In the streets of Toulouse, one finds the essence of France. In the southwest, the country's refined elegance blends with a wild passion as the landscape slopes into the Spanish border. Built of pink bricks with blue-gray hues, The Pink City, an architectural oddity for a major French city, lights up in fiery reds, oranges and pinks as the sun sets over the Garonne River. Toulouse has it all; culture, history, geography, fashion, multiculturalism, acres and vineyards just a few minutes away from the city's borders that provide fresh produce.

If you're still not convinced, here are some reasons why you should visit Toulouse:

Travel to space at the Cité de l'Espace

Toulouse is known as the space capital of Europe. So you won't want to miss the opportunity to go into space for a day at the Cité de l'Espace. You can see replicas of the famous Ariane 5 rocket and the MIR space station, and you will especially appreciate the virtual reality simulators that will allow you to experience what it is like to be an astronaut.

See the majestic Place du Capitole

The Place du Capitole is probably the most photographically appealing place in Toulouse. Recognizable by its brick façade, you will be dazzled by its beauty and grandeur. Don't hesitate to go inside the courtyard of the square and discover the many rooms, each one an incredible demonstration of magnificence. One of them, the Salle des Illustres, was classified as a historical monument in 1994.

Stroll through the beautiful gardens

Toulouse is an ideal city for nature lovers. Indeed, there are many parks and gardens where you can relax, read or ... just lounge around! Families will prefer the Jardin de Compans Caffarelli which has playgrounds, as well as a Japanese garden. If you're traveling solo and need some peace and quiet, or if you want a serene environment for a romantic getaway, the Jardin des Plantes is a perfect choice.

Visit the best wine bar in the world

This might add fuel to the ongoing local dispute between Bordeaux and Toulouse, but Toulouse is also a city of excellent wines. In fact, Le Wine Bar was selected as the "best wine bar in the world" by Glass Wine List in 2017. With over 3000 wines listed, you're sure to find something here that titillates your appetite for wine. Pardon Bordeaux!

Get cultured

Museums should definitely be part of your program during your trip to Toulouse. You will be amazed by the originality and uniqueness of some of the collections on display. For example, if you go to the Musée des Abattoirs in the Saint-Cyprien district, you will be able to admire La dépouille du Minotaure en costume d'Arlequin, one of Picasso's paintings. Or go to the Musée des Augustins, dedicated to the Fine Arts.

Stroll along the Garonne River

A walk along the Garonne River is an experience not to be missed in Toulouse. The river runs through the city, making it a central attraction. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, go for a jog or a bike ride.

Finally, Toulouse has so much more to offer than our pages can describe. Come see for yourself and you won't be disappointed.

See you soon!