The coral-colored hue of Toulouse’s Old Quarter gives the city its nickname—“La Ville Rose” (The Rose City)—but beyond the medieval facades, France’s fourth-largest city and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cultural powerhouse and leader in innovation. This major player in the European aerospace industry and a buzzing university city always has its finger firmly on the pulse. City sightseeing is as varied as you’d expect—cruising the Garonne River, diving into bustling food markets, visiting an international Space center (Space City), and partying into the early hours are just some of the top things to do in Toulouse.
There’s never a bad time to visit Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city with a large student population and thriving bar scene. Temperature-wise, spring and autumn are most comfortable, but visitors flock in summer thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In winter, locals hit the slopes in the nearby Pyrenees. It may be called the pink city due to its brick color, but you’ll experience a different hue in February for the annual violet festival.
There’s no shortage of public transport in Toulouse. A network of metros and trams makes getting around the city center easy from the train station, and the old town is compact enough to explore on foot. Unlike many of France’s larger cities, the airport is surprisingly convenient—a 15-minute drive from the city center. Visiting the surrounding vineyards? Book a tour, most wineries are in rural areas, and it’s nice to not worry about driving and wine tasting.
Explore the river. Toulouse sits firmly on the Canal du Midi, a waterway constructed to link the Atlantic with the Mediterranean. It’s the Garonne River, rather than the canal, that holds the main appeal in Toulouse, though. Start at the historic bridge, Pont Neuf, and follow the river right along Quai de la Daurade. Pack a picnic and people watch, or book a boat tour to cruise all the way to the walled city of Carcassonne.
