A visitors guide to Toulouse, France – Part 2

Toulouse, France is one of the top cities to visit in the South of France. Toulouse is a center of culture, sports, history, and science.

Toulouse is a cultural center, offering music for all tastes including opera,dance, theater, concerts by the Orchestre du Capitole. It is home to one of Europe’s most prestigious orchestras, a jewel in the Toulouse’s gold crown.

As for sports, rugby is big in Toulouse and the area is proud of its sports tradition. France’s top rugby teams are in Toulouse and they have won the European cup several times. Rugby is an exciting game to watch and Toulouse is the place to watch it.

Toulouse is a university center for more than 100,000 students. This adds to the activities and sites making Toulouse a vibrant city to visit.

Toulouse is an aviation and aeronautical technology center. Toulouse is home to Arospatiale, the driving force behind Concorde, Airbus and the Ariane space rocket. The national Space Center, the European shuttle program, aeronautical schools, and an electronics industry are all in Toulouse.

Be sure to visit some of these attractions in Toulouse:

1)The Place du Capitole-The heart of Toulouse. While there, visit the tourist office in the castle keep of the Capitole. Wednesdays are usually the open air market day where you can find many French foods and items with which to remember your trip. While you are at the Place du Capitole, be sure to ask about the boat tour!

2) Muse des Augustins – This museum displays notable sculpture and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.

3) The Muse Georges Labit Museum specializes in artifacts from the Far-Eastern and Egyptian civilizations.

4) Cite’ de l’espace (City of Space)- This space theme park is located just outside the eastern side of Toulouse. Enjoy the interactive exhibits and space fun for the entire family. The Terradome shows the history of the space and the new 280 seat planetarium has 600 square meterhemispherical screen showing Space Station 3D which simulates being on board the International Space Station.

5) Basilique St-Sernin- This breathtaking work of architecture has a fascinating exterior and interior, sculpted column heads,crypts, and a decorative wall over the main entrance showing Christ’s ascension.

6) Canal du Midi- Running between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, this canal offers paths for walking or cycling. You can even rent a riverboat to explore and enjoy the canal area. region.

7) Espace d’Art moderne et contemporain: This museum has paintings, sculptures, and photographs from all over the world . Guided tours, a bookstore, multi-media workshops and children’s activities. Be sure to check out the Raymond IV Garden to see an incredible view of the Garonne River.

There are many hotels and places to stay in Toulouse.

Start with the Sidestep travel web site and go from there:

http://www.sidestep.com/travel -lodging-g3052287-best_toulous e_hotels_france

Sidestep also offers very helpful descriptions of the wide variety of restaurants in Toulouse. My favorite? Restaurant Emile

Make Toulouse in the South of France your destination and enjoy this vibrant city that is a welcoming blend of French culture and the latest in technology.