A WEEKEND in Paris is the go-to getaway for a French city break.
But 400 miles south of the capital sits La Ville Rose — The Pink City — of Toulouse, providing charm by the bucketload and still managing to avoid the tourist traps that litter Parisian streets.
Sitting on the banks of the River Garonne, the Roman-founded city in France’s southern Occitan region is steeped in history, and carries unique culture with elements blended with Spain’s neighbouring Catalonia.
Distinctive for its pink brick buildings and winding streets, which sit within the boundaries of a Roman wall still visible in various parts of the city — it has all you’d want for a great city break.
WHY SHOULD I GO? From cobblestone backstreets to the stunning riverside paths along the Garonne, France’s fourth-largest city is a delight.
With ancient Roman ruins, a bustling nightlife, and a tasty culinary scene, it makes for a fantastic well-rounded getaway that can be packed into a weekend.
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And with the Spanish border just two hours away, Toulouse is the ideal stopover for a European city-hop break.
ARE THE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? It is the ideal city to explore on foot, by bike or scooter, with the bustling centre and its main historic attractions all within minutes of each other.
From the neo-classical Le Capitole de Toulouse at the heart of the city and its surrounding Place du Capitole, to the churches of Couvent des Jacobins and Notre Dame de Daurade, there’s no shortage of historic sites.
The Basilique Saint-Sernin provides the perfect background for a romantic moment.
Visitors can stroll for miles by the riverfront. And if that wasn’t enough walking, there are two stunning public gardens to enjoy: Jardin des Plantes and Jardin Japonais.
ANYTHING UNUSUAL? Take a cab to the Halle de La Machine where gigantic fantasy-themed automatons walk Toulouse’s old aerospace runway.
Enjoy The Bread Catapult, Nutella-Toast Spreader and Wine-Serving Machine before taking a ride on the 45ft tall The Minotaur.
If you are looking to learn something new, pop into the Cite de l’Espace, a scientific discovery centre focused on Toulouse’s involvement in aeronautics and space travel.
The museum is home to a full-scale model of space rockets Ariane 5 and Soyuz and the Russian MIR space station that orbited the Earth from 1986 to 1996.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? For traditional French dining, Aux Pieds Sous La Table offers a small menu that changes regularly.
On a sunny day, lunch at Ma Biche sur Le Toit. Atop the Galeries Lafayette shopping centre, it offers stunning views of the entire city from its skyline terrace.
A short stroll from some of the best nightlife spots, Monsieur George’s serves traditional eats at an affordable price, while the Brasserie Les Beaux Arts is a long-standing fine-dining spot. Take a Taste Of Toulouse food tour, run by US-born local Jessica Hammer, for pointers on the best vendors and hotspots for your favourite sweet and savoury treats.
FEELING THIRSTY? Le Bibent on the Capitole Square allows locals and visitors alike to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the Place du Capitole and impressive theatre. Get your Instagram selfies at Bar A La Une, serving up drinks and tapas in a quirkily designed space. And craft beer fans will love L’Ancienne Belgique, which serves more than 70 ales.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? If you’re looking for something unique, the boutique Hotel Maison SoClo is just a few minutes’ walk from the Place du Capitole and the banks of the Garonne.
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The 18th century building has a garden, terrace and pool on its rooftop.
Downstairs is a restaurant that serves delicious charcuterie late into the night as well as a bar for cocktails.
GETTING THERE: British Airways has return flights from London to Toulouse-Blagnac from £80. See britishairways.com
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Hotel Maison SoClo from £122per night, based on two sharing. See soclo.fr
MORE INFO: See toulouse.visit.com
