: Toulouse

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region and the Haute-Garonne department. Known as "La Ville Rose" (the Pink City) for its distinctive terracotta brick architecture, it is France's fourth-largest city and one of Europe's major aerospace hubs (Airbus HQ). The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, a vibrant student population, and a world-class cultural scene.

Toulouse-Matabiau station is a major TGV hub with high-speed connections to Paris (4 hours), Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Barcelona. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is one of France's largest. By car, the A61, A62, A64 motorways converge. The city has an excellent metro, tram, and bus network.

The metro (two lines) and tram are the quickest ways. The old town (Capitole, Saint-Sernin, Carmes) is compact and walkable. VélôToulouse bike-sharing is widely used.

Place du Capitole — the magnificent central square. Basilique Saint-Sernin — one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. Les Jacobins — Gothic masterpiece with a palm-tree-vaulted nave. Cité de l'Espace (space theme park). Fondation Bemberg (Impressionist art). The Canal du Midi.

Explore the Saint-Cyprien district boutiques. The Saturday market on Place du Capitole. Cultural festivals: Piano Festival, Rio Loco, Résistances film festival. Airbus factory tours.

Cassoulet toulousain, foie gras, confit de canard, magret. Marché Victor Hugo restaurant stalls. Saint-Cyprien and Carmes have huge range of bistros and wine bars.

Fronton, Gaillac, Côtes de Gascogne wines. Pastis. Nightlife in Place Saint-Pierre, Rue du Languedoc, Saint-Cyprien.

Grand hotels on Place du Capitole, boutique in Saint-Sernin, budget near the station, aparthotels.

Marché Victor Hugo is the top food market: cassoulet, foie gras, duck specialties, violette de Toulouse sweets. Côtes de Gascogne, Fronton, Gaillac wines.

Carcassonne (45 minutes). Albi (1 hour). Moissac cloister. Fronton and Gaillac wine routes. The Pyrenees (1.5–2 hours south).