What to see in Toulouse
Toulouse is the capital of the Occitania region in southern France. It is the fourth largest city in the world with a population approaching half a million people. It is a major university center with a huge student community.
Historically, Toulouse originated as the Gallic settlement of Tholos. At the end of the 2nd century BC. e. it became part of the Roman Empire. With its collapse, it became the capital of the kingdom of the Visigoths.
In the VI century AD. e. was conquered by the Franks. Later, it periodically became the capital of the Aquitaine kingdom. From the VIII century, it became the residence of the counts of Toulouse, who controlled the southern part of France. The capital position of the city and its location on the way to the tomb of the Apostle James in Spain contributed to its rapid development.
In the 13th century, the Dominican Order and University of Toulouse. At the end of this century, Toulouse became part of France and became the capital of the province of Languedoc. From that moment on, the importance and pace of development of the city are somewhat reduced.
After the Second World War, Toulouse becomes a major center for the defense and aerospace industries. 10% of the population work at the enterprises of this sphere. The city has an international Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
Now Toulouse is a modern city with a centuries-old historical center. Almost all of the old buildings are built from local bricks of a peculiar shade, thanks to which it received the unofficial name of the Pink City. The embankments of the Garonne River, which divides it into two parts, are especially picturesque.
What to see in Toulouse
In Toulouse you can see the architectural monuments of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, interesting museums and well-groomed parks. We list the most popular tourist places.
Capitol Square
This is the main city square from the beginning of the Middle Ages, reconstructed in the 90s. Here is Capitol, Toulouse's city hall from the 12th century. Inside, it is also very beautiful, with preserved elements of the 16th-19th centuries. There are many restaurants along the perimeter of the central square, from which summer tables are often set up for visitors directly to the square.
Basilica Saint-Sernin
This is the main Catholic church of the city, left over from a medieval abbey. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the largest Romanesque basilica. It stands out for its 12th-century frescoes, carved portals and stone sculptures. Inside the temple there are a lot of Christian shrines.
Saint-Stefan Cathedral
This is very ancient Roman Catholic church. The first mention of it dates back to the 9th century. Since then, it has had many reconstructions and rebuildings, and is distinguished by mixed architecture. The interior features a distinctive rose window, a baroque altarpiece, antique tapestries and stained-glass windows.
Jacobin Monastery
This is a functioning abbey dating back to the 13th century. Its architecture is considered an example of the Languedoc Gothic style. Inside the building is decorated with marble columns with floral ornaments. The walls are painted with colorful images of Occitan crosses.
Augustinian Museum
The museum building was built in the Gothic style in the 14th century. Then it was part of the monastic complex of the Augustinian monastery. Now here is an art museum, created in the XVIII century after the closure of the monastery. Here are magnificent examples of Romanesque sculpture and the work of a number of French painters of the 18th-20th centuries, citemusei.
Where to go near Toulouse
The surroundings of Toulouse are rich in attractions - these are small old towns, medieval castles and beautiful landscapes. To get around them, it is best to rent a car. This holiday is ideal for lovers of tranquility and authentic flavor. The most interesting will be visits to the walled city Carcassonne, the former residence of the Bishops of Albi and the rocky city of Rocamadour with a lot of old villages around.
Carcassonne
This is an extremely picturesque town located 96 km from Toulouse. Four million tourists come here every year. The old city stands on a rock and is surrounded by double walls from the 5th and 13th centuries. His fortress Cité served as the backdrop for the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. And, perhaps, it was her towers that inspired Disney to create the appearance of the Sleeping Beauty Palace.
Albi
The city is located 77 km from Toulouse. The area of Albijoie became infamous for a series of crusades against its inhabitants in the 13th century. Later, the archbishop's residence and the center of the diocese were located here. The city has preserved the Gothic Cathedral of St. Cecilia, built at the end of the 13th century, the church of Saint-Salvi of the 11th century and the palace-fortress of Berbie, which was the residence first of the counts of Albijoie, and then of local bishops. Now it houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum with the most complete collection of his paintings.
Rocamadour
The city is located 164 km from Toulouse. It is located on a steep stone plateau above the Alzu River. Now it is the most important center of pilgrimage. The 12th-century Chapelle-Notre-Dame Cathedral houses the symbols of the city - a statue of Black Madonna and the relic of St. Amadour. Its other attractions are the chapels of St. Anne of the 13th century, St. John, St. Michael of the 12th century, the Basilica of the Savior of the 12th century and the medieval castle of Rocamadour.
Food: the best restaurants in Toulouse
The cuisine of Toulouse and the region is known for its traditional dishes. Many have already become symbols of French cuisine - for example, foie gras and duck legs. In this part of France, duck is generally very widely used - foie gras is made from the liver, breast and legs go to the main course, and potatoes are fried in fat to give it a characteristic taste and aroma. Also an iconic element of the cuisine of Toulouse is a special variety of local violets. It is used in baked goods, desserts, candies and drinks. Popular restaurants in the city:
Sixta – +33954529267, Menu based on fresh local products. Vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free options are widely available.
La Cuisine À Mémé– +33625138592, Traditional French cuisine based on homemade recipes. Family oriented.
Une Table a Deux – +33561250351, A combination of Mediterranean cuisine with tropical accents. Michelin star.
Where to park in Toulouse
It is more convenient to get around Toulouse by renting a car, for example, on the website or in the Bookingautos app. There are plenty of parking lots in the city where you can leave it to explore the surroundings. But most of them are paid, although some have certain benefits.
Place de L'Europe - Address: 1 Rue de Sébastopol. Price:
1 hour - 1.60 euros,
24 hours - 21.70 euros.
p>Parking Indigo Victor Hugo
Address: Pl. Victor Hugo. Price:
1 hour - 2.9 euros,
24 hours - 28.20 euros.
Q-Park Compans Caffarelli
Address: 9 Esp. Compans Caffarelli. Price:
1 hour - 3.2 euros,
25 euros per day,
Reduced price: from 19:00 to 2:00 in the morning - 10 euro.
Q-Park Jeanne D'Arc
Address: 8 Place Jeanne d Arc. Price:
1 hour - 2.9 euros,
24 hours - 21.7 euros,
Reduced price: €5 from 7pm to 2am
Parking Toulouse-Hrodno
Address: 39 Chem. Bellegarrigues, 8 km north of Toulouse. Free parking.
More Toulouse car parks on the map:
