Couple Of Toulousers

I visited the beautiful city of Toulouse back in April. Rich in medieval history, the city is commonly known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) because the historic centre is almost entirely built from locally sourced pink clay bricks. Stunning architecture can be found throughout the city, including famous landmarks such as the Capitole, which was unfortunately closed to the public during our visit.

While in Toulouse, we made sure to spend plenty of time sightseeing, learning about the city’s history and taking in the impressive surroundings. Toulouse has managed to strike a great balance between old and new. The city’s university has brought a sense of modern life to the medieval streets without taking away from the charm and beauty of its historic sites. With a lively nightlife scene, we enjoyed visiting local wine bars to sample some (fairly) local drinks and of course, indulge in the rich flavours of French cuisine. We were able to try traditional dishes prepared by those who know them best, including the famous cassoulet.

After one too many baguettes, we took a day trip to the town of Carcassonne to explore its remarkable fortified citadel. Although only around 50 people live within the citadel itself, the famous castle attracts approximately four million visitors each year, which unfortunately meant it was quite crowded. Even so, we thoroughly enjoyed walking the three kilometre circuit of the ramparts, which feature an impressive 52 towers.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Toulouse. Full of beauty and history, it is truly a remarkable city. If you’re a bit of a nerd like me, Toulouse is certainly one to add to your list.