Discovering Toulouse

France is one of my favorite countries; every time I visit any of its cities, I fall in love with the architecture, ambiance, and gastronomy. On this occasion, I spent less than 24 hours in Toulouse, and I have been immensely impressed with what I have seen.

About Toulouse

Toulouse is a city located in the southwest of France, in the region of Occitania. It is the fourth-largest city in France and one of the most significant in the country. Known as the "Pink City" due to the characteristic pinkish hue of the bricks used in many of its buildings, Toulouse has a special charm that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The city boasts numerous monuments and historical sites, including the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin (both declared UNESCO World Heritage), the Capitol of Toulouse (City Hall), the Augustins Museum, and the City of Space. Additionally, the Canal du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site, passes through Toulouse, offering a beautiful area for strolling and enjoying nature.

Walking through its streets

Toulouse has an undeniable charm, which I noticed as soon as I arrived and started strolling through its streets. I couldn't help but look around; there were lively terraces with people enjoying drinks, and the facades of its buildings were captivating. The predominant use of pink or reddish terracotta bricks is a distinctive feature of Toulouse's architecture, earning it the nickname "The Pink City" and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

‍

Gastronomy

For dinner, I chose a restaurant called Le Bar du Matin, small and cozy. I ordered a salad with duck, and to my surprise, it had an abundant amount of duck (clearly, they love it here). I wanted to try some cheeses, but unfortunately, they weren't on the menu. However, the staff was incredibly kind, and upon asking, they prepared a cheese platter with gorgonzola and camembert, both delicious, accompanied by a few glasses of wine.

The river

Toulouse is characterized by the Garonne River ("La Garonne" in French), which becomes a central element of the city, flowing through the heart of the historic center. The city has developed its life around this river, and in many places, you can find walks and public spaces along its banks. I highly recommend visiting the riverside at night; the view is marvelous.

Points of interest

• Toulouse is known for its prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Toulouse, one of the oldest universities in Europe.

• Furthermore, Toulouse is a leading center in the aerospace industry. It is the headquarters of Airbus, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, and it is also home to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES).

I hope this city has captured your heart, and you feel eager to visit. Without a doubt, Toulouse has become one of my favorite cities.