Journey to Toulouse: Discover the Charms of the Pink City
This publication is also available in: 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español
Toulouse is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant local culture. The city played an important role in French history, being the birthplace of Louis XIV, the king who transformed France into a superpower through his military conquests.
Which neighborhood to stay in Toulouse?
The city of Toulouse is known for its rich culture and lively nightlife. There are many interesting neighborhoods for your stay. You can easily find an apartment or a house for a few days, or longer on a site like Rentola location. No matter the neighborhood, accommodations abound in Toulouse.
- The city center of Toulouse is the most dynamic neighborhood in the city. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse restaurants. If you’re looking for a lively and cosmopolitan area, this is the place for you.
- The Carmes district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Toulouse. It is surrounded by small pedestrian streets and offers a calmer atmosphere than the city center. It’s a perfect place to stroll, visit art galleries, and discover the historical buildings of Toulouse.
- The Saint-Cyprien district is also popular among visitors, as it is close to the city center and offers many cafés and bars.
- And if you’re looking for a truly calm ambiance, the Croix-de-Pierre district, located near the Garonne, is an excellent option.
History of the city of Toulouse
Toulouse was founded in the 1st century BC, but it wasn’t until the 11th century that it began to develop as an important city. In 587, Toulouse became the capital of Aquitaine (a province covering much of what is now the southwest of France). It was then designated as the capital of the Kingdom of France in 721, and again after being granted its own duchy in 1071 by William IX, Duke of Aquitaine.
The city was then taken by the English in 1152, but recaptured by King Louis VIII of France in 1224. It remained French until 1462, when it was taken by the Spaniards during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1562, Toulouse became part of the Kingdom of France again after being granted to Henry IV in compensation for his losses during the war.
In the 18th century, Toulouse hosted some of the most important figures in French history. One of them was Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who was an advisor to King Louis XIV and helped make France a major economic power during the reign of the “Sun King”. Just like the island of Martinique, the history of the city of Toulouse is closely linked to the history of France.
Is Toulouse a Cultural City?
Toulouse is a dynamic city with a rich cultural history. The city is home to many museums and galleries, including the Augustin Museum, the Museum of Medical Instruments of the Toulouse Hospitals, and the Natural History Museum. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year, such as Carnival, the Airs Solidaires de Toulouse, the Feria de Fenouillet Tolosa Toros, the Occitania festival, Orgues en Octobre, and more.
The nightlife in Toulouse is lively with many bars, clubs, cafés, and restaurants open late into the evening. Toulouse is home to many universities and higher education schools, including the University of Toulouse-le-Mirail, INSA Toulouse, ENSAT, and ENIT. There are also several international schools in the city, such as the American School of Toulouse and Lycée Jean Jaurès.
What are the local products from Toulouse?
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try the cassoulet. This traditional French dish is made with beans and meat and can be found in many restaurants around Toulouse. If you prefer something lighter, opt for roast duck. Other specialties include sausage, estouffat, and tourin. Another emblem of Toulouse is the famous Cachou Lajaunie, invented in 1880 by a Toulouse pharmacist.
Toulouse also boasts the 4th largest vineyard in France in terms of production. Wine lovers can taste wines made from rare and rustic grape varieties, such as Fronton, Gaillac, Cahors, and Madiran.
What sites and monuments should not be missed in Toulouse?
The Basilica of Saint Sernin
Located in the heart of Toulouse, the Basilica of Saint Sernin is one of the most iconic sites in the city. The church was built in 1144 and served as the burial place for its patron saint, Saint Sernin. It is also known as “the cathedral without bishops” because it has never had bishops since its creation until 1846.
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998 due to its exceptional architecture and antiquity – it is the largest Romanesque church in Europe! The church features a number of impressive architectural details, including two bell towers decorated with stone sculptures. One of these towers has a clock and was used as the city’s main clock tower until the 19th century.
The Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a canal in the south of France, originally built to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It was constructed between 1666 and 1681 to link Toulouse to its Mediterranean port of Marseille. The canal passes through four distinct sections:
- Garonne Canal (1666-1669). This section connects the Garonne to its mouth to the north of Toulouse to Spain via the Spanish border town of Roncevaux.
- Brienne-Saint-Pierre Canal (1669-1701). This section extends from Saint-Pierre on the Garonne upstream to Brienne-les-Mines and to Lyon where it connects to another French canal system called Sentier du Grand Lyon which takes water from Lake Annecy across France before pouring into the Rhône at Nyon in Switzerland.
- Canal du Midi proper (1701-present). Stretching over 300 km, it traverses Languedoc to the south, heading towards Marseille, before joining the Mediterranean Sea at Perpignan.
Place du Capitole
The Place du Capitole is the main square of Toulouse and a wonderful place to visit. It features beautiful architecture, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops for you to explore. There are also many activities to do in this area, such as shopping or going out to dinner with friends. The Capitole is located in the center of Toulouse and it is a stunning place to visit. There are plenty of things to do here, like shopping or dining out with friends.
Old Town of Toulouse
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is full of winding streets, cute cafés, and restaurants. The area is perfect for exploring on foot: you can also walk to other parts of the city from here! There are also many museums in this area, including the Augustins Museum. The area is also known for shopping. You will find many boutiques and shops selling local products such as wine, olive oil, chocolate, and more.
The Quays and Banks of the Garonne
The quays and banks of the Garonne are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. You can admire the view of the river and enjoy a stroll along the banks. You can also discover the city’s historical architecture, including the bridges that span the Garonne. Additionally, you can taste local specialties in the restaurants and bakeries located along the quays. It’s a great way to discover the culture and history of Toulouse while appreciating the beauty of the quays and banks of the Garonne.
The Saint-Pierre Bridge
The Saint-Pierre Bridge in Toulouse, France, is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. It was built in the 13th century and is a magnificent example of medieval architecture. The bridge itself is composed of five arches that span the Garonne, connecting both sides of the city. It is one of the oldest bridges in France and is an integral part of the history and culture of the city. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river and the city from the bridge, as well as its majestic beauty. The Saint-Pierre Bridge has been featured in many films and television shows, and it is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Toulouse.
The Dry Dock
The dry dock of Toulouse, also known as the Toulouse shipyard, is a historic shipyard located in the city of Toulouse, France. Founded in 1776, it is the oldest dry dock in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It is the only one of its kind still in operation and is an integral part of Toulouse’s maritime history. The Dry Dock has been used to build and repair ships of all sizes, from small pleasure boats to large cargo vessels.
Toulouse is a wonderful city to visit with its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and warm-hearted inhabitants.
