Souvenir Shops Toulouse: Best Addresses & Tips
Must-Visit Addresses in Toulouse: Our Top 10
Capital of Occitanie and the fourth-largest city in France, Toulouse captivates with its pink brick and its southern way of life. Wandering its streets means diving into a unique mix of Occitan traditions, contemporary creativity, and generous gastronomy.
And to extend the experience once you’re back home, what better than bringing back an authentic souvenir… but you still need to know where to look!
Between tourist shops around the Capitole, artisan workshops in Les Carmes, and gourmet markets, the “Ville Rose” is full of treasures to slip into your suitcase.
And what if you could also claim back part of the VAT on your purchases as an international visitor? Interesting, right? Well, with Zapptax, that’s possible: it makes VAT refunds simple and flexible, even in small artisan shops.
In this article, discover:
- The emblematic districts for shopping in Toulouse
- The 10 must-visit souvenir shops in the city
- The typical souvenirs to bring back
- How to easily benefit from VAT refunds with Zapptax
A practical guide: understanding tax refund timelines.
In Summary
- Key districts: Capitole & Rue des Changes, Les Carmes, Saint-Cyprien
- Iconic souvenirs: Toulouse violet, pastel dye, cassoulet in a can, Armagnac, local art, aerospace souvenirs
- Our 10 favorite shops: artisanal, gourmet, and creative selection
- With Zapptax, combine all your purchases to reach the €100 threshold and claim back up to 90% of VAT
Where to Find the Best Souvenir Shops in Toulouse?
Toulouse has a walkable historic center where you can easily move from a sunny square to a charming cobblestoned lane. For souvenir shopping, some districts stand out for their richness and diversity of shops.
The Historic Center
The heart of Toulouse concentrates most tourist and artisan shops. Around Place du Capitole, Rue Saint-Rome, and Rue du Taur, you’ll find both traditional stores and hidden gems.
Les Carmes and Saint-Étienne
These refined neighborhoods are packed with creators, concept stores, and upscale shops. Perfect for elegant souvenirs such as artisanal ceramics or pastel-dyed textiles.
Victor Hugo Market
A must-visit for food lovers, this covered market is a goldmine of local delicacies: foie gras, cheeses, Toulouse sausage, pastries… A great opportunity to combine shopping with tasting.
The 10 Best Souvenir Shops in Toulouse
To avoid mass-produced trinkets and focus on authenticity, here’s a selection of Toulouse shops that showcase local know-how, regional gastronomy, and contemporary creativity.
1. La Maison de la Violette
Housed on a barge moored on the Canal du Midi, La Maison de la Violette celebrates Toulouse’s emblematic flower. Candies, syrups, jams, perfumes, soaps… violet is available in every form, with a refinement that embodies the Ville Rose.
📍 Péniche on the Canal du Midi, opposite 3 Boulevard Bonrepos, 31000 Toulouse
2. Le Paradis Gourmand
A true temple of indulgence, Le Paradis Gourmand offers sweet and savory specialties from the region: artisanal biscuits, chocolates, jams, cassoulet in a can… Perfect for bringing back a culinary souvenir that no one will resist.
📍 45 Rue des Tourneurs, 31000 Toulouse.
3. Marcel Toulouse
A concept store full of charm, Marcel Toulouse brings together a selection of 100% local items: vintage posters, tote bags, scented candles, home accessories, and artisan creations. Each piece tells a story of Toulouse, making it ideal for a unique gift.
📍 1 rue Baronie, 31000 Toulouse.
4. Macarel Tolosa
For a 100% Occitan souvenir, Macarel is the go-to. This boutique highlights the Occitan language and culture through T-shirts, mugs, posters, stickers, and humorous items. A quirky and authentic nod to bring back from Toulouse.
📍 13 rue du Taur, 31000 Toulouse.
5. Midica
A Toulouse institution since the 1960s, Midica is a department store dedicated to homeware and décor, with a wide selection of design objects, tableware, and unique accessories.
📍 13 place Étienne Esquirol, 31000 Toulouse.
6. Ombres Blanches
Plus qu’une librairie, c’est un véritable lieu de culture. On y trouve des livres rares, des beaux-livres, des éditions sur Toulouse et la région, ainsi que des affiches et carnets d’artistes locaux.
More than a bookstore, it’s a true cultural hub. You’ll find rare books, art books, editions about Toulouse and the region, as well as posters and notebooks by local artists.
📍 Ombres Blanches, 50 rue Léon Gambetta, 31000 Toulouse.
📍 Ombres Blanches Internationale - VO, 13 rue Sainte-Ursule, 31000 Toulouse.
7. Violettes et Pastels
This charming boutique celebrates two powerful Toulouse symbols: violet and pastel. Candies, liqueurs, soaps, candles, textiles, and decorative objects inspired by these two treasures make for fragrant, authentic souvenirs.
📍 10 Rue Saint-Pantaléon, 31000 Toulouse.
8. Cacaophage
A true paradise for chocolate lovers, Cacaophage offers original, refined creations often inspired by the region. Chocolate bars, bonbons, spreads… every product is crafted with passion and quality ingredients.
📍 18 Place Saint-Georges, 31000 Toulouse.
9. Stade Toulousain – Official Store
For rugby fans, the official Stade Toulousain shop is a must. Jerseys, scarves, balls, mugs, and accessories in red and black: the perfect sporting souvenir from Toulouse.
📍 73 Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine, 31200 Toulouse (and other locations in the city center)
10. Laguiole Galerie
A high-end shop dedicated to the famous Laguiole knife, symbol of French craftsmanship. You’ll find artisanal models, cutlery, corkscrews, and collectible pieces—elegant and functional.
📍 24 Rue des Arts, 31000 Toulouse.
What Souvenirs to Bring Back from Toulouse?
Toulouse, nicknamed the “Ville Rose,” is full of iconic products to take home, either to extend the pleasure of your trip or to share its flavors and charm with your loved ones.
Violet-Based Products
The floral symbol of the city, violet is used to perfume both sweets and liqueurs as well as soaps. You’ll find it in crystallized candies, syrups, liqueurs, scented candles, and even chocolates. An elegant and deliciously Toulouse souvenir.
Lauragais Pastel
This historic plant, known as “blue gold,” was already used during the Renaissance to dye fabrics. Today, transformed into pigments or cosmetics, this “Occitan blue” makes it possible to bring back scarves, textiles, or decorative objects in a deep, authentic shade of blue.
Local Gastronomy
Cassoulet is undoubtedly the most famous dish, but Toulouse gastronomy doesn’t stop there. Foie gras, Toulouse sausage, cheeses, apple croustade, crystallized violets, fennel biscuits… The terroir of the southwest abounds with flavors to slip into your suitcase (properly packed and of course not consumed before you leave).
Stade Toulousain Merchandise
For rugby fans, the club’s merchandise makes the perfect gift: jerseys, scarves, mugs, or red-and-black balls will bring back memories of the atmosphere at Ernest-Wallon stadium.
Artisan Creations
Silver jewelry, ceramics, posters by local artists… Toulouse artisans showcase their creativity through original and lasting objects that make for unique, meaningful souvenirs.
How to Benefit from VAT Refunds with Zapptax in Toulouse
If your main residence is outside the European Union, you can reclaim part of the VAT (up to 90%) on your purchases in France, including those made in Toulouse.
With Zapptax, there’s no need to spend €100 in a single store on the same day: the app combines your invoices from different shops throughout your stay until you reach the minimum required amount. This is a major advantage, allowing you to shop freely, without any restrictions on store choice.
Step by step:
- Download the Zapptax app and create your account.
- Make your purchases in any store, even online (as long as delivery is in France).
- Ask the merchant for an invoice with VAT issued in the name of Zapptax (details are provided in the app).
- Upload your invoices to the app.
- Once the €100 threshold is reached, Zapptax automatically generates your tax-free form.
- Before leaving the EU, validate it with customs (at a PABLO kiosk or with a customs officer).
- Receive your refund directly into your account.
Practical, flexible, and the ideal way to optimize your shopping in Toulouse without blowing your budget!
Conclusion
Toulouse offers much more than photo souvenirs: its gastronomy, craftsmanship, and local culture are all little pieces of the city you can bring back with you. Whether it’s a box of crystallized violets, a pastel-dyed scarf, or a Stade Toulousain jersey, each item tells a story.
And thanks to Zapptax, each purchase can also be more rewarding, since you can claim VAT back even in the city’s small artisan shops.
The perfect way to return home with a suitcase filled with flavors, colors, and southern charm.
FAQ
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What souvenirs should I bring back from Toulouse?
Violet-based products, Lauragais pastel, cassoulet, Toulouse sausage, Stade Toulousain merchandise, and artisan creations such as ceramics or jewelry.
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Where to go shopping in Toulouse?
The historic center around Place du Capitole and Rue Saint-Rome, as well as Les Carmes and Victor Hugo Market for local products.
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Quel est le souvenir le plus acheté ?
Les produits à la violette – bonbons, liqueurs ou parfums – sont parmi les plus prisés des visiteurs.
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What is the most purchased souvenir?
Violet products—candies, liqueurs, or perfumes—are among the most popular items for visitors.
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What is Toulouse’s culinary specialty?
Cassoulet, a convivial dish made with beans and meat, is Toulouse’s gastronomic signature.
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Who is eligible for VAT refunds?
Travelers residing outside the European Union, over 16 years old, making purchases in France, and leaving the EU within 3 months of purchase. Important: Your purchases should be exported outside of the EU before it’s opened or consumed.
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How do I validate VAT refunds before leaving France?
Before leaving France or the EU, you must have your tax-free form validated to receive your refund.
With Zapptax, this step is simple:
- Scan your tax-free form (printed or on your smartphone) at a PABLO kiosk, available in most French international airports, major train stations, or seaports. Validation is automatic in a few seconds.
- If no PABLO kiosk is available or if you are leaving the EU from another country, go to a customs officer who will manually validate your form.
Without this validation, no refund can be issued. Be sure to allow a few minutes for this step before departure.
