Toulouse
The capital of the Occitanie region owes its nickname ‘Ville rose’ (pink city) to the brick used to clad its buildings, such as the Saint-Sernin Basilica or the Capitol. As a centre of global aviation and a university city, Toulouse exudes its own dynamism and is synonymous with the good life. Treat your taste buds to a stroll through the market halls and enjoy the parks along the Garonne and the Canal du Midi.
Highlights
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The Saint-Sernin Basilica characterises the cultural heritage of the city of Toulouse. Recognised by UNESCO, this masterpiece will almost move Romanesque art lovers to tears. The Capitole, another iconic building, is located in the heart of the city, where it unfolds its majestic brick façade. The Jacobin monastery, a jewel of southern French Gothic architecture, is also worth a visit, as is the Hôtel d'Assézat. The latter bears witness to the wealth of the town in the 16th century thanks to the pastel trade.
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Toulouse already played an important role in the conquest of the skies at the end of the 19th century with the invention of the first aeroplane by Clément Ader. This was followed by the Aéropostale (a museum is also dedicated to it in Toulouse) and today Toulouse is the headquarters of Airbus and therefore an important centre for aviation. The A350 assembly plant can be visited by prior arrangement. You can also admire the legendary Concorde in Aéroscopia and see the Ariane 5 rocket in the ‘Cité de l'espace’. In Toulouse, you simply have to have your head in the stars!
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This canal, lined with tall plane trees, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the green jewel of the city, connecting Toulouse to the Mediterranean. It was designed in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet to facilitate the transport of goods and is now a marvellous oasis of calm. Walk or cycle along its banks or take a mini-cruise on the Canal du Midi and the Garonne.
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Impressions
