La Ville Rose, or the Pink City, refers to the rose-hued buildings which engulf Toulouse in a soft glow as the sun sets each evening. A truly wonderful sight to stroll through, Toulouse is also host to a wide array of attractions – from regal historical buildings to innovative space centres.
Head to the historic core
The city of Toulouse is more than 2,000 years old, and has a historic heritage dating back to the Roman era. With influences across the centuries, wander its charming streets to discover an array of different styles and periods, all of which have made Toulouse what it is today.
A prime example of this is the Hôtel d'Assézat. Once a 16th-century Renaissance mansion, it now houses a vast collection of furnishings, paintings and sculptures. Step inside the 13 rooms to see works of art in their natural, period settings – from Impressionism to the Les Nabis movement.
Another stunning piece of history comes in the shape of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a huge Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century. Dominated by the striking octagonal bell tower which rises above the structure and looms iconically over the city, this building captures the rose-tinted ambience of Toulouse perfectly.
Enjoy a foodie haven
Toulouse is well-known for its exquisite yet classic French cuisine, with authentic dishes to savour. The city’s most famous speciality is perhaps the Cassoulet, a rich stew featuring beans, sausages and duck, which dates back to the medieval period.
Wander down any Toulouse street and you’ll soon come across a restaurant offering traditional southern French food, but head to the Carmes neighbourhood for your pick of the bunch. This area is regarded as Toulouse’s dining district, and features everything from traditional French and Spanish infusions to Japanese influences.
Another key location where you can experience the best of French food is the Victor Hugo Market. Featuring more than a hundred stalls of fresh, local produce – with restaurants above making waves with each ingredient – an explosion of colour and flavour can be found here. Sample regional cheeses, enjoy delicious pastries and marvel at the amazing array of freshly caught seafood.
Explore time and space
A city that still holds pride over its heritage, Toulouse also places a great focus on its innovation and development.
To find out more, and leap into the future, visit its space musuem, Cité de l'espace, about a twenty-minute drive from the city centre. Fun for the whole family, you can discover the wonders of the universe through a series of interactive exhibits and activities. Experience space at your fingertips inside the planetarium, admire real treasures such as rockets and capsules, and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.
Another museum leading the way in forward thinking is the Muséum de Toulouse, a National History institution. Combining science and culture, walk through each exhibit to discover the unique relationship between people, nature and environment. There’s also an array of temporary events on show here, from workshops and conferences to films and exhibitions, which aim to explore society and history.
From tantalising your taste buds to venturing into an ancient past, explore all that southern France has to offer with car hire in Toulouse.
