10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Toulouse

Victor Hugo Market is a historic farmers’ market in Toulouse that still carries on its ancient traditions despite its modernised facility. Expect a lively atmosphere and a mix of aromas delighting your senses. The glass cases cleanly display colourful fresh produce, fish, seafood, meats and speciality cheeses. Smell the freshly baked bread as you wander past bakeries and feast your eyes on the mouthwatering steaks and sausages.

After you’ve taken in the many stalls and chatted with the friendly vendors, take a seat at a café or choose a spot at a restaurant on the top floor. Arrive early to get the best selection and be sure to bring cash – not all vendors take cards.

Historic Rue Saint Rome in Toulouse is where you can get the authentic French feel as you stroll down the street. This busy cobblestoned route has a rich mix of old architecture, high-end shops and nightclubs. Once home to famous French philosophers and even royalty, Rue Saint Rome is now home to designer boutiques. You will find trendy clothing, shoe, souvenir and gourmet food shops along its length.

Toulouse is nicknamed “the city of violets”, and on Rue Saint Rome you’ll find a variety of locally made violet products. Choose from violet perfumes, candies or liquors as a fragrant keepsake of your trip.

Rue Alsace Lorraine is buzzing daily with activity as visitors stop by its fashionable shops and historic points of interest. Put on your walking shoes and feel the essence of Toulouse as you explore this area.

You will pass beautifully arched building fronts, monuments and many trendy shops. Browse through department stores as well as fashionable clothing and accessory shops. Quality local products like fine chocolates, natural soaps and violet cosmetics are must-buys here.

Galeries Lafayette is a well-organised department store in Toulouse boasting many popular brands. Take some time to browse through several floors of clothing, accessories, perfumes and makeup. The patient staff will help you find what you’re looking for. Visit on a sales day for particularly great discounts.

When you’re ready for a break, head up to the restaurant on the top floor. Here you can take in the magnificent cityscapes of Toulouse, enjoy the sunset and relax after a day of shopping.

Carmes Market in Toulouse offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere with its many fresh food stalls and friendly merchants. Work up an appetite as you take in all the scents and colours around you. You’ll find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, sausages, foie gras, cheese and fresh oysters. The vendors are happy to chat, sharing advice for cooking and some giving out samples.

The market is busy but not very crowded, though it’s still best to arrive early if you want to visit the bakery. You’ll understand why it attracts quite a queue when you get a whiff of its freshly baked bread. Don't miss the wine-by-the-litre stall where you can bring your own container and have it filled.

The sophisticated Rue Croix-Baragnon in Toulouse is an elegant street of red bricks, dark wood and intricately-adorned iron terraced buildings. The impressive architecture is the perfect backdrop for a luxurious shopping experience. Here, you can browse glamourous boutiques like Scotch & Soda as well as big stores like Eden Park to find special pieces to add to your wardrobe from top designers.

Have a break and sip coffee at one of the chic cafés before you continue down the street, which leads to Place Saint Etienne and its grand cathedral.

Saint Georges District is a popular shopping area in Toulouse that attracts a steady flow of locals and visitors. There are plenty of shops where you will find everything from sportswear to jewellery. Spend some time browsing the stores then lunch at a restaurant or grab a coffee from a terraced café.

You will enjoy the relaxed walk in Saint Georges District, with its pleasant greenery and pretty fountain decorated with scrolls and dolphins. Head here early in the morning if you want to catch the fresh food market that organises around the fountain.

Centre Commercial Gramont is a grand shopping complex in Toulouse with an assortment of stores, restaurants, a supermarket, food stalls and bakeries. It has shops specialising in fashion and jewellery, as well as electronics and gadgets. The centre is easily accessed by the metro and there’s free parking if you are driving.

Visit the giant, well-stocked grocery store and check out their huge fresh fish and seafood section where you can pick up some sushi freshly prepared onsite. Make an evening of it by heading to the bowling alley to enjoy a fun round with friends or family.

Centre Commercial Carrefour Toulouse Purpan is a large shopping mall in the north of Toulouse with over 50 stores and restaurants. It offers a wide selection of fashion, sportswear, homewares, cosmetics and books.

Besides shopping, the mall also regularly holds shows and concerts – visit the ticketing office to buy certain concert passes. After all the shopping, you can also opt to relax at the convenient seating areas and play spaces where the kids can roam. You can also take a break with a cool beer at the outdoor café.

Les Boutiques Saint George is a bright and contemporary commercial centre in Toulouse. You can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience here, as the mall is well-kept and the array of fashion designer boutiques and retailers such as Sephora and Mango are neatly mapped.

Enjoy a relaxed shopping vibe as you browse the shops. Supermarché Casino is a big supermarket within Les Boutique Saint George. It’s also a great place for a meet-up with friends, with plenty of cafés and restaurants such as Café DEN and Buena Vista offering light bites, coffees and drinks.