Toulouse, located in the south of France, is an often overlooked destination compared to other regional cities, such as Nice. Yet there is much to experience in Toulouse, from its uniquely colourful terracotta buildings to its rich scenery and culture. As such, Toulouse is a hidden gem of a holiday destination and well worth visiting if you want to experience somewhere new.
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Are you on the fence about whether to visit Toulouse or not? Here are some great reasons why Toulouse is a city worth visiting.
Toulouse is often referred to as La Ville Rose, or 'The Pink City', thanks to the pink and orange terracotta tiles used on its buildings. As such, Toulouse is a colourful city that fans of unique architecture will absolutely love.
From the magnificent Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the old Capitol building to its museums and galleries, Toulouse is steeped in history and culture. Take some time to explore the old streets and locations that make up this fascinating city.
The city has several museums and institutions dedicated to aviation and the exploration of space. As such, Toulouse is the perfect destination for those interested in science and technology.
Located on the banks of the Garonne River, Toulouse is an incredibly scenic destination full of quaint old streets, plus beautiful parks and gardens. Take some time to relax in the Jardin des Plantes and enjoy the views that the city has to offer.
Toulouse is often overlooked by visitors to the south of France, which means it is not overrun like many other cities. This allows you to relax and enjoy the many sights and activities there without the hassle of crowds.
Want to know where to start exploring Toulouse? Here are some great places to start your journey.
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a UNESCO-listed site and the largest Romanesque church in Europe. The basilica holds a number of holy relics. Many of these were donated by King Charlemagne. The church also houses several fascinating sculptures and treasures, including the tomb of Saint Saturninus, making it one of the most popular locations in Toulouse.
At the heart of Toulouse lies the main city square, which is surrounded by magnificent examples of Neoclassical architecture. Perhaps the most striking is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city's theatre and opera house. Make sure to also visit the Salle des Illustres, with its frescos and marble statues inspired by the Farnese Gallery in Rome.
If you only have time to see one museum in Toulouse, make it the Muséum de Toulouse. This is France's largest regional natural history museum and features over 2.5 million exhibits throughout its galleries. The museum is a great way to learn about the region during prehistoric times, from the animals that roamed there to the cultures that emerged over many thousands of years.
One of the most stunning examples of southern French Gothic architecture, the church was originally built in the 13th century as a Dominican monastery. Today, the church serves as an exhibition space and museum. These include mosaics from the 14th century and the relics of St Thomas Aquinas.
If you love space travel and aeronautics, Cité de l’Espace is the perfect place to visit. The museum features many interactive exhibits dedicated to space missions and astronomy. There are also replicas of an Ariane 5 rocket and Mir Space Station, plus an IMAX theatre and planetarium shows.
While there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in Toulouse, the city is also close to some incredible locations. Here are some ideas for day trips from Toulouse you should consider.
Albi is a UNESCO World Heritage City famous for its medieval-style buildings and red-brick architecture. Take some time to explore Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, a 15th-century church, which is the largest brick cathedral in the world.
The fortified city of Carcassonne has been well-preserved since medieval times and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the city's ramparts for some magnificent views of the region and explore the fascinating 12th-century Château Comtal.
Located in the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southern France, Castres is a picturesque city that was once home to the region's textile industry. The homes of the people who worked here were painted in bright colours, making the city quite an eye-catching sight.
Also known as 'Cordes in the Sky', Cordes-sur-Ciel is a medieval town built upon a tall hill. The town's streets and markets have been well-preserved since the 13th and 14th centuries, and there are many art galleries and artisan workshops to be found throughout the area.
Lourdes is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Catholicism. Many people come to Lourdes to explore its various religious sites, including the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Grotto of Massabielle.
The nearest airport to Toulouse is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). EasyJet, RyanAir, TUI and British Airways fly direct flights to Toulouse from the UK. The flight lasts approximately one and a half hours.
To enter France you will need a valid passport. You can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days.
Toulouse is a hidden gem within southern France that offers colourful architecture and a fascinating history and culture. Book now for great deals on flights to Toulouse.
A: Toulouse, also referred to as the Pink City, is famous for its colourful architecture, its rich history and its scenic beauty. It is also known as the main hub for Europe's aerospace industry.
A: Yes. Toulouse has many theatres, galleries and restaurants, as well as a thriving nightlife scene. The city also sees many festivals and outdoor events throughout the year.
A: The spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Toulouse, as there are fewer crowds and prices are lower. For festivals, the best time to visit Toulouse is in the summer.
A: Toulouse is located approximately 93 miles from the Mediterranean coast. If you want to visit the beach, it will take you just a few hours by car.
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