Top 15 Best Waterfront Hangouts in Toulouse to Cool Off This Summer!

The Floating +: The Canoeists

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From Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 PM to midnight, come visit Les Canotiers. Set on a floating platform, this charming spot has it all: creamy burrata, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, tasteful decor, the Garonne River as a backdrop, servers in sailor stripes, and a relaxed vibe that sways gently with the current. It's the kind of place you arrive at for happy hour and leave… much later! Oops!

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The + countryside: The Gardens of Candie

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Nestled in a green corner surrounded by vines and twinkling lights, these gardens exude a chic countryside vibe. Everything here is local: the wine comes from the estate's vineyards, the grilled dishes are cooked over vine shoots, and the music flows from the heart. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, hosting concerts on Wednesdays and DJ sets on the weekends. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the concrete jungle!

The Most Secretive: Le Gros Arbre Guinguette

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We are now introducing Gros Arbre, which, as the name suggests, is located under a BIG TREE, specifically a hundred-year-old Lebanese cedar. It's the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitif and chat in the refreshing air surrounded by an amazing setting. It’s cozy, warm, and almost secret... Definitely one to keep in your favorites!

La + panoramique : La Guinguette de l’Observatoire

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Perched on the heights of Pech-David, it offers one of the most beautiful views of Toulouse. You can get there by foot, by car, or by cable car, and then settle in to watch the sky light up. Tapas, burgers, craft beers... it makes you want to change the world until the last light of day.

La + festive : Chez Molly

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Chez Molly is all about a festive vibe under the palm trees with XXL tapas, DJ sets, and a white dress code to party until the early hours. You come here to snack on empanadas and smash burgers or simply raise a toast with friends. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, and that’s just perfect!

La + tropicale : La Porte des Caraïbes

Elle fait partie des nouvelles guinguettes toulousaines à découvrir et elle fait fort ! Autrefois un restaurant antillais, cette guinguette a su garder son âme d'antan en proposant des accras, nems, samoussas et cocktails exotiques au rhum arrangé. Le tout dans une ambiance colorée et dansante, portée par des playlists qui font voyager. On a-dore !

La + bouillante : La Friche 

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An old warehouse turned into a temple of street food and celebrations? Yes, we're talking about La Friche and its 1,200 m² filled with food trucks, DJ sets, games, and fun activities… It's buzzing, it's laughing, it's sharing meals and drinks under the neon lights. A truly urban hive, laid-back and lively.

La + ludique : Biergarten Purpan

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Darts, foosball, Mölkky, arcade games, and even a bit of pétanque: at Biergarten Purpan, it's a real XXL happy hour experience! Between games, you can order a cocktail or a nice cold beer. On weekends, there are also artisan markets, clothing sales, and concerts. It's a solid 10/20, well done team!

The + chill: Les Terrasses de l’Atelier

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Let’s introduce you quickly to the Terrasses de l'Atelier: 600 m² of terrace space, pallet furniture, a lawn shaded by umbrellas, and the sizzle of barbecues. Got the vibe now? We gather in groups, play a game of pétanque, or just let time drift by. Chill, simple, effective—just the way we love it!

La + bucolique : Guinguette Min-ou

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Now we find ourselves at the Grand Marché MIN in Toulouse to explore this guinguette. Checkered tablecloths, fairy lights, and pétanque—everything is set for a lovely evening! The market spirit is alive with Occitanie products for aperitifs, fresh tapas, and salads. It's the perfect plan to feel like you're somewhere else without leaving the city.

La + italienne : La Guinguette du Busca

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Located in the heart of the International City of Researchers, la Guinguette du Busca is truly the spirit of La Compagnie Française but with a summery twist: a terrace, Italian specialties, cocktails, and a family-friendly vibe (but not boring!). Open from Monday to Friday, 6 PM to midnight, it's the perfect spot to wrap up your day beautifully!

The Secret Spot: Chut Guinguette

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A secret garden, sheltered from noise and the world, that's the vibe at Chut Guinguette where you can unwind from Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 2 PM. It's the perfect spot to enjoy great food and drinks while soaking in a peaceful moment, ideal for a lovely evening without the hustle and bustle.

La + bohème : L’Éphémère Guinguette

Située à quelques minutes de Toulouse, elle revient pour une nouvelle saison festive (la 14ᵉ rien que ça) ! Des concerts live de jazz manouche, de rock et des musiques du monde sont organisés. Vous pourrez vous désaltérer avec leur buvette associative et vous remplir la pense avec leur cuisine du terroir au "Verdoyant Ephémère". Mention spéciale pour les dimanches musique live pour terminer la semaine comme il se doit.

La + balnéaire : La Pistoche

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A pool, palm trees, loungers, and a cocktail bar: everything here screams vacation! At La Pistoche, you can enjoy sharing platters or dance the night away on Thursdays. With this lively spot, trust me, summer doesn’t last just three months!

La + rafraîchissante : Le Petit Bikini

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Le Petit Bikini is like a fun playground for grown-ups: swimming pool, ping-pong, pétanque, darts, DJ sets, and themed afterworks (quizzes, pool parties…). You go there to chill, laugh, dance, and feel like you’re on vacation, even on a Tuesday night. And honestly, it works like a charm!