Toulouse Pink

Toulouse, the fourth-largest city in France, is known as a hub of universities, aircraft factories, and rugby stadiums.

Toulouse is also nicknamed the "Pink City" because of the pink glow emanating from its centuries-old brick buildings. Visitors to Toulouse feel like they've stepped back in time and are often overwhelmed by the rich variety of travel experiences it offers.

The pink brick houses create a beauty unique to Toulouse.

The charm of an ancient city

The Garonne River is the "lifeblood" of Toulouse, so it's no surprise that the city's oldest streets (Lazare Carnot, Strasbourg, Metz, etc.) all lead to it. The Garonne River is most beautiful at sunset. The setting sun casts a rosy glow on the brick walls, painting the sky pink. Even the coldest souls will feel their senses awaken to take in this fleeting beauty. Visitors should go to the Saint-Pierre Bridge or the Daurade Church for the best sunset views.

St. Sernin's Cathedral is an enduring symbol of Toulouse and a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized in 1998. Built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, it is one of the largest surviving Romanesque structures in Toulouse. Its bell tower alone is an architectural marvel that visitors should not miss.

Besides admiring the exquisite reliefs decorating the interior of the cathedral, visitors can also descend to the basement to visit the tomb of Saint Sernin (or Saint Saturnin), the tomb of Saint Honoratus, and many relics of other saints.

Toulouse's central square is always crowded with tourists, partly because of the restaurants and cafes concentrated there, and partly because of the magnificent Capitole Palace. The palace was built on the site of the old Toulouse town hall, dating back to the 1190s. In the 18th century, the building was renovated and expanded to include the Capitole Theatre. Visitors can enter the town hall for free to tour the Capitole Palace, and then purchase tickets to see ballet and opera performances at the theatre.

Not far from the central square is the Japanese garden named after Pierre Baudis, the late mayor of Toulouse (1916-1997). In 1981, this mayor personally oversaw the construction of the 10-hectare Compans Caffarelli park in the heart of Toulouse. This was a rare feat for any city at that time. Baudis also dedicated 7,000 square meters of the park to a Japanese-style garden. Many visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time to Edo-era Japan. The pond, rock garden, bridge, and wooden buildings in the garden are all designed based on famous landmarks in Kyoto.

Toulouse has always been a center of French aviation development. There are two related sites that tourists shouldn't miss. First is the Aeroscopia Aviation Museum, which boasts a vast collection of aircraft models spanning the history of French aviation. Second is the Jean-Luc Lagardère Airbus factory, where the famous Airbus A350 is manufactured. A tour of the museum and factory costs around 46 euros and lasts almost 6 hours.

Immerse yourself in the local culture.

When talking about souvenirs from Toulouse, the first thing to mention is the violet – the symbol of the city. The Toulouse violet variety was introduced to France in the 1850s by Emperor Napoleon III (1808-1873) and cultivated in gardens in the Launaguet region, a northern suburb of the city. Since then, the violet has become an integral part of Toulouse's identity, as well as its traditional textile and winemaking industries.

Tourists should look for a handkerchief or dress with a violet pattern, a bottle of violet perfume, or even a bottle of Armagnac cognac, which contains violet leaves added during the distillation process.

In recent years, wine-producing regions like Gaillac and Fronton have also come up with the idea of ​​distilling violet petals into sugar. Just a few petals added to a bottle of champagne can change the color of the wine and add a new layer of flavor to this beverage.

Nowhere in France is rugby more beloved than in Toulouse. The city's Stade Toulousain is currently Europe's most successful rugby team, holding the record for four European Rugby Cup titles. While the Stade Ernest Wallon is their home stadium, the most important matches are often held at the Toulouse Stadium. Visitors shouldn't miss the opportunity to buy tickets to see Stade Toulousain play and experience the electrifying atmosphere.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, a trip along the Canal Midi – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is a wise choice. This 240km-long canal connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, and Toulouse is where it joins the Garonne River before emptying into the Atlantic. The ancient forests lining the canal are dotted with rolling hills and small villages, creating a simple yet magical atmosphere. Visitors can cycle along the canal banks, or even rent a boat and let the water carry them along, finding peace of mind and body.

Festivals take place in Toulouse year-round. These include the Violet Festival (early February), when the city center square is bathed in a sea of ​​violets. Or the Siestes Électroniques electronic music festival (late June), where many French and international artists showcase their talents against the romantic backdrop of Compans Caffarelli park. The Toulouse Christmas market is always one of the busiest in France. An estimated 100 wooden cabins are set up at the Toulouse Christmas market in early December each year to serve visitors from near and far.

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