A visitors guide to Toulouse, France – Part 1

Toulouse, France-the Pink City.

Toulouse, France glows with an inviting soft pink shimmer of light beckoning tourists, and residents to sit a spell and take advantage of the cultural heritage and ever-growing economy. Toulouse is ideally located between the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern France. With a rich historical past, strong cultural sensibilities, and modern commerce, Toulouse is a city that will not disappoint.

It is the fourth biggest city in France with a growing economic commerce. It is the European center for aerospace technology, space center, and it is home to the oldest University in Europe, with the second largest enrollment in France. Toulouse earned the name Ville Rose because of the rich pink warm tones used in the architectural landscaping throughout the city. Located alongside the Garonne and Canal du Midi, Toulouse is an inviting city and provides more than capital and commerce, but a rich cultural heritage spanning from cafes spilled out onto streets, to friendly southern charm only found in southern France.

Toulouse offers visitors a rich history of 11th to 13th century churches, art, and the Capitole house composed of eight pink columns which represent the eight capitals. The Capitole is building that should not be passed over. It was completed in 1759, and today it offers numerous terraces with alluring cafes and shopping. It is a place where locals visit to commemorate life, hold festivals, and celebrate their favorite rugby team.

Also be sure to visit Basilique St. Germaine the largest Gothic church in the world; admission is free and like any other church be respectful and mindful of others visiting. Be sure to a stroll along the Canal Midi, which took 12,000 workers over ten years to build. What makes this canal unique is that it connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It is lined with 100 year old trees, and is an ideal place to bike or stroll.

For anyone who took French in American schools you were probably given experts of Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) to read and translate. Toulouse was the home of the Le Petit Prince’s author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery. A permanent gallery paying homage to the author is located in the Hotel du Grand Balcon.

Do not be afraid of French cuisine, jump in and enjoy a gastronomical explosion of rich European flavor. A specialty of the city is the Saucisses de Toulouse, an herb sausage. Also, make sure you try the bean and pork stew; along with the garbure, cabbage soup with poultry. Another regional specialty is Fois Gras, fatted goose liver, your in France give it a try.

For getting around you can of course use public transportation. Like Paris, Toulouse has a metro, and an extensive bus system.

Toulouse is a growing metropolis, but it is also a city that has remained true to itself; respecting and remembering its past while looking towards it future. Toulouse, France is a city with southern charm and beauty, and a French destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting the country of France.