Toulouse Shopping Map: Enjoy Shopping in the Pink City
Toulouse, a city in southern France known as the “Pink City”, attracts countless tourists with its unique red brick architecture, long history and rich cultural atmosphere. In addition to charming attractions and food, Toulouse is also a shopping paradise, with everything from high-end fashion brands to traditional handicrafts, from lively markets to specialty shops.
Ⅰ. Fashion Shopping District
1. Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine
Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine is one of the most famous shopping streets in Toulouse, bringing together many French and international brands such as The Kooples, Le Comptoir des Cotonniers, Nicolas Tourrel and Marc Deloche. The elegant architectural style and comfortable shopping environment here are a must-see for fashion lovers.
Location: City center, near Capitole metro station
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Transportation: Metro Line A or Line B to Capitole station
2. Rue Saint-Rome
Rue Saint-Rome is a lively pedestrian street lined with a variety of fashion shops, jewelry stores, and cosmetics stores. There are both well-known brands and independent shops of local designers, suitable for tourists looking for unique fashion items.
Location: Connects Capitole Square and Esquirol metro station
Opening hours: Most stores are open from Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Capitole or Esquirol station
3. Rue Croix-Baragnon
Rue Croix-Baragnon is Toulouse’s high-end shopping street, with many luxury brands and boutiques such as Scotch & Soda, Eden Park, etc. The red brick buildings and exquisite iron balconies on both sides of the street add an elegant atmosphere to shopping.
Location: City center, near Saint-Etienne Cathedral
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Transportation: Metro Line B to Carmes Station
II. Special markets and handicrafts
1. Marché Victor Hugo
Marché Victor Hugo is the most famous food market in Toulouse, with more than 80 stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood and cheese. There are also several restaurants on the second floor of the market, serving traditional Toulouse dishes.
Location: Place Victor Hugo
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 07:00–13:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Jean Jaurès Station
2. Marché des Carmes
Marché des Carmes is a more intimate market that focuses on organic and local products. Stalls include butchers, fishmongers, bakeries and cheese shops. There are also many cafes and bars around the market, which is a good place to experience local life.
Location: Place des Carmes
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 07:00–13:00
Transportation: Metro Line B to Carmes Station
3. Marché Saint-Aubin
Marché Saint-Aubin is an outdoor market held every Sunday around the Saint-Aubin Church. Stalls include organic produce, handicrafts, second-hand books and international cuisine. The market atmosphere is lively and there are often street performers.
Location: Place Saint-Aubin
Opening hours: Sunday 07:00–14:00
Transportation: Metro Line B to François Verdier Station
4. Marché Saint-Cyprien
Marché Saint-Cyprien is a historic market that retains the 19th-century architectural style. The stalls include fruits, vegetables, cheeses and delicatessen. The market is small, but the prices are affordable and suitable for daily purchases.
Location: Place Intérieure Saint-Cyprien
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 07:00–13:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Saint-Cyprien – République Station
III. Specialty shops and souvenirs
1. La Maison de la Violette
La Maison de la Violette is a barge shop on the Canal du Midi that specializes in violet-related products such as perfumes, candies, jams and decorations. Violets are a symbol of Toulouse and are very meaningful as souvenirs.
Location: Canal du Midi, near the train station
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Transportation: Walk or ride to Canal du Midi
2. Santa Rosa Parfumerie
Santa Rosa Parfumerie is a traditional perfume shop that displays a variety of perfumes and skincare products, including brands such as Frederic Malle, Penhaligons and Aqua di Parma. The interior of the store is elegantly decorated with a retro feel.
Location: 11 Rue Antonin Mercié
Opening hours: Monday 14:00–19:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:30–19:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Capitole
3. Le Paradis Gourmand
Le Paradis Gourmand is a confectionery that offers a wide range of sweets and candies, especially chocolates and candies featuring violets. The store also sells vintage-style candy jars and other souvenirs.
Location: 45 Rue des Tourneurs
Opening hours: Monday 14:00–19:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Esquirol
4. Fromagerie Betty
Fromagerie Betty is a famous cheese shop that offers high-quality cheeses from all over France, including hard cheeses from the Pyrenees and Brie. Located in the Victor Hugo and Carmes markets, the store is a cheese lover’s paradise.
Location: 21 Place Victor Hugo
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 09:30–13:15, 15:30–19:15; Friday to Saturday 09:30–19:30; Sunday 09:30–13:15
Transportation: Metro Line A to Jean Jaurès Station
IV. Shopping malls and department stores
1. Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is a well-known French department store. Its branch in Toulouse is located in the city center, offering a variety of high-end brands of clothing, cosmetics, household items, etc. The mall is spacious and bright, equipped with fashionable display areas and a diverse food area, making it an ideal place for shopping and leisure.
Location: 4-8 Rue Lapeyrouse, near Capitole metro station
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00
Transportation: Metro Line A to Capitole station
2. Centre Commercial Saint-Georges
Centre Commercial Saint-Georges is one of the main shopping malls in Toulouse, with many clothing, home furnishing and electronic product brands. There are also many cafes and restaurants in the mall, which is suitable for rest and relaxation after shopping.
Location: Rue Saint-Jérôme, within walking distance of Capitole Square
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:30
Transportation: Metro Line A to Capitole Station
V. Shopping Tips
Tax refund benefits: Non-EU tourists can apply for a tax refund (Tax Refund) when purchasing goods worth a certain amount (usually 175 euros) in Toulouse. Please remember to ask for a tax refund form (Formulaire de détaxe) at the store and go through the relevant procedures at customs when leaving the EU.
Business hours reminder: Most stores are closed on Sundays. If you want to experience the market or specialty shops, you can choose to visit on Saturday or Sunday; the market usually closes before noon.
Payment method: Most stores accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), but small market stalls may only accept cash. It is recommended to carry a small amount of euro change with you.
Bring your own eco-friendly bags: Most French stores no longer provide plastic bags for free. Remember to bring your own eco-friendly shopping bags, which is both environmentally friendly and convenient.
Shopping in Toulouse is more than just shopping – it’s an intimate encounter with local culture, history and lifestyle. Wandering through the boutiques of Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine or immersing yourself in the French lifestyle in the lively atmosphere of Marché Victor Hugo makes shopping even more meaningful.
Whether you’re into fashion and luxury goods or prefer handicrafts and authentic cuisine, Toulouse has a unique shopping map for you.
