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Toulouse
Located in southern France in the Midi-Pyrenees region, Toulouse is a very interesting city - it is the 5th largest city in France and succeeds very well at combining the attractive old centre of the city with modern success in industry. it is a bustling and lively city.
The 'trademark' of Toulouse is perhaps the small pretty pink bricks with which many of the houses and important buildings have been constructed, which seem to change colour as the day (and the sun) passes. Hence the city is often referred to as the Ville Rose (pink city). These bricks are also often combined with the local white stone to create a decorative effect.
There is a great deal of interest to explore and discover in Toulouse, and here we can only touch on a few of the highlights. However, describing just the individual highlights fails to capture the essence of the city - the cafes and restaurants, the office workers going about their business, the small shady squares you discover...the small things that combine to make Toulouse so fascinating and interesting.
Places to visit in Toulouse
Start your visit at the central Place du Capitole, a large open square in the heart of the city (with convenient parking underneath the square). The grand building with eight columns on one side of the square, in the characteristic pink brick of the town, is the Capitale du Toulouse, the head of local government and dating from 1750.
From here head towards the Garonne river, passing by the 'old Toulouse' where grand houses line the streets
The Garonne river passes through Toulouse, and the river banks are often tree lined and a pleasant opportunity to amble in peace, and escape from the bustle of the city. You will also note the impressive 16th century arched pont-neuf (translation: 'new bridge' although it is now far from being new) - the arched bridge - most impressive, even this bridge manages to incorporate some of the local pink brick!
The Canal du Midi, world heritage site, also passes through Toulouse and has pretty shady banks where you can take a stroll.
Need more gardens? Head to the large botanical gardens (Jardin des Plantes) - a very spacious and carefully planted garden to the south.
Another personal favourite is the Museum of the Augustins in Toulouse. Not just a very impressive collection of art from the last eight centuries, it is also housed in a very attractive building - most notable perhaps is the cloisters of this ancient convent.
Saint-Sernin church, a substantial 11th century roman style church, is perhaps best known for its tower, with five octagonal levels each pierced by ornate arches, and is one of the finest buildings in Toulouse. This church, along with the Hotel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, also form part of a UNESCO world heritage site, being on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella. In medieval Toulouse there are various other churches to discover as you travel around.
Toulouse flowers (picture thanks to Jamie Henderson)
Toulouse Museums
If you like museums - well, Toulouse has plenty! From fine arts to modern art, from antiques to natural history, you are sure to find the museum that covers your interest.
My favourite, although there are many I haven't visited, is the Contemporary Art Museum (Les Abattoirs). This is a new museum set in a renovated slaughter house, and combines permanent exhibits, with works by many of the most famous artists of the 20th century, with interesting temporary exhibitions.
In the region
The modern wealth and success of Toulouse is based largely on the aerospace industry, with several important companies established in the region and bringing a significant level of prosperity to the town. As a result, one very popular attraction on the edge of Toulouse is the Cité de l'espace, which combines modern 3D cinema 'space' experiences and children's leaning experiences with a hands-on chance to see and touch some genuine examples of spacecraft.
Toulouse: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Map of Toulouse, France |
Places to visit - Toulouse
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Toulouse.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Toulouse are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Canal du Midi World Heritage Site at 2 km
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Toulouse when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
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