Added: 08/18/2005 |
The city that'll shake your imagination. In ToulousePlanning your trip to France, I'm sure, the first place you'll visit will be Paris. But let me pay your attention to another French city located on the banks of Garonne, close to the Pyrenees and halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, it's Toulouse!
Being in Toulouse you can notice that color of most buildings here is rose-red. Such warm glow of red bricks and tiles gives Toulouse its nickname, "La ville rose" (the rose red city). Culture is a keyword in Toulouse.
This city is famous for its pleasant way of life, and this is reflected on attractions in Toulouse. The rich history of Toulouse is stamped in the city's architectural sights, such as: the Saint-Sernin basilica, the largest romanesque church in Western Europe, the Saint-Etienne cathedral, the church and cloister of the Jacobins form the most complete group of monastic structures in France, the "Capitole", the City hall and theater, with its incomparable facade blending brick and stone, and its square, restored recently, many private mansions, of the Renaissance era.
The first thing you should see in Toulouse is the Capitol, the very heart of the city. Everything in the city starts with it. An impressive building of the Capitol with an impressive facade marks the very heart of the "Ville rose" (Pink city). Today it houses the town hall and the Theatre of Capitol. You can be lucky enough to see one of plentiful exhibitions held here regularly. Its vast square is brought back to life by the markets that take place there in the mornings, as well as the crowds that meet on the terraces of Toulouse's best-known cafes such as Bibent, Grand Cafe de l'Opera, Florida and Mon Cafe. All around, and also the colorful streets in the old part of the pink city tell us about its rich and vivid past, with their town houses, lovely fountains and nice squares, museums and churches.
However if you would like to walk the areas round about, which stretch north, south, east and west all the way to the city boundaries, you'll be able to discover what makes them tick. Chosen this way, you will be able to watch how the city gradually unveils its many faces, its treasures and contrasts: reminders of the past coexist with modern constructions, small quiet streets with busy shopping ones, lively areas with dormitory suburbs, parks with buildings.
Towards the river banks you can discover the Academy of Fine Arts and the "jardin de la Daurade". "The basilique de la Daurade" overlooks the river. You won't regret if take the time to rest on the banks of the Garonne River and admire the "pont Neuf".
Toulouse is a modern city. It has also preserved its picturesque outdoor markets. Even in winter, the people of Toulouse enjoy life outdoors, when the sunshine draws customers to relax in the sidewalk cafes. The people like to go out, and cafes and restaurants are crowded late in the evening.
Visited "La ville rose", you'll immerse in unforgettable world of history and art. Being in Toulouse and enjoying the views, you'll discover the main tourist attractions and charming features of the Pink city.
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