Toulouse: often overlooked but perhaps all the more reason to go, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France and capital of the beautiful southwest Occitanie region.
Its public gardens, wine bars and renowned cuisine are enough to attract any of us.
But set along the banks of the River Garonne, Toulouse, with its 2,000 years of history, is superb for shopping (cheaper than Paris and much less crowded), it’s full to the brim with architectural gems, centuries-old relics, plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy and, it’s even known for its technology and space exploration following, not to mention, its very friendly locals.
One of the best ways to explore La Ville Rose (the pink city), with its blend of pink and orange-toned buildings, is to simply start walking.
Les Abattoirs, which is no longer an abattoir, but rather, a gorgeous sprawling art museum, holds countless paintings, sculptures, and photographic works by both French and international contemporary artists. Entirely worth a visit.
Next door to Les Abattoirs is Toulouse’s public gardens park, and on its other side are the banks of the Garonne River. It’s usually busy with locals and students, thanks to its rolling green lawns, yet it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in all-things Toulouse.
Canal du Midi is a beautiful waterway for a stroll or bike ride. It’s also a remarkable 17th century work of engineering and is part of the impressive 360-kilometre Canal des Deux Mers that links the Mediterranean with the Atlantic.
While one of the best ways to see Toulouse is on foot, a boat tour on the Garonne allows for wonderful views of some of the most magnificent and centuries-old buildings. So, you may as well add this to the list too!
One of Toulouse’s most fascinating buildings is the 11th century Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO world heritage site and Romanesque church. Inside is a wooden canopy with gold leaf and marble, and the crypts that hold the relics of saints. You’ll see a beautiful sculpture of Lazarus and Dives right above the door on the south entrance. Not one to miss!
Entirely different, but nonetheless mighty impressive, all be it in an entirely different way, is the Muséum de Toulouse. Some of the greatest minds come together here through the exploration of science, making this ethnological and natural history museum something special. You have to see it.
Space fanatics should head for the National Space Centre which is especially good if you have any little ones pottering along with you. Get the inside scoop on ISS operations and live the outer space experience.
The Aeroscopia Museum is also extraordinary, with its exceptional collection of legendary aircraft, like the Concorde, Super Guppy and more.
While there’s plenty for everyone, there’s also some of the very best shopping in Toulouse, from the very luxurious to the ultra-affordable. The main shopping street is La rue Saint Rome, but you might find something unique on La rue du Taur. If it’s luxurious pieces you’re after, head for La rue de la Pomme. And as Toulousain markets are unique, Place du Capitole might just be the spot if you seek a different kind of look entirely.
Within Toulouse are countless restaurants and bars, from fine dining to the ultra-laid-back — it’s a delight. Vibrant and exciting food, for any budget, is a given.
Wherever you go, be sure to try the famous cassoulet and Toulouse sausage — the city’s famous home-grown dish.
One of the most notable and delicious, yet inexpensive places to eat is at Place Victor Hugo. Here, several restaurants sit above the marketplace serving fresh local produce from the market below.
If you’ve a bit more cash to throw about, Jardin de l’Opera is particularly fancy and focuses on the basics but ensures utter perfection and scrumptious cuisine.
Regional products and wines take pride of place in Toulouse, so take your pick at a local wine bar. No.5 Wine Bar boasts one of the largest wine lists in Europe, reaching to well over 2,000 bottles and with prices to suit all budgets. As an added bonus, you can get mouth-watering tapas here too, French-style.
The likes of Toulouse’s Chez Tonton is great for drinks, watching sports and a superb atmosphere. The Fat Cat, off the Place du Capitole, is an art deco bar that makes tasty cocktails too and is definitely worth a trip.
All in all, Toulouse is a stunningly beautiful city — relaxed yet offering so much. Any time is the right time to visit this most enchanting ancient city.
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