Toulouse is a vibrant and beautiful city in southwestern France, affectionately known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) due to the distinctive terracotta bricks used in its historic buildings. As France’s fourth-largest city, Toulouse offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and cutting-edge innovation, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming destinations.
Historically, Toulouse has been a cultural and economic center since Roman times. The city flourished during the Renaissance as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, thanks to the prosperous pastel (woad) trade that brought merchants immense fortunes. This golden age left a remarkable legacy of magnificent private mansions and religious buildings that continue to define the city’s character today.
Today, Toulouse is renowned as the European capital of aerospace and aviation, home to Airbus headquarters and the heart of Europe’s space industry. With the CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and numerous aerospace startups, the city represents the largest European labor pool in aeronautics and space, with over 97,000 employees in the sector. This concentration of innovation coexists with the city’s rich history, creating a unique atmosphere where centuries-old churches stand alongside state-of-the-art research facilities.
As a major university city with over 100,000 students annually, Toulouse maintains a youthful, vibrant energy. The city was voted “best student city in France” until 2023 and currently ranks third place, creating a lively cultural scene with excellent restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. In 2025, Lonely Planet named Toulouse the best urban destination to visit, recognizing its perfect balance of culture, innovation, and quality of life.
Major tourist attractions
Place du Capitole
The heart of Toulouse, this magnificent square is surrounded by elegant architecture and lined with cafés and restaurants. The Capitole building itself houses the city hall and opera house, with its impressive neoclassical façade featuring eight pink marble columns. Inside, the ornate Salle des Illustres showcases stunning frescoes depicting key moments in the city’s history.
Basilique Saint-Sernin
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe, this 11th-13th century masterpiece served as a major stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Its iconic octagonal bell tower dominates the Toulouse skyline.
Couvent des Jacobins
A jewel of Southern French Gothic architecture, this 13th-century Dominican monastery features a breathtaking vaulted ceiling with a central column resembling a palm tree. The peaceful cloisters and gardens provide a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
The Banks of the Garonne
On sunny days, locals flock to the quays along the River Garonne for picnics, strolls, and sunset views. The riverbanks offer stunning perspectives of historic monuments including the dome of La Grave hospital chapel and the city’s elegant bridges.
Canal du Midi
This 17th-century engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, links Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. Tree-lined banks provide perfect paths for walking, cycling, or leisurely boat tours through picturesque French countryside.
Hôtel d’Assézat – Fondation Bemberg
The most impressive of Toulouse’s Renaissance mansions, this 16th-century private palace now houses an exceptional art collection featuring works by Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Gauguin, and other masters.
Cité de l’Espace
One of the region’s top tourist destinations, this space-themed museum and park features life-size replicas of spacecraft including the Ariane 5 rocket and Soyuz capsule, interactive exhibits, and an immersive planetarium.
Halle de la Machine
The Halle de la Machine is where art, engineering, and street theater converge to create mechanical magic. Located at a former airstrip, this exhibition space is home to colossal mechanical creatures brought to life by skilled machinists. The star attraction is Astérion, a 14-meter-high wooden and steel Minotaur that can carry up to 50 passengers on his back. The Halle is accessible by bus, bike, or by a short train ride from Toulouse-Matabiau station to Gare de Montaudran.