Toulouse Hotels

Toulouse is the engine of France's southwest and a cultural and industrial powerhouse. Nicknamed la ville rose for the pink hue of its buildings, France's fourth-largest city is young, dynamic and affluent.

Begin at the centre of town with the imposing Capitole, both town hall and opera house. Explore the Gothic pinnacles of Basilique St-Sernin and the peaceful cloisters of Musée des Augustins, architectural gems of the historic Vieux Quartier. It's not all just ancient history, however: visit the Cité de l'Espace for a fascinating homage to the space age.

Do the rounds of the foodie market in Place des Carmes for chocolates, pastries, wines and liqueurs, plus sweets flavoured with locally grown violets. Scour the department stores and upscale fashion boutiques on Place St-Georges and in the city's main shopping district, between Rue du Taur, Rue d'Alsace-Lorraine, Rue des Arts and Rue de la Pomme.

Toulouse is an inland town but it does have a beach of sorts. Plonk down where the Place de la Daurade borders the Garonne river alongside the pink Pont Neuf. Soak up the sun on hot days and wander up and down in the evening. Walk, run or cycle the tranquil paths bordering the city's canals and revisit an era before locomotion.

The Toulousains are passionate about culture and the student population has created a vibrant theatre scene. Dress up for a night at the opera at the Théâtre de la Capitole. See contemporary pieces at the Sorano theatre and ballet performances at Espace Odyssud. For major concerts head for the Zenith, while for intimate gigs the Havana Café is a favourite. Les Abbatoirs is a stylish and über-chic centre for the visual arts with a provocative schedule of events.

Eating out in Toulouse ranges from the humdrum to the spectacular. Jostle for tables in the crowded bars, cafés and bistros clustered around the great central squares. Seek out family restaurants in the narrow streets of the medieval Vieux Quartier. Sample the charcuteries and Tommes cheeses of the local terroir and wash it down with a vintage red or fiery fruity liqueur.

Toulouse is the junction of several of France's most historic tree-lined canals. Tour the Canal du Midi by barge between April and October. There's no more peaceful way of taking in the charms of the city and its bright southern sky.