Need some fresh air? Feeling suffocated in the city? The pop-up summer guinguettes are here to remind us that yes, we're perfectly happy with a cool drink and ice cubes in hand, under the trees or by the water! In Toulouse city center and throughout the Haute-Garonne region, the guinguettes bloom in the summer, like wildflowers, for everyone's enjoyment. Call your friends, let's go!


From the open-air café to the pop-up summer bar

Originally, guinguettes were popular cafés found in the Parisian suburbs. People went there to dance, have a drink, and meet up informally with friends, often by the water, always outdoors, under trees rustling in the breeze, with a hint of vacation in their mouths. Fairy lights, strings of lights, a soft lighting in the evening, accordion music, and the occasional dance. It's a place that evokes our collective memory, a time that those under 20 can't possibly know!

Today, the guinguette has been given a makeover. It's trendy, lounge-like, and located in the city center. Urbanites have imaginatively and originally embraced this old-fashioned concept, and everyone is enjoying it. But the simple, small guinguettes of yesteryear still exist. They are, in fact, the most authentic.


nighttime outdoor café




The Guinguette at Jojo and Paulette's in Montpitol

A change of scenery is guaranteed at this open-air café located about thirty minutes from Toulouse. A family-friendly, cheerful atmosphere, with multicolored lights twirling in the breeze... It's the perfect place for a family outing, even with children, who can relax comfortably in a deckchair or on the wooden terrace. It's simple, authentic, and welcoming ; the food is fresh and plentiful, and it's very affordable !

Take the opportunity to spend the day there. Nearby, there is a small lake and everything you need to have a good time.


A tip: Call ahead to book and make sure you get a spot. It's closed when the weather's bad! Don't hesitate to check out their Facebook page.


La Gragnaguette

A charming, authentic and very spacious country inn (with a 300-space car park ) 30 minutes from Toulouse. Wooden tables, in a pallet and upcycled style with soft and colourful cushions, a brick dovecote, a swimming pool and a pond.

It's cool and pleasant here! Children love the wire dinosaurs, the big top, and the wooden skittles. There's grilled food, tapas for those who want to mix things up in small portions, and also, which is really great, a selection for vegans and vegetarians ! And surprise, surprise, a Ferris wheel is part of the festivities too!


Don't hesitate to check out their Facebook page to follow events.


open-air café, lights, night


The Guinguette du Lac de Badech in Bagnères-de-Luchon

A spot facing the mountains, just 10 minutes from Luchon. Relax in a hammock chair, cocktail in hand! A dreamy setting by a lake ; you can also come for afternoon tea and enjoy a sweet treat like a waffle. Here, we do everything to make children feel welcome.

The grilled meats are cooked perfectly, and the salads are served in jars. It's original and trendy ! Yum, the homemade desserts...

Look up and enjoy the spectacle of paragliders silently slicing through the air above your heads! A friendly, family atmosphere and a warm welcome – we'll definitely be back!


The shoreline, at Carbonne

In Carbonne, get ready for a day of sporting festivities and fun. La Source Wake Park is an absolutely unmissable leisure park in the Toulouse region, just 35 minutes from the city centre.

With its lakeside terrace, Le Rivage isn't exactly a traditional riverside café, but you can eat outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the lake and the water ski lift. Have you ever tried it? Don't be shy, it's great fun, and beginners can start on their knees on a perfectly adapted kneeboard. It's also a great excuse to grab a delicious burger at the La Source restaurant/café.


Book a time slot before you go!


The workshop terraces in Toulouse

Here we are, "just like grandma's, but more trendy," according to the customers!

A pleasant setting and enjoyable music : Les Terrasses de l'Atelier offers 600m2 of terraces, nestled in the woods, on stilts. Whether in a deckchair, on a brightly colored chair, on a stool, or with a pétanque ball in one hand (and a drink in the other?), you'll feel right at home!

Choose from the drinks menu, selecting from the classics or a signature cocktail. For food, it's a buffet-style experience at the food trucks : everyone eats what they like. Oysters? Fries? Rolled ice cream? Grilled meats or crepes? Whatever you want!


Follow their Facebook page and stop by for lunch or dinner. Above all, remember to book before 4 pm! Because, even though there are plenty of tables, they fill up quickly!


The Guinguettes of Toulouse

In Toulouse, there are truly numerous places to sit on a terrace and enjoy an aperitif or a simple, elegant, or cozy meal in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Here's a short, but fairly comprehensive, list to help you plan your next evenings out!

  • The Guinguette de Saint-Cyprien : find it until October on the esplanade of Raymond VI Park. With a view of the Garonne, an intimate atmosphere with only 100 seats, and for ice cream lovers, a brand new machine to enjoy the sweet treats of summer. Reservations recommended!
  • Pêcheurs de Sable : terrace, courtyard or garden, the choice is yours! On the Quai de la Daurade, with views of the Garonne, the Hôtel-Dieu, and the Dôme de la Grave, settle in the shade of the plane trees. Enjoy composed plates with a refreshing drink and a warm welcome.
  • The pop-up Guinguette is a community project. It started as an idea among friends, born from a night out, and centered around a dance floor ! Each season, it's a joyful celebration shared by its regulars, who have already enjoyed several seasons of fun. With concerts, a DJ, and more, it's a place not to be missed in Toulouse.


Picnic aperitif



Neo Break - Splash Room

Neo Break - Splash Room
  • Children's Entertainment
  • Toulouse

An original activity in Toulouse to let off steam with painting

827 m

Neo Break

Neo Break
  • Escape Game
  • Toulouse

Digital escape game in Toulouse for total immersion

827 m

Sensas Toulouse

Sensas Toulouse
  • Escape Game
  • Toulouse

Embark on a unique sensory journey in Toulouse

1,1 km

Did you enjoy this report? Find more in our Top Experiences section.

We're on social media! Find us on the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide Facebook page and the Instagram account @guidetoulousepyrenees



Back to "Party Time"