6 See the sites Photo © 6 See the sites Photo © Toulouse Tourisme In the city take a tour to discover 2000 years of history. Go by Segway, petit train, tram, open top mini bus, on foot, by bike or metro and discover the iconic monuments and beautiful coloured buildings that give the city its name “la ville rose”. There are numerous fabulous sites such as the ancient Jacobins Convent, the beautiful Saint- Sernin Basilica which has been lavishly renovated revealing the full glory of its medieval frescoes and murals, plus the Hôtel d’Assézat a magnificent 17th century town house which houses the Fondation Bemberg a private museum of paintings and objets d’art. Though known as the pink city, Toulouse offers many colours and it’s the perfect starting point for a cycling tour along the banks of the blue water of the city’s river and canal. Bikes and tandems can be rented at La Maison du vélo, located on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Pick up a “Pass de Tourism” at the tourist office to use public transport and get entry to a whopping 55 attractions. 7The 240km long Canal du Midi was built under the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, and flows from Sète to Toulouse. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 19 96. Make the most of the sunshine with a relaxing boat trip on the River Garonne or the Canal du Midi or take a bike ride alongside the water, the feel good factor is guaranteed... 8 Sparkling and cool Flea market fun Browse at the monthly flea market on the first weekend of every month, from Friday to Sunday. Visit the daily book and flower markets for local colour and culture. 9 Summer in the city Toulouse plages, the city beaches will be set in several locations this summer: the prairie des filtres, the port viguerie (recently renovated) with a Ferris Wheel and the Espace bazacle…
10 Lip-smacking Cassoulet Photo © CRTMP D Viet The spicy, meaty, unctuous and utterly mouth-watering stew with haricot beans is one of the most famous specialities of the region and there are plenty of restaurants dishing it up. With a lovely sunny climate, eating outdoors is the order of the day. In the city of Toulouse, the cassoulet boasts Toulouse sausage, another regional speciality, and you’ll find plenty of tree lined elegant squares, like Place St Pierre, where you can sit and enjoy watching the world go by and revel in the luxury of al fresco dining late into the night. 11 Open air markets Photo © Toulouse Tourism Marche de Saint Aubin There’s loads of choice for a spot of mooching at a market in Toulouse. One of the best is the atmospheric more than 100 year old Victor Hugo covered market, with its 100-plus active stalls – a great place for foodies to discover the local cheeses, charcuterie, wines, herbs and the freshest fruit and veg. On a Sunday morning don't miss the picturesque marché held around the church Eglise St Aubin, it's a "bobo" (bohemian bourgeois) style affair with clothes, flowers, spices and great produce on offer - it’s like a village within a village.
