A visitors guide to Toulouse, France

The Place du Capitole is the center and heart of Toulouse, but it seems the center of the world, as well. The elegant Capitole building overlooks a huge square that seems to capture all of the vibrant elegance that is Toulouse. The Capitole houses city hall and glows through the day and night with the typical pink stone of Toulouse architecture, the stone that inspires the city’s nickname, “La Ville Rose”, the pink city.

Wonderfully located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic in the South of France, Toulouse mixes the charm of France with the lively traditions of nearby Spain. Pick your seat at a sidewalk restaurant, one of the many that surround the square, and enjoy your genuine, fresh Sangria, while you watch residents and visitors enjoy the aura of Toulouse.

The fourth largest city of France, Toulouse has managed to revere the past, while galloping toward the future. Home to no less than three major universities, the city has a lively student populace with the potpourri of cultural and educational events that accompany university life. Opera and theatre are favorites, and across Place du Capitole, daily markets yield to concerts in the evening air and festivals throughout the year.

The city’s charm weaves well beyond the popular center through beautiful parks and along the banks of the Garonne River, where the Toulouse Croisires offer Parisian-style cruises along the water. Quai de la Daurade.

Home to Airbus and “father” of the Concorde, Toulouse is proud to be a major European aerospace center and showcases that pride with an all-inclusive science-air-space museum. Located at the eastern edge of the city, La Cite de l’Espace has full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket and the Mir Space Station as well as two large planetariums and an interesting range of exhibits that trace the history of air and space travel.

If sticking to the cityscape is your desire, you might try the intimately gracious “Le Clos des Potiers/ hotel. Located in the historic quarter of old townhouses and mansions, the petite hotel offers genteel rooms with baths starting at 100 Euros

We had planned in advance to temper the excitement of city with the quiet of nearby countryside in the village of Ayguesvives. . The serene, enclosed garden at “La Pradasse/ welcomed us to the most surprising Chambres d’Hote we had experienced. For under 90 Euros a night, we enjoyed our oversized bed and bath overlooking the garden and our own outdoor table and chairs. Fresh fruits, breads and coffee greeted us for morning breakfast in a stunning room with much of the proprietor’s personally designed and created wrought iron pieces.

In fact we were so comfortable, we stayed an extra night to enjoy the large garden pool and explore the surrounding villages and countryside. Our hosts actually served as very personal representatives of a city and an area that welcomes visitors with quiet pride and ever so much grace.

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.