THE INSIDER Antoine Vignault

The founder of OAK represents artists, designers and photographers, and showcases his own one-of-a-kind pieces in his gallery space overlooking the Jardin des Plantes (oneofakind.fr). Galerie du Chateau d’Eau An old water tower hosts the first public gallery in France dedicated to photography. Founded in 1974 by photographer Jean Dieuzaide, it shows big names and young talent (@galerielechateaudeau).

Galerie Saint Jacques Nestled near the cathedral, this pretty antiques shop is led by award-wining French decorators Suduca & Merillou (galeriesaintjacques.com).

Chelala This cosmopolitan restaurant makes the most of its 1970s factory setting, with a look that mixes raw walls and flashy colours (chelala-restaurant.fr).

The Garonne riverbank There’s no better way to soak up the soul of Toulouse than with a stroll along the city’s waterway, taking in the pink bricks and numerous steeples.