Toulouse gets its nickname La Ville Rose "The Pink City" from the terracota bricks used in much of its unique architecture.
Cheerful, lively, and proud of its past, it hides less known treasures for those who know where to find them:
- The Place du Capitole, in the city center, designed by the architect Cammas in the 16th century. On the east side of this square is the Capitol Palace, one of the most beautiful and majestic town halls in France.
- Basilica of St-Sernin, Place St-Sernin: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining Romanesque church in Europe that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. Impressive vaulted naves of vast proportion, magnificent stained glass windows and access to crypts that hold relics of saints.
- St. Stephen's Cathedral, Place St-Etienne: this cathedral is interesting and disconcerting because three different styles are present: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. Nearby is the Antique Dealers' district where magnificent residences of the parliamentary nobility of the XVIl° and XVIII° century are hidden.
- Musée des Augustins, at 21, Rue de Metz: in 1309 the Brothers of St. Augustine created the monastery complex which today houses a collection of Romanesque sculptures.
- Fondation Bemberg, in the Hôtel d'Assezats: Exhibitions of paintings, lithographs, antiques and French furniture from the 16th to the 20th century. Several works by important artists such as Matisse and Bonnard.
- Refectory of the Jacobins, Cloister of the Jacobins: Built between 1230 and 1234, the Jacobins church is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic. The cloister's garden and the chapter house come alive during the summer with relaxed musical evenings.
- Musée des Abattoirs : Museum of modern art opened in June 2000. A series of well-lit, well-arranged rooms showcase modern works from painting to sculpture and video.
- Espace aéronautique: visit the largest aeronautical museum in Europe, assembly site for the Airbus A380. Reservation required.
- Cité de l'Espace: European Space Park, (Périphérique Est de Toulouse exit N° 17). Over 140 displays featuring space exploration and astronomy on 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres). Planetarium, exhibitions on satellite images, weather and great advances in space activity.
An idea for a walk...
From the Place St-Pierre to the Pont Neuf by walking along the magnificent banks of the Garonne river.
