This southern French city boasts Gothic and Renaissance architecture, a lively university atmosphere, and renowned cassoulet. It's a gateway to the Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast.
Toulouse, France's fourth-largest city, is known for its pink terracotta buildings and aerospace industry. Located in the southwest, it's home to the Airbus headquarters and Europe's largest space center. You can walk along the Canal du Midi, admire the Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of St. Sernin, or people-watch at the lively Place du Capitole. The city's centuries-old landmarks, active cultural scene, and flavorful Southwestern French cuisine make it an interesting destination to explore.
The Pink City's Architecture
Toulouse got its nickname "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) from the reddish-pink bricks used in many of its buildings. As you walk through the city center, you'll see how this distinctive architecture gives Toulouse its characteristic appearance. The old town has well-preserved Renaissance mansions, known as hôtels particuliers, built by wealthy merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can visit the Hôtel d'Assézat and the Hôtel de Bernuy, which now house museums and cultural institutions.
Toulouse's Historical Sites
Toulouse has two sites recognized by UNESCO. The Canal du Midi, an engineering achievement from the 17th century, extends 240 kilometers from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a boat ride along the canal or cycle on its towpaths. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the largest remaining Romanesque church in Europe, is another recognized site. Built between 1080 and 1120, the basilica has intricate stone carvings, a tall bell tower, and contains important religious relics.
Aerospace Center of Europe
Toulouse is an important city for the aerospace industry in Europe. The city houses the headquarters of Airbus, and you can visit the Aeroscopia Museum to learn about aviation history and see various aircraft up close. For a space-themed experience, go to the Cité de l'Espace (Space City). This theme park and museum has interactive exhibits, full-scale spacecraft models, and a planetarium, offering an informative look into space exploration and technology.
Southwestern French Cuisine
Toulouse's food reflects its location in the southwest of France. A popular local dish is cassoulet, a stew of white beans, duck confit, and Toulouse sausage. You can visit the Marché Victor Hugo, the city's largest covered market, to try local specialties and fresh produce. For a taste unique to Toulouse, try the violet-flavored candies and liqueurs – people have cultivated the flower here since the 19th century.
Getting Around Toulouse
You can easily navigate Toulouse. The city has a public transportation system with two metro lines, trams, and buses. You can walk to many of the main attractions in the city center. If you prefer cycling, Toulouse has a bike-sharing system called VĂ©lĂ´Toulouse, with stations throughout the city. For longer trips, the main railway station, Toulouse-Matabiau, connects the city to other major French destinations.
Day Trips from Toulouse
You can use Toulouse as a starting point for exploring the surrounding region. The medieval city of Carcassonne, with its extensive fortified old town, is just an hour away by train. You can visit the Pyrenees mountains for hiking and skiing, depending on the season. The town of Albi, birthplace of painter Toulouse-Lautrec, has an imposing Gothic cathedral and an old town with narrow, winding streets.
