In just a few years, Toulouse made a name for itself as a major economic centre. Aeronautics, space, electronics, information technology and biotechnology are just a few of the key areas in which the city has forged a major reputation for itself. The real charm of Toulouse lies in its combination of youth and experience. It is home to the oldest fellowship in France, with the Académie des Jeux Floraux poetry prize association, and also the youngest, with the Académie de l'Air et de l'Espace devoted to aeronautics and space. This is a place where astronauts can gather together just around the corner from the medieval cloître des Jacobins Dominican priory. The Université des Sciences Sociales de Toulouse ensures that the city has a lively student community with many different nationalities being catered for. When the sun sets on Toulouse the city will take on the most magical appearance as it turns pink. It was built using bricks that reflect the rays of the setting sun in a shade of pink, giving it its nickname of "the Pink City". The oldest buildings of Toulouse are built in brick, which is not only unusual, it also provides a wonderful contrast to the modern parts of this versatile city.

What to see

The Eglise des Jacobins is a real haven of peace right in the city centre, and a building of remarkable architecture: The brick-built construction provides a spectacular contrast between the simple outside appearance and the light interior architecture, with its twin nave, separated by columns standing 72 feet high from which ribbed vaults span to a height of 92 feet, ending with the ribs of the famous, huge palm tree radiating out. The interior colours are amazing, combining warm and cool shades in perfect harmony. The richness of the decorations reflects the aspirations of a new generation of Friars Preachers who, while respecting the will of the founder of their order Saint Dominic to remain humble, imposed new aesthetic values in the last quarter of the 18th century.

Saint-Etienne Cathedral is worth a visit. It was built over a number of centuries merging various architectural styles. Don’t miss the 17 chapels, its stained glass windows, the large rose window, tapestries, and the tomb of Pierre Paul Riquet, who constructed the Canal du Midi.

If you haven’t already crossed the Pont Neuf in Toulouse, then make sure it’s on your list this time. Constructed in 1541, it’s the city’s oldest and possibly most beautiful bridge and connects the heart of the city with the trendy St Cyprien area.

Where to eat and drink

The main square, the Place du Capitole, hosts a lively open-air market in the mornings, and all day on Wednesdays. The square covers two hectares, and is lined by cafés where the people of Toulouse meet up for a coffee and a chat. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of this great square, enjoy a meal at Le Rowing (allées Alfred Mayssonié). This restaurant is situated on the largest island on the Garonne River, named Ile du Ramier and the menu features barbecued and grilled meats and fish dishes 'a la plancha’ – a Spanish style of grilling. For local Toulousain cuisine, L’Auberge du Pouchalou (Route de Baziège – Labège) is a traditional eatery featuring regional specialities and you can choose from over 100 wines. Regional wines aplenty; it’s impossible to mention them all because of the variety in soil and climate; among others: Languedoc-Roussilon, corbières, fitou cahors – and of course the Bordeaux region isn’t very far away! Enjoy some of the regional cheeses with these wines, such as Roquefort, Camisard, Faiselle, and Rocamadour.

If you go further afield into the region surrounding Toulouse, you can treat yourself to the regions speciality poultry, notably duck (L’aillade, for example) and foie gras. The autumn yields a crop of interesting mushrooms, giving cause for a plethora of excellent dishes! You cannot afford to miss the local’s favourite cassoulet and sausages – greasy but good! Toulouse is the gateway to the Pyrenees and Andorra, and the Mediterranean is only one hour away!

Hotels

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