Photo: Frédéric Neupont / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Partial solar eclipse · 12 August 2026

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse in Toulouse

Toulouse sees a very deep partial eclipse — close to 98% of the Sun covered — low in the west-north-west on the evening of 12 August 2026, and sits within striking distance of the totality path across the Pyrenees.

Partial eclipse Get certified eclipse glasses

Maximum~20:25 CESTOccitanie · 12 Aug 2026 · maximum eclipse

Duration~1h 46m of partial eclipseThis is the full partial eclipse from first to last contact. There is no totality here — the Sun is never completely covered, so there is no corona and no moment when it is safe to look without protection.

Sun altitude~6° above the WNW horizonlow in the west — an open horizon is essential

Coverage97.8% (partial)Toulouse is OUTSIDE the path of totality. About 97.8% of the Sun is covered at maximum — a deep partial eclipse, but not a total one. The corona never appears and the sky does not go dark.

Clear-sky odds Often clear · ≈66%South-western France is usually warm and settled in mid-August, though Atlantic cloud can push inland and the Pyrenees generate their own late-day build-ups.

Counting down to maximum

—days —hrs —min —sec

Below: Toulouse's exact timings, viewpoints along the Garonne, the safety rule that does not change at 98%, and the drive south that turns it into the real thing.

The timeline

When the eclipse happens

~19:31 CESTPartial begins — first "bite" out of the Sun

~20:25 CESTPartial — ~1h 46m of partial eclipse. Glasses off only if total.

~21:02 CESTPartial ends ~21:17 CEST

The partial eclipse runs from about 19:31 to 21:17 CEST, with maximum coverage of 97.8% at around 20:25. The Sun sets at 21:02 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Where to set up

The best places to watch

Garonne quays and Pont Neuf

Riverside · central

Open corridor west

The river through Toulouse gives the widest low sightline in the city, and the Pont Neuf looks along it toward the setting Sun — the obvious central choice.

Prairie des Filtres

Open park · riverside

Space, open sky

The big open riverside meadow opposite the old town has room for crowds and a clear western view over the water. The natural gathering point.

Colline de Pech David

Elevated · south of city

Height above the plain

The hill south of Toulouse lifts you above the rooftops with long views back over the city and an open western horizon.

Canal du Midi towpath, west of the city

Flat · open

Away from the skyline

Following the canal west gets you clear of the buildings quickly, with flat open country and an unobstructed low sightline.

Cross the Pyrenees for totality

The real thing

~3h to the path

The path of totality runs across northern Spain, roughly three hours south through the mountains. Zaragoza, Logroño and Navarra are all reachable — and totality is worth the drive.

Local astronomy societies and science centres often organise safe public viewing with filtered telescopes — worth checking closer to the date.

Plan your trip

Where to stay near the eclipse

Accommodation around the viewing area for eclipse night (11–13 Aug 2026). Compare hotels and rentals live on the map below.

The weather call

Will the sky be clear?

Occitanie is usually hot and settled in August, and Toulouse gets one of the deepest partial eclipses of any large French city.

The Sun is lower here (~6°) than in Paris, so the western skyline matters.

Pyrenean convection can also throw cloud across the horizon late in the day.

Plan the day

Your eclipse-day checklist

Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE eclipse glasses — one pair per person
Glasses stay ON for the entire eclipse — there is no safe moment here
An open west-northwest horizon — the Sun is only ~6° up
Arrive before 19:31 to catch first contact

Check the cloud forecast in the final 48 hours
Never look through a camera, phone or binoculars without a proper solar filter
Pinhole projection is a safe way for groups to watch together
If you want totality, it is northern Spain — not here

Watch it safely

However you’re watching, watch it safely

Every Absolute Eclipse product is independently certified and made in the EU. There’s no safe moment to look unaided here — keep certified eyewear on the entire time.

ISO 12312-2 certified
CE · EU 2016/425 PPE
Made & shipped in the EU

Toulouse eclipse FAQ

Will Toulouse see a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026?

No. Toulouse is outside the path of totality and sees a partial eclipse, with about 97.8% of the Sun covered at maximum. That is a striking sight through eclipse glasses, but it is not totality — the corona does not appear, the sky does not go dark, and there is no moment when it is safe to look without protection. The path of totality crosses northern Spain.

What time is the eclipse in Toulouse?

The partial phase begins at about 19:31 CEST and maximum — 97.8% coverage — comes at roughly 20:25 CEST. The Sun sets at 21:02 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Toulouse?

Yes, for the entire eclipse without exception. This is the most important difference from a total eclipse: because the Sun is never fully covered, there is never a safe moment to look with the naked eye. Even at 97.8% coverage the remaining sliver is dangerously bright. Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE glasses stay on from start to finish.

Where should I watch from in Toulouse?

The Sun is only about 6° above the horizon at maximum, so you need an open, unobstructed view to the west-northwest. Buildings, hills and trees in that direction will hide the deepest phase.

How far is Toulouse from the path of totality?

Roughly three hours' drive south, across the Pyrenees into northern Spain. Zaragoza, Logroño and the Navarra region all sit inside the path. Given that Toulouse itself gets no totality at all — only a very deep partial — the trip is the difference between an interesting evening and a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Will the weather be clear in Toulouse on eclipse day?

South-western France is usually warm and settled in mid-August, though Atlantic cloud can push inland and the Pyrenees generate their own late-day build-ups.

Keep exploring the path

Nearby regions to watch from

● Partial

Kilder: timeanddate.com · nationaleclipse.com · eclipsophile.com (vejr) · Gobierno de Aragón · BBC Sky at Night. Tidspunkter er lokale (CEST).