Toulouse (pronounced tu-luz) is a city in the southwest of France, almost halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Toulouse is an important part of the European and world economy as it is a center of the aviation and space industry. It has major offices of Airbus, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), and the Galileo Navigation Satellite System. Toulouse also has a rich history in architecture and education.
The city has modernized in the last 3 decades under the leadership of the Baudis – the father-son duo who occupied the seat of the Mayor from 1983 to 2001. Today Toulouse is not only a major corporate zone, but also a favorite tourist destination.
The Pink City in daytime and the City of Lights at night, Toulouse grew up in the banks of the river Garonne. Earliest records trace to Roman settlements in that area. In fact the brick architecture that is so predominant in the city is a reflection of the Roman past. The brick buildings look pinkish in the sunlight, thus giving the city its nickname the Ville Rose – Pink City. In fact, if one looks at a satellite picture of Toulouse in daytime, it looks like a pink patch on the banks of the Garonne. The city is also called the City of Lights because of the innumerable illuminated sights at night.
The city, fourth largest in France, after Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, in terms of population, is rich in Gothic, Roman, and Renaissance architecture.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Toulouse Overview Culture Location & Orientation Climate & When to Visit Sightseeing Highlights Place du Capitole Basilica St Sernin Canal du Midi Cite de l’Espace (Science Museum) Saint Etienne Cathedral Airbus Factory Visit Musee des Augustins Musee Saint Raymond Hotel d’Assezat Pont Neuf Recommendations for the Budget Traveler Places to Stay Hotel Saint Severin Royal Wilson Hotel Hotel du Taur Hotel Albert 1er (1st) Hotel Excelsior Places to Eat & Drink L’Entrepotes Bapz Bakery and Tea Room La Petit Rajasthan Emile Restaurant Soup ‘Here Places to Shop Espace Graine de pastel La Maison de la Violette Marche des Carmes Nicolas Tourel Midica