Three days in Toulouse: art and culture in the museums of the Bemberg Foundation and Les Abattoirs, nature on the Canal du Midi, technology and science in the Cité de l'Espace.
Toulouse one of the largest urban settlements in the south of France, the capital of Occitania, is the fourth largest city in the country and is also an important industrial and university center. To appreciate it in all its nuances, the ideal is to explore the streets of the city on foot or by bicycle. You will be able to enjoy its wonderful museums, which preserve valuable Romanesque and Gothic works, its Renaissance residences and a magnificent ancient city of pink bricks that, according to the French, is "pink at dawn, red at noon and mauve at dusk." ".
Easily accessible from Italy with direct flights Starting from Rome and Milan and a few kilometers from Spain, Toulouse is a lively and dynamic city that attracts thousands of tourists every year not only for its historical monuments but also for its natural beauty, especially appreciated by lovers of outdoor activities. . The best season to discover the city is undoubtedly summer, when the city comes to life and is filled with aromas, colors, entertainment and numerous events.
First day – Art, culture, entertainment.
Once in Toulouse, one of the first things to do is a walk through the charming medieval streets of the Old neighborhood, with its wonderful patios and magnificent Renaissance houses, built by merchants who in the 15th century became rich from the trade of "pastel", a beautiful blue dye. Some of these buildings survive in the old town, such as the hôtel d'Assézat, which today houses the Bemberg Foundation, a private museum containing a collection of paintings; the hôtel de Bernuy, flanked by an octagonal tower; and Clary's Hotel.
Furthermore, the lively streets of the historic center are dotted with numerous bistros and boutiques, a meeting place not only for the inhabitants of Toulouse, but also for the greater community of University students who lives in the city, as well as for the many tourists. Ideal for walking, shopping or having something sitting on the terrace of a cafe mid-morning or for lunch.
Then it reaches Capitol Square, the true heart of the city, very lively both day and night, surrounded by wonderful buildings such as the Capitole, built in the 16th century, the former archives tower that today houses the tourist office. In the square, under the arches decorated by Raymond Moretti, there are some very pretty shops and the city's historic cafes, such as the Grand Café Albert or the Florida. Don't miss a visit to the Pharmacie des Arcades to buy sweets, soaps and cosmetics made from the famous Toulouse violet.
Starting from the center of Toulouse, we suggest broadening your view with an itinerary through the city's neighborhoods, starting with the Capitole St-Sernin, full of young people with a decidedly Latin soul, where the wonderful basilica of San SernĂn, with its octagonal pink brick bell tower, one of the French stops on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and the Jacobins convent, a jewel of Gothic art with its beautiful brick church and cloister. A fun atmosphere reigns here thanks to the presence of many students, with bars and small restaurants and entertainment until the first light of dawn.
On the banks of the Garonne River is the Saint Cyprien neighborhood, the right place for those who love to spend the night in the clubs and who also want to get to know the city's nightlife. Here you can admire the structure and plan a visit to the former slaughterhouse, Les Abattoirs, now transformed into Contemporary Art Museum; The L'Hemicycl tea room, located in the museum's outer courtyard, is charming. Les Carmes, on the other hand, is the fashionable neighborhood of the city, with a traditional and at the same time modern spirit, a temple of commerce and leisure. Also not to be missed is the Esquirol area, which offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants and bistros.
Second day – Nature, sports, relaxation.
For your second day in Toulouse, we suggest a walk or bike ride along the path that runs along the river. Garonne, to admire splendid views of the entire city. The river represents an environment highly appreciated by both Toulouse residents and tourists. The numerous and picturesque bridges that connect the two banks of the river and the paths that run along them are always full of joggers, while the river itself is frequented by those who practice water sports or love boat excursions.
Then plan a trip to Canal du Midi; Toulouse tourism agencies offer guided boat tours or walks along its shores. On its banks there are peniches, inhabited barges that house restaurants and shops. It is the ideal setting for strolling, having a snack in one of the many bistros that dominate it or exploring the long cycle path. Its majesty and its dams earned the Canal du Midi inscription as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996.
Third day – Science, technology and… cookinga
City of art and history, Toulouse is also a modern and innovative center thanks to its space and aeronautical center. A perfect place to spend a day different from usual. The city of space, a park dedicated to space; Here, in fact, there are workshops for children, a planetarium and some attractions that simulate the experiences of astronauts. In the Airbus laboratories, however, it is possible to discover, through guided tours, the greatness of various aircraft, especially the new Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world. In addition, you can get on the famous Concorde and learn the secrets of a cabin. It is important to reserve in advance because places are limited.
To end your weekend in Toulouse, spend some time enjoying the typical flavors of gastronomy local dishes such as cassoulette, composed of Toulouse sausage stewed with beans, excellent foie gras on toasted canapés or with sweet and sour sauces, Roquefort or Laguiole cheeses, accompanied by excellent wines from the historic region of Gascogne. Among traditional desserts, try apple and armagnac tourtiere, pavé du capitole with dark chocolate or caraque, a chocolate shortcrust pastry.
