Toulouse, often referred to as the “Pink City” due to its signature pink terracotta buildings, is a photographer’s paradise. From its stunning historical landmarks to its serene canals and bustling squares, Toulouse offers a variety of spectacular views that are perfect for capturing on camera. I’ve spent a great deal of time exploring Toulouse, not only for its beauty but also for its many hidden gems that offer the best photo opportunities.
I’ll be taking you through some of the most scenic spots in Toulouse, perfect for getting that perfect shot. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual traveler with a smartphone, these locations are sure to inspire you. Along the way, I’ll share some photography tips, things to watch out for, and practical advice on getting around the city efficiently. So grab your camera and let’s dive into the best spots to get amazing views in Toulouse!
1. Pont Neuf: A Classic View of Toulouse’s Skyline
Why It’s Great for Photos:
The Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Toulouse, provides an incredible view of the city, especially during sunset. With its iconic stone arches stretching over the Garonne River, it offers a beautiful composition for photography. On one side, you have views of the majestic Capitole de Toulouse, and on the other, the Pont des Catalans and the southern part of the city.
Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour: If you want to capture Toulouse at its most magical, head to Pont Neuf during the golden hour, which happens shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm light during this time gives the city’s pink buildings a soft glow, enhancing the texture and colors of the scene.
- Wide-Angle Lens: To capture the full span of the bridge and the river, a wide-angle lens is a great choice. It allows you to incorporate both the structure of the bridge and the sprawling cityscape in one frame.
- Reflections in the River: If you’re shooting at sunset or early in the morning, you’ll likely catch the reflections of the city and the sky in the Garonne River. These reflections make for beautiful, symmetrical shots.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Crowds: Pont Neuf is a popular tourist spot, especially in the evenings. Try to visit either early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid crowds in your photos.
- Traffic: The bridge is still in use for traffic, so it might be tricky to take pictures from the center of the bridge if you’re not familiar with the flow of cars. Stay safe by choosing a good spot on the pedestrian path.
How to Get There:
The Pont Neuf is easily accessible by walking from Toulouse’s Capitole Square. From Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau, you can take the Metro Line A to Jean-Jaurès station, which is about a 10-minute walk away.
2. Basilique Saint-Sernin: The Historic Church with a View
Why It’s Great for Photos:
The Basilique Saint-Sernin, one of the most significant Romanesque buildings in Europe, is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also offers fantastic views of the surrounding streets and the city from its tower. The basilica itself is a magnificent subject for photography, with its striking bell tower and detailed facades.
Photography Tips:
- Exterior Shots: To get a good shot of the basilica’s impressive architecture, step back a little to capture the full grandeur of the structure. I recommend shooting from the front, where you can get both the church’s façade and the surrounding Place Saint-Sernin square in your frame.
- Interior Shots: The basilica’s interior is just as stunning, with intricate stonework and soaring columns. To capture the grandeur of the space, use a wide-angle lens and take photos at a low angle to emphasize the height of the arches.
- Climbing the Tower: If you’re up for a challenge, climbing the basilica’s tower rewards you with panoramic views of the city. It’s a little tight inside, but once at the top, you’ll be able to shoot the rooftops and canals of Toulouse from a higher vantage point.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Opening Hours: If you want to climb the tower for the view, note that it’s only open during specific hours. Check in advance, as it may be closed on certain days or during church services.
- Lighting Inside: Inside the basilica, lighting can be a bit tricky since there are a lot of shadows and dim spots. A higher ISO setting on your camera will help, or if you’re using a phone, increase the exposure manually.
How to Get There:
The basilica is located near the Carmes neighborhood, just a short walk from Capitole Square. You can get there by metro (Line A to Carmes station) or by walking through the charming streets of Toulouse.
3. Parc de la Prairie des Filtres: Riverside Serenity and City Views
Why It’s Great for Photos:
For a more peaceful scene with a balance of natural beauty and urban landscape, Parc de la Prairie des Filtres is the place to go. Situated along the Garonne River, this park offers excellent views of Toulouse’s iconic Pont Saint-Pierre and the surrounding greenery. You can capture the vibrant blue skies, the reflection of the river, and the stunning architecture of the bridge all in one shot.
Photography Tips:
- Sunset Shots: The park is ideal for capturing sunset views, with the Pont Saint-Pierre beautifully lit against the orange and purple hues of the sky. Make sure your camera is set to capture the changing light conditions.
- Composition: To create depth in your photos, incorporate elements from the park’s lush greenery. The trees and wide open spaces help create a balanced composition, leading the viewer’s eye toward the distant bridge and city skyline.
- Long Exposure: If you want to create smooth, misty effects on the water, use a long exposure technique. This can create a beautiful contrast between the stillness of the river and the dynamic architecture in the distance.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Time of Day: The park is lovely to visit any time of day, but the lighting conditions will vary depending on the time. Midday can be harsh, so early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light.
- Busy on Weekends: The park is popular with locals and tourists, particularly on weekends. For the best photos, aim to visit early in the morning or during weekdays when it’s quieter.
How to Get There:
The park is located near Place Saint-Pierre, which is easily accessible from Jean-Jaurès metro station (Line A or Line B). From there, it’s just a short walk along the river to the park.
4. La Daurade: A Scenic Spot for River and City Views
Why It’s Great for Photos:
One of the hidden gems of Toulouse, La Daurade is a waterfront square located next to the Garonne River. It offers fantastic views of the river, along with the classic Pont Neuf in the background. The square itself is dotted with palm trees, and the church of La Daurade adds an architectural element to the scenic view.
Photography Tips:
- Wide-Angle Shots: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping views of the river and the bridge. The palm trees in the square provide great framing elements for your photos.
- Reflections at Dawn: If you’re an early riser, dawn at La Daurade is perfect for capturing serene river reflections with soft early light. The waters often stay calm at this time, creating symmetrical, postcard-like shots.
- Night Photography: The area around La Daurade is beautifully lit in the evening, with the bridge and buildings glowing softly in the night. This is a fantastic time to experiment with night photography using long exposures.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Traffic Noise: Since this spot is located by a busy road, you might encounter some noise from traffic. However, it’s still a great location for photos, especially if you can time your visit when fewer people are around.
- Lighting: If you’re capturing La Daurade in the evening, keep in mind that lighting changes quickly. Make sure you’re ready with your camera settings before the light fades.
How to Get There:
La Daurade is located near the Capitole district, easily accessible by foot from Place du Capitole. It’s also reachable by metro (Line A to Capitole) and a short walk along the river.
5. Cité de l’Espace: An Out-of-This-World View
Why It’s Great for Photos:
If you’re looking for something a little different, Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse’s aerospace museum, offers unique photo opportunities with its futuristic structures and exhibits. While the views from here are more modern than historic, the museum provides an excellent spot for capturing a different side of Toulouse. From the Ariane Rocket to the space observatory, it’s a truly out-of-this-world experience.
Photography Tips:
- Aerial Views: The observation tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. A telephoto lens can help you capture the details in the city
scape and distant landscapes.
- Contrast: The modern architecture of Cité de l’Espace offers an interesting contrast to the city’s historic areas, so experiment with framing shots that highlight this juxtaposition.
- Interactive Exhibits: Take photos of the interactive exhibits, which feature models of space stations and rockets. You can try different compositions to make these subjects look as dynamic as possible.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Ticket Purchase: While Cité de l’Espace is an exciting location, it does require a ticket. Be sure to check in advance for opening hours and any special events that might be taking place.
How to Get There:
Cité de l’Espace is located about 7 km southeast of the city center. You can easily reach it by taking metro Line B to Raynal station, followed by a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk.
Toulouse offers an abundance of picturesque locations perfect for photography, whether you’re capturing the iconic Pont Neuf at sunset, snapping shots of the Basilique Saint-Sernin, or simply enjoying the peaceful serenity of Parc de la Prairie des Filtres. With a bit of planning, an eye for composition, and some time to explore, you can take home stunning photos that will remind you of your wonderful time in the “Pink City.”
So grab your camera, explore these locations, and let Toulouse’s beauty speak through your photos.
