Toulouse is France’s fifth-largest city, located in the deep southwest near the Spanish border. The city spans the Garonne River and is set on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. It is nicknamed the ‘Ville Rose’ thanks to the special pink coloring when sunlight is reflected on its bricks.
Shopping fans will find all the major international brands in fashion, design, leather goods and jewelry here. The city’s neighborhoods move to the rhythm of the open-air and covered markets, where local products such as wine, foie gras and cheeses from the Midi-Pyrenees, one of the southwest’s most important gastronomic regions, are on offer.
The most attractive part of the city forms a rough hexagon around a turn in the Garonne River, enclosed in a circle of central 19th century boulevards. These are surrounded by an outer ring formed by the Canal du Midi, which joins the Garonne on its way from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
Highlights
Capitole: is the impressive and regal town hall and theater, boasting a beautiful façade facing the grand Place du Capitole.
St Sernin Basilica: is the largest example of a Romanesque church remaining anywhere in the world.
Old Toulouse Museum: is housed in an 18th century town mansion, exhibiting pictures and historical records tracing the history of Toulouse.
Cite de l’Espace Museum: showcases the world of astronomy and space travel, including one of Europe’s finest planetariums.
Allée Jean Jaurès: is Toulouse’s Champs Elysees, lined with high-end boutiques and oozing with sophisticated French ambience.