Toulouse
What French city can boast about having an anthem so universally well-known as 'Ô Toulouse’, sung by the unforgettable Claude Nougaro, native of Toulouse and maestro of bel canto ?
Toulouse - La Ville Rose (‘The Pink City’)
What French city can boast about having an anthem so universally well-known as 'Ô Toulouse’, sung by the unforgettable Claude Nougaro, native of Toulouse and maestro of bel canto ? It is a friendly place that knows how to party, loves rugby, violets and terracotta brick ! People move here every year in search of jobs in leading sectors, quality of life and sunshine. Toulouse represents excellence among the cities of the South of France, the meeting point of the Canal Latérale de la Garonne, which connects it with the Atlantic, and the Canal du Midi, which links it to the Mediterranean and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the city is the gateway to the Pyrenees of Haute-Garonne, source of memorable walks and outings and a much appreciated ski destination in winter.
Toulouse is one of those cities which attracts and enchants the visitor. It has all the advantages of a major destination : historic buildings, lifestyle, innovative gastronomy and a go-ahead economy. On the world map, Toulouse is a global centre for the aeronautical and space industries.
Capital of the Occitanie region, its population of 445,000 makes it the 4th largest city in France. Endowed with an exceptional heritage, this modern, dynamic, European city has remarkable architecture and a Latin temperament, drawn from its proximity to Spain.
Toulouse – a cultural city to stroll around
The attractiveness of Toulouse is reflected in its cultural programmes, festivals, cafés and restaurants, indoor markets well-stocked with local produce and large number of young people, particularly students. The River Garonne flows through the city with a Florentine air. Along its banks the pink-brick buildings of the Quai de la Daurade and Quai de Tounis are reflected in the waters which originated in the Pyrenees.
The beautiful, welcoming ‘Pink City’ is a great place for a stroll around the huge Place du Capitole square, through the narrow streets of its historic centre dating from Gallo-Roman and medieval times, from the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne to the Romanesque spire of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an emblematic halt on the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela from Conques and Arles. If you prefer to cycle around the city, it’s easy to hire a bike !
« During my holidays for something to do, Mum suggested we go with my boyfriend to the Cité de L’Espace Space Centre. We arrived at around 11.00 to make the most of the day. Mum bought the tickets and gave us each a detailed map so we could get our bearings. We looked so tiny alongside the Ariane rocket ! The tour of the Mir space station was very impressive, with buttons everywhere, narrow seats… Incredible to be able to visit a real space station which Russia donated to the Cité de l’Espace ! It was soon time for lunch so we went to the food area, then afterwards to have a little rest we headed for the Planetarium and Imax cinema. Amazing, just like being in space… Next we decided to go to see the exhibition halls and, more importantly, to walk on the moon like real astronauts ! Wearing strange harnesses and space suits we were weightless and it was very funny to leap along, as light as air ! Then it was time to go home… but we’ll be back, that’s for sure !»
