Situated half way between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean in south-west France near to the Pyrenees, Toulouse is a lovely, popular city to visit for a short break. Smothered in traditional French charm and famous for its violets, it has earned the nickname La ville rose, or the pink city. This is as a result of the many red brick buildings that line the streets. There is a definite sense of grandeur expelled from the great number of attractive hotels, townhouses and mansions found here; remnants of the city’s rich past.
More than just history
It isn’t just a historic city however. Toulouse was the birthplace of Concorde. It’s also the home of the National Centre for Space Research. As such, the city has important modern associations and a strong aviation industry. As an important university city, with one of the largest student populations in the country, it has an upbeat and care-free atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Easy to explore
Although the fourth largest city in France, you will find Toulouse to be fairly compact. It’s easy to get around so you can explore at your own pace, whilst you wine and dine and visit the attractions on offer.
You can spend ages just wandering around Toulouse and exploring the narrow streets of the medieval Vieux Quartier with a great number of buildings and sights to take in. The Place du Capitole is perhaps the focal point of the city with many sights found nearby, such as the prestigious National Theatre of the Capitol opera theatre, ancient remains of the roman amphitheatre and the medieval water mill.
Visit Le Capitol
Be sure to visit Le Capitol. As the site of the original town hall, it dates back to 1759 and is particularly grand. Tour the interior and uncover rooms filled with fantastic paintings and frescoes on the ceilings. The restored St. Sernin-Basilica, a Romanesque style church filled with impressive organs is a historical gem and Chateau Bellevue is another must see. Although it is now used as a school, it is still considered one of the best-preserved chateaus in the area with truly beautiful gardens.
Explore the Airbus Factory in Toulouse
You may have visited other aviation museums before, but the Airbus Factory Tour is unrivalled. For air travel fanatics, this will an unmissable sight. It’s worthy of a visit even if it wouldn’t usually be to your taste. It is here that the final assembly of most air buses take place. You can explore mammoth hangars containing the equally mammoth aircrafts. The City of Space is another interesting and hugely popular attraction with a 360° planetarium and IMAX cinema, various exhibitions, life-size spaceships and much more.
Art galleries galore
Those with a keen interest in culture will be pleased with the selection of art galleries, photography exhibitions and museums to visit. Particular highlights include the Museum of the History of Medicine which contains an intriguing selection of old medical instruments, books depicting gruesome ailments and diseases and more, the Municipal Gallery of Chateau d’Eau with its fantastic collection of photographs and the Abattoirs museum or Abattoirs museum for fine art and modern art respectively.
Hit the shops
Shopping is a fantastic pastime in Toulouse. It’s often referred to as a mini Paris so indulge in a little retail therapy at the upmarket shops, unique boutiques and many markets. When it comes to eating, the selection of restaurants will not disappoint with options to suit all budgets; wherever you choose to eat however, do sample a cassoulet; the signature dish of Toulouse. You can also pick up fresh local produce from the many markets, so you can put together your own dishes if you wish.
Whilst a grossly clichéd phrase, there genuinely is plenty more to see and do in Toulouse; it’s near on impossible to cover all it has to offer in one go. Rest assured that if you are searching for a city break destination, Toulouse is a very worthwhile contender.
Its awesome place to visit!!