The iconic and influential Lonely Planet guide has ranked Toulouse as the top city to visit in 2025.
The ranking forms part of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 guide and highlights the French city’s heritage, cultural scene, and leading quality of life.
“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world. While mindful of our responsibilities and impact as travellers, we’re proud of the destinations, journeys and experiences featured here, and are excited to share the local expertise and insight at the heart of these recommendations.” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, Content and Executive Editor.
“Wherever you are in the world, we’re confident Best in Travel brings fresh inspiration for the year ahead.”
The city’s art galleries, repurposed industrial sites, lively cafes, and high-level cuisine, combined with the leisurely ambiance along the sun-drenched banks of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, make this “Paris in miniature” an irresistible destination, according to Lonely Planet.
In 2025, the city will celebrate several emblematic anniversaries, such as the 500th anniversary of the Capitole dungeon, home to the Toulouse Tourist Office, and the 30th
anniversary of the Bemberg Foundation’s collection housed in one of the city’s
most beautiful Renaissance buildings.
Lonely Planet said of Toulouse: “Modern and cosmopolitan, the Pink City maintains its human dimension and can be easily visited on foot, by bike, or by boat on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Science and astronomy enthusiasts will find their happiness in Toulouse, the European capital of aeronautics and space. The city is home to many sites dedicated to scientific culture, such as the Cité de l’espace with its new immersive experience LuneXplorer, Aeroscopia and the new Airbus A321 English tour, the Envol des pionniers with its upcoming exhibition dedicated to Air France, or the Museum with its major temporary exhibition titled Giants.
“Designated UNESCO City of Music, Toulouse also plans a multitude of events, concerts, and festivals in 2025, following its grand Urban Opera, including a classical open-air concert around Bastille Day, a music summer at La Halle de La Machine or the Tour de France stage.
“Food lovers will be delighted by local specialties: foie gras, duck breast and confit, Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, cheeses, and the famous Toulouse violet. These delights can be enjoyed while strolling through the city’s markets, on a food tour, or in the many restaurants, guinguettes, on lively terraces, or at the heart of the brand-new Halles de La Cartoucherie.With its architectural gems, contemporary monuments, natural spaces, lively streets, and friendly atmosphere, Toulouse is a complete destination.”
