Toulouse Parks and Gardens

(Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees, France)

Toulouse's 160 parks and gardens are a real treasure just waiting to be discovered. On top of these are dozens of other green spaces, including six 'green zones' located on the outskirts of Toulouse itself.

The many parks, tree-lined streets, squares, canal towpaths and small public gardens within the Toulouse area are all ideal places for a relaxing stroll or simply a great opportunity to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Here are Toulouse's main parks and gardens.

Le Jardin des Plantes

Address: Allee Frederic Mistral, Toulouse, France, FR
Created during the tumult of the French Revolution, this garden has since been turned into a much more peaceful area, beautifully presented with a wide variety of plants and trees. Le Jardin des Plantes is also popular with children in Toulouse, featuring a play area, model train, fairground rides and pony rides. The park is linked by a footbridge to the nearby Jardin Royal.
Open hours: daily - 07:45 to 19:00
Admission: free

Jardin Royal

Address: Rue du 8 Mai 1945, Toulouse, 31000, France, FR
Tel: +33 05 62 27 48 48
The Jardin Royal was the first public park to be constructed in Toulouse. Today, it is home to numerous exotic plants and beautiful flowers. Its tree-lined paths are always popular with visitors, particularly during the hot summer months, when shade is at a premium. The duck pond is always a firm favourite with children.
Open hours: daily, January - 07:45 to 18:00; February - 07:45 to 18:30; March - 07:45 to19:00; April - 07:45 to 20:00; May - 07:45 to 20:30; June to August - 07:45 to 21:00; September - 07:45 to 19:30; October - 07:45 to 18:30; November to December - 07:45 to 18:00
Admission: free

Jardin Compans Caffarelli

Created in 1981 on the site of a former military barracks, visitors to this lovely park can enjoy a gentle stroll along long paths that meander between flowerbeds. At the far end of the park, there is a Japanese Garden, complete with tea pavilion and exotic oriental planting. Toulouse's Jardin Compans Caffarelli also features a large lake, children's play area and refreshments kiosk.
Open hours: daily - 07:45 to 18:00
Admission: free

La Prairie des Filtres

This meadow runs along the banks of the River Garonne, between the Pont Neuf and Pont-Saint-Michel. Over the year, La Prairie des Filtres has been variously used as a rugby pitch, airplane runway and vegetable garden. Today, it is one of the most popular parks within Toulouse and also a venue for festivities, including the city's Bastille Day celebrations.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Le Jardin Raymond XVI

After a visit to Toulouse's contemporary art museum, Les Abattoirs, what better a way to spend a sunny afternoon, than by taking time out in this impressive park. Fine views over the River Garonne, a botanic garden and traditional carousel will keep the whole family amused when visiting Le Jardin Raymond XVI.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc du Ramier

Right in the city centre is the Parc du Ramier. Created on the île du Ramier as one of six green zones to give the people of Toulouse a chance to enjoy nature, as well as a whole host of recreational activities, it's certainly a popular place. In summer, a large outdoor pool is the ideal place for a swim. There's also a sandy beach, complete with tropical palms. In fact, the atmosphere and activities of this park are perfectly suited to entertaining the whole family.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free