Toulouse is one of the largest cities in France dubbed the ‘Pink City’ or La Ville Rose – Rose meaning pink. The majority of the buildings are made from terra-cotta bricks but looking around you don’t really see the pink colour. After our recent visit to the incredible city, we’ve put together the Toulouse France ultimate guide to help you plan. Before we get down to what must see, here is a little history about why it is known as the pink city.
Toulouse France – La Ville Rose
For more than 200 thousand years Toulouse is La Ville Rose, the pink colour from back then is not the same as it today. 200 thousand-year ago it was about natural pigments of colours. When people are thinking about the pink colour, they are thinking the soil or clay for example. Toulouse was built with red bricks; the most important thing is this was the cheapest building material. When you walk through the town of Toulouse, you will notice that all the buildings are built with bricks.
Toulouse had no mountains or hills so there was no stone to use for building, they utilized what they had. The city has loads of clay which is what they used to make bricks. It was something cheap, free and available; sand, clay and water because Toulouse is close to the river.
Related: Best things in Toulouse
Toulouse France Ultimate Guide – Must See Places
During our visit to Toulouse, the weather was no favourable, after all it is still winter in Europe. Regardless we do not regret out spontaneous visit one bit and are eager to share what we got up to. The pink city has so much to offer but the rain restricted our plans, we decided to work with what we had. Here are some places you should definitely check out if you’re ever in the city.
Museums – learn something!
Those who know me know I was never a history buff nor did I ever visit museums but I have changed. Over the last two years I have been enjoying checking out museums and learning something new. If you love learning something new whenever you visit a new city, we recommend checking out these museums. The following museums you can enter for free with a Toulouse Tourist Pass.
- Toulouse Museum – a natural history museum opened to the public since 1865 and a must visit.
- Augustine Museum – a fine arts museum with various collections including sculptures and paintings
- Paul-Dupuy Museum – municipal museum which houses many art collections some belonging to Paul Dupuy.
Iconic monuments
Regardless of the weather, here we share some of the monuments across the city that are definitely a must see. Whilst this list is not conclusive, it is definitely a great place start as you work your way through the city.
- Le Capitole: An old institution dating from the 12th century, the building itself dates from 1750 and houses the city hall. Since the 18th century it has been home to the theatre and the city hall, an important place for Toulousans.
- Basilique Saint Sernin: Added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1998, it is the only Abbey still standing. It is the largest remaining Romanesque style church in Europe and sits on the old Abbey site. It is from the 11th century and is a resting place of a bishop and martyr from the 3rd century.
- Cathedrale Saint-Etienne: Also know as Toulouse Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church in the city. It was built between the 13th and 17th centuries, it is a combination of northern and southern Gothic styles.
Must Visit
A city like Toulouse should not only be spent visiting this and that but must be explored from corner to corner. I loved that our hotel Albert 1er was located a mere few minutes from the largest shopping street. Though I rarely spend time shopping on my travels, there is no denying it in Toulouse. There are two must visit places that I recommend;
- Victor Hugo Market: It is one of the most prestigious markets in France, famous for its gourmet stalls plus restaurants. Definitely venture upstairs and try out some of the local delicacies like foie gras and cassoulet.
- Stroll along River Garonne: This is a must do especially if you want to truly appreciate Pont Neuf. It is the oldest bridge in Toulouse and it was constructed in the 1500s.
When people tell you how delightful this city is, you don’t truly understand just how much until you visit. We were pleasantly surprised by the city and hope the Toulouse France Ultimate Guide has given you the flavour. It is a must see city in France, make sure to add it to your bucketlist.
Life Unexpected says
It’s so interesting to hear why it’s called the Pink City! I love going into museums nowadays too, it’s great learning more about the places you are in. It looks so beautiful here.
Karate and Caviar says
What a great place to visit. Tolouse looks really pretty! I will put in on my bucket list for France 🙂 X
Laura Rocksteady says
Wow what a historically and culturally rich place to visit and so many fantastic museums. This is a part of France I really want to explore more
Laura x
Stephanie Merry says
What a gorgeous place! Despite the wet weather it still looks beautiful in Toulouse x
stephanie says
What a lovely post, Toulouse looks beautiful. We are heading over to France in the summer, cant wait to explore it a little bit more.
Nayna Kanabar says
Toulouse looks beautiful, I love visiting places that has lots ofnice architecture and historic buildings. I did not realise there was a another place known as “pink city” as On my recent trip to India I discovered that Jaipur is also known as the “pink city”
rika says
About 6 years ago, my husband took me to France. We had an amazing time. I would love to go back and visit this place.
Vyjay Rao says
Toulouse seems fascinating. I love the fact that it has a rich heritage and history. Would love to travel to this part of France.
Stephanie says
This looks and sounds a lovely place to visit. I’ve never been there before
Stella Kashmoney says
Good to know you loved the city. Sounds and looks amazing.
OhNikka says
I love understanding all history and museums and I would love this trip! Next time I need to be in your backpack!
Talya Stone says
I am a real museum lover so would love to have a day or two mooching around those museums. It looks like such a lovely place to visit.
Kara says
Toulouse looks like a wonderful place to visit. The Place de Capitol is stunning
Heather - Heartfully Heather says
Very interesting about the bricks. I love the architecture. France is a bucket list place for me.
Heather says
I’ve always wanted to go to France. One day I hope to go and experience all of the history and beauty.
Pam says
France has always been on my bucket list. I would love to see Toulouse one day! It sounds beautiful and full of history.
Sarah Bailey says
It sounds like there is so many things to do in Toulouse, I would absolutely love to check out the museums and the buildings of interesting sound most see places to explore.
In and Out of Vegas says
I’m so out of it! I’ve definitely been to Paris, but never heard of this city. That was back in college and I think it’s time to go back with this city on my list!
Helen says
Toulouse sounds lovely, even in the winter months. I would love to see River Garonne and the Pont Neuf bridge.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
We are a history loving family, so these places would be perfect for our family. I hope to travel there one day.
Emily, Our house now a home says
I think when traveling anywhere going to the museums in that city is always worth the visit! However, when visiting France that has some of the most famous museums this is an absolute must! Also, the architecture in France is stunning!
Candy Kage says
One place I have never been. Love all old history. Would be fun to visit.
Angelic @ SimplySinova.com says
Gosh seeing all those photos just made me remember how much I miss France (and Europe!) I definitely want to visit Toulouse some day. It seems so beautiful <3
Terri Steffes says
This is a place I would love. Full of history and architecture and things to explore. I have only been to England, which was lovely, but I am ready to explore more.
Ali Rost says
It sounds like it’s the perfect place for people who appreciate history and beautiful architecture. It’s a lovely place to travel to and explore, there’s plenty of things to experience here! And I really appreciate your guide.
Jeanette says
I’m traveling all over the world but I think Europe is very interesting especially with all its architecture. I would love to check out this place.
Amber says
I know I’d go to those museums. I love to learn and I love history. I’d also check out the markets–you can find the best stuff there. Plus I’d pig out.
Robin Rue says
That sounds like an amazing place to visit. I have always wanted to go to France and hope to get there soon.
Hannah Latoya Bond says
I’ve never been to Toulouse. Looks like there are many interesting things to see and do
themoneyshed says
What amazing photos! Looks like you had a fantastic time there but then as it’s France i’m not surprised lol
Kate Williams says
Oh it looks gorgeous there – we’re off to France in the summer so might have to make a little detour to have a look round ourselves.
Ida JT says
These activities will surely be helpful if I decide to travel to France and I will remember your blog post. 🙂 I’m sure the food will also be great as well as the people. By the way, why are the women slim in France?
valmg says
I have always wanted to travel to France, it’s on my travel bucket list. The murals on the walls Le Capitole look lovely and I bet the cathedrals are too.
Abbey Louisa Rose says
Wow, I hadn’t previously considered visiting Toulouse but now I would happily jet off this instant! I am a huge museum lover and I would love to visit Paris just for the Louvre, but it seems like Toulouse has an equal amount to offer in terms of history and culture! Thank you for opening my eyes to just how incredible this city is!