Toulouse Shopping and Districts

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

When it comes to shopping, Toulouse really does seem to have it all. Visitors staying in Toulouse can browse high street stores and gift shops, or enjoy a spot of window shopping in chic boutiques.

There is also plenty of opportunity to hunt for a bargain in the many antique shops around central Toulouse, or at an open-air bric-a-brac market. Local and regional specialties are also widely available.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

The majority of shops in Toulouse open from Monday to Saturday, but close on Sunday. Some of the smaller, independent shops may also close on Monday and also during August, when it's commonplace for shop owners to take their annual break.

Where to Shop

Shopping in Toulouse is centred around the Place du Capitale. Toulouse's busy and bustling Rue Saint Rome, just off the square, is a particularly good place to shop if you're looking for high-street shops and department stores.

Chic boutiques can be found lining much of the charming Rue de la Pomme. Clothes shops that cater for the large student population in Toulouse are also in abundance on the Rue du Taur.

Organic markets have become increasingly popular in French cities and Toulouse is no exception. The open air organic market on the Place du Capitole offers a true cornucopia of shopping opportunities, selling local fruit and vegetables, organic cheese and bread.

A few second-hand book dealers usually set up stalls on the corner of the Place du Capitole. On Wednesday, the market sells bric-a-brac. Other markets in Toulouse include a bric-a-brac market on place St. Sernin every Sunday and fresh produce at the covered market, Marché Victor Hugo.

Antique lovers will be delighted to discover Toulouse's antiques quarter, which is centred around the Rue Croix Baragnon and the Rue des Arts.