Summer on the banksof the Garonne
The Garonne has everything: an exceptional panorama with the Pont Neuf, the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques and the Dôme de la Grave, vast expanses of nature such as the Ile du Ramier and the Prairie des Filtres, as well as Guinguette bistros and many unique activities which will be set up during summer 2022 to ensure that visitors and locals alike enjoy themselves.
Water activities or just relaxing
For a smooth ride along the water, choose a stand-up paddle board or a canoe-kayak. Granhòta offers hire or a guided tour with an instructor. At a brisk or more relaxed pace, you can paddle along the peaceful Garonne while discovering one of the most beautiful views of the Ville Rose.
Those who prefer to glide past the imposing Pont Neuf can book a water-skiing or wakeboarding session with the La Péniche ski-club.
If you like boating without having to pull out the oars, you can follow a guided boat trip with on board the Bateaux Toulousains barge or take the helm of an electric boat provided by Les Caboteurs.
But you can also simply enjoy the gently flowing water as you watch the time pass by … Lying on a deckchair or on the lawn in the city centre, there is no shortage of ideal spots: in the Prairie des Filtres or on the Quai Viguerie during Toulouse Plages, on the steps in Place Saint-Pierre or at the bottom of the Raymond-VI Gardens. If you want to enjoy the sun or seek out the shade, the left bank is sunny in the morning and the right bank is sunny in the afternoon.
Guinguettes by the water’s edge
If you want a friendly atmosphere, you should visit a summer Guinguette. These pop-up restaurants set up from June onwards and offer food and tapas to share with breathtaking views of the river.
La Guinguette on the Quai de Tounis lets you enjoy the peace and quiet across from the lush green Prairie des Filtres. Aboard the barge Le Horizon, you can weigh anchor for a gourmet boat trip. The tables at Pêcheurs de Sable in Port de la Daurade are the perfect spot if you have kids, who can enjoy the playground next door in the shape of a boat. L’Écluse at the tip of the Ile du Ramier is a gourmet pavement café that sits beneath the shade of the plane trees. Heading up Racines, at the foot of the big wheel in Port Viguerie, is a team true lovers of gastronomy and local produce. The Ginguette Saint-Cyprien on the belvedere offers an exceptional view of both the Raymond-VI Gardens and the birds that fly above the Bazacle weir.
Outdoor concerts
Every summer, the Rio Loco festival welcomes world music on four stages located in the open air at the Prairie des Filtres. Concerts, DJ sets or contemporary circus, this year the festival is called "Rio Loco Nova Onda" with a focus on Portugal and its influence throughout the world.
From 15th to 19th June – Prairie des Filtres
Rio Loco
The major new event in the city is the Festival de Toulouse - Concerts under the stars and a programme of around twenty concerts and cine-concerts with great musical diversity, from classical to rap and touching also on pop. A big concert is planned for 16th July featuring some very special guests.
From 8th to 24th July –Raymond VI Gardens
Festival de Toulouse
Les Caboteurs electric boat hire; Granhota canoe hire; Horizon guinguette barge.
