Toulouse is a major city in southwestern France. Toulouse: The Pink City

• Welcome to Toulouse , the vibrant capital of France's Occitanie region in the southwest. Nicknamed "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) , it earns its name from the distinctive terracotta bricks used in the construction of most of its buildings, which glow with a warm, rose-hued light at sunrise and sunset.

• But Toulouse has another, more modern nickname: "La Cité de l'Espace" (The Space City) . It is the European capital of the aerospace industry, home to the headquarters of Airbus, the Galileo satellite system, and the CNES (French Space Agency). This unique blend of deep-rooted history and cutting-edge technology gives Toulouse a dynamic and youthful energy, fueled by its large student population (it's the fourth-largest university city in France).

• The city is nestled on the banks of the River Garonne, and its atmosphere is unmistakably Southern French—relaxed, friendly, and blessed with more sunshine than many other parts of the country.

Top Attractions in Toulouse

• #1. Capitole de Toulouse
  The heart of the city. This magnificent 18th-century building houses the city hall and the Théâtre du Capitole. The vast Place du Capitole square in front is a bustling meeting point. Don't miss the interior to see the stunning Salle des Illustres hall with its grand frescoes.

  #2. Basilica of Saint-Sernin
  A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It is one of the largest remaining Romanesque churches in Europe and a key stop on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage route. Its soaring bell tower is a city landmark.

  #3. Jacobins Convent (Couvent des Jacobins)
  A stunning example of Southern Gothic architecture, built by the Dominican Order. The interior is breathtaking, known for its unique "palm tree" vaulting in the ceiling. It also contains the relics of St. Thomas Aquinas.

  #4. Cité de l'Espace
  An absolute highlight, especially for families and anyone fascinated by space. This fantastic space park features life-sized models of an Ariane 5 rocket and the Mir space station, planetariums, and interactive exhibits. It’s an inspiring journey into the cosmos.

  #5. The River Garonne & The Pont Neuf
  Stroll along the banks of the Garonne for beautiful views. The Pont Neuf ("New Bridge"), despite its name, is the oldest bridge in Toulouse (16th century). For a great photo, head to the Jardin des Plantes for a classic view of the bridge and the river.

Explore Toulouse / Travel Suggestions

 

# Getting Around
* On Foot: The city center is very compact and walkable. The best way to soak in the "Pink City" atmosphere is by wandering its streets.
* Metro, Tram, and Bus: Toulouse has an excellent and easy-to-use public transportation system called Tisséo . The two metro lines (A and B) are perfect for covering longer distances quickly.
* Bike: VélôToulouse is the city's bike-sharing scheme, great for exploring the riverbanks and canals.

# Food & Drink: What to Try
Toulouse is in the heart of Southwest France, a region famous for its rich cuisine.
* Cassoulet: The city's most famous dish. A hearty, slow-cooked casserole containing white beans, pork, sausages, and—most importantly— Toulouse sausage .
* Toulouse Sausage: A coarse, meaty pork sausage, flavored with wine and garlic. Try it grilled.
* Violet de Toulouse: The city's signature flower is used to create delightful treats like violet-flavored candy, liqueur, and even ice cream.
* Cheese: Try the region's famous Roquefort (blue cheese) and Cantal .
* Wine: You're in prime wine country. Enjoy a glass of Gaillac (from a nearby town) or a robust Fronton .