Bucket List: La Ville Rose

By tankstraveltales - December 15, 2024

France, Toulouse

Way back in 2005, I travelled to the southern French city of Toulouse for the first time. I was there to attend an engineering conference and took the opportunity to squeeze a little sight seeing over a single weekend.

Capital of France's Occitanie region, Toulouse is one of the largest city in France.

I had always wanted to visit Toulouse since I was in school, having read about the city in a magazine when I was a school librarian. I was thus extremely happy when I was nominated by my then-boss to attend a conference that was to be held in the city! I flew from Singapore to Paris and from there, took a connecting domestic flight to Toulouse. A school-hood travel bucket list item came true!

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Toulouse, is located in the south-western region of France and is the capital city of Haute-Garrone. It is also known as the Pink City because of the unique architecture of some of the buildings in the city which use pink terracotta bricks.

Home to European Aerospace giant, Airbus, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France after Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

I visited Toulouse for the first time in 2005 to attend an international symposium on System Engineering. In-between the conferences, seminars and meetings of the various chapters of the symposium, I managed to find some time to walk around and enjoy this beautiful southern French city.

Saint Sernin Basillica, Toulouse, France (2005)

The highlight of my short sight-seeing walking trips in was my visit to the Capitole (a.k.a Place du Capitole). This magnificent building houses the City Hall, the Orchestra (Theatre National du Capitole Orchestra) and the Opera House. The 8 pink marble columns create a unique architectural style worthy of the attention of many budding photographers. Along the perimeter of the Capitiole are many nice cafes and eating places. Here, one can sit down for a cuppa of coffee or enjoy a meal while marvelling at the awesome architecture set before you, picture postcard stye.

Place du Capitole, Toulouse, France (2005)

Author's note: Zoom into this picture to view the unique 8 pink columns right in the middle of the Capitole building's facade.

Located within a walking distance of about half a kilometre from the Capitole is the Saint Sernin Basilica. This is a church which houses the body of St Sernin, (died in the year A.D. 257) the first Bishop of Toulouse. The unique architecture of this church is another marvel of the architectural style of Toulouse.

Saint Sernin Basillica, Toulouse, France (2005)

As far as I am concern, no city is ever considered visited unless I get to walk its markets! And I was not to be disappointed. The morning market at Boulevard Strasbourg is an open air market that opens daily from 6am to around noon. At this market, besides local produce, one can mingle with the morning marketing crowd and enjoy the local atmosphere while striking up a conversation or two with the local folks going around their chores and also the friendly stall-keepers. Knowledge of some French words beyond Merci, Bonjour and Au Revoir will help in your interaction with the locals. :-)

Open air market, Toulouse, France (2005)

Fresh local produce at the many open air markets around the city, Toulouse, France (2005)

Tomatoes for sale, Toulouse, France (2005)

More fresh products, Toulouse, France (2005)

Some meat to go with the vegetables, Toulouse, France (2005)

Pizza for sale, Toulouse, France (2005)

Your friendly local cheese seller, Toulouse, France (2005)

Another interesting market is the Place du Capitole Market. Here, one can find locally produced organic products. However, this market is only open twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. And if you are staying over on a Sunday, visit the Marche Jeanne d'Arc. This is a flower market which opens every Sunday.

Marche Place du Capitole, Toulouse, France (2005)

Radish for sale, I almost mistook these for flowers! Marche Place du Capitole, Toulouse, France (2005)

Carrots on the menu, Marche Place du Capitole, Toulouse, France (2005)

Locally produced Cucumbers, Marche Place du Capitole, Toulouse, France (2005)

There is so much to do in Toulouse. The friendly locals, the unique architecture, the local market produce and the food. Try to include this beautiful south-western French city in your itinerary the next time you plan a visit to France. And for those who have been to Toulouse before, a return visit should also be included in your travel plans.