des Filtres located just on the opposite bank, all along the Quai de Touis are places you can stop to grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The Pont de Neuf, an asymmetrical stone bridge completed in 1632, marks the border between Carmes and the city center. At night, its seven arches glow ethereally in colorful light.

Garonne River/Le Pont Neuf, Toulouse, France, +33 5 62 26 09 74

1. Notre Dame de la Dalbade

Restaurant

Notre Dame de la Dalbade

Dating from the late 15th century, Notre Dame de la Dalbade was named for the white, lime-coated church that preceded it. Despite its rather austere exterior, which is typical of the Southern Gothic style, the interior of the church houses many notable works of art. Among them is a 16th century wooden Pietá, several paintings by Jean-Baptiste Despax, a stained glass rose window, and a 19th century organ. Don’t miss the artful 19th century tympanum by Gaston Virebent as you walk through the main entrance either.

Notre Dame de la Dalbade, 28 Rue de la Dalbade, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 55 20 50

Metz street, in Toulouse, view from the place du pont neuf. | © Dider Descouens/WikiCommons

2. PY-R Restaurant

Restaurant, French, European, Vegetarian

A member of the Château & Hotels Collection, PY-R Restaurant is a locus of modernity in the heart of the historic district of Carmes. Chef and owner Pierre Lambinon, a native of Toulouse, takes inspiration from traditional specialties of the region and reinvents them to match the avant-gardism of space in which he serves his customers five days per week. Some of his specialties include boiled egg with cream of corn, a Moroccan take on duck confit, and sesame caramel. Nice.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.