With blush-brick buildings and rosy rooftops, pretty Toulouse is known as ‘The Pink City’. This French gem’s tucked into the country’s southwest corner, meaning a warm, sunny climate awaits. It’s easy to fall in love with this romantic, cosmopolitan spot – if not with its spire-filled skies, with its good-times attitude and abundance of culture.
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Dreamy doesn’t even cover it. Get lost among Toulouse’s Old Quarter, where cobbled streets are lined with ancient palaces, handsome mansions and centuries-old churches. Romanesque Basilique St-Sernin is a must-see, along with bustling Place du Capitole and grand Couvent des Jacobins.
There’s a Spanish-style atmosphere to Toulouse. Live music spills out of bouncing bars, ranging from jazz to rock, and wine bars are a magnet for the chic crowd. When the sun is shining, the banks of the river Garonne are the place to be for drinks by the water, so put Place Saint-Pierre on your radar.
Toulouse is a foodie treasure trove. Squares, cellars, courtyards and canalside terraces are teeming with bistros, brasseries and cafés. Look out for local dishes like cassoulet, a nourishing sausage and bean stew, and confit de canard, preserved duck. Lively food markets are popular too – Marché Victor Hugo is a fave.
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Toulouse is tucked into the southwest corner of France in the Occitanie region, close to the Spanish border.
Toulouse has one airport, Toulouse Blagnac International Airport (TLS). .
Toulouse Airport is just five miles away from Toulouse city centre.
