| 1. Cassoulet – The Heartwarming Regional Stew |
Try the famous heart warming stew of the region, Cassoulet. Traditionally made from white beans with duck, goose and pork, slow cooked then topped with fried bread cubes and pieces of pork crackling. Duck or goose fat is added to the mix and is soaked up by the beans. Different parts of the region have slight variations with sausages or partridge substituted in some recipes. The best restaurants for Cassoulet in Toulouse are found in the Place Arnaud-Bernard and Place du Capitole. Wash the tasty stew down with a full bodied red wine which will cut through the richness of the meal.
|
|
| 2. The Musee des Augustins |
For the finest collection of Romanesque sculpture in the world you must visit the Musee des Augustins, one of the oldest museums in France which opened shortly after the Louvre. The museum also has a collection of medieval paintings as well as Old Masters such as Rubens and Manet. The building itself is a 14th century convent built for the Augustinian order and is a work of art in itself. Particularly of note are the cloisters which are one of the only relics of its religious background which was stripped following the French Revolution.
|
| 3. Cite de L’Espace |
An unusual attraction is the Cite de L’Espace commemorating Toulouse’s important role in the European Space Programme and space travel in general. It boasts a very interactive approach to learning about space and is much enjoyed by visiting children (and their dads!). There is an amazing planetarium in which you really feel you are travelling amongst the planets and stars. You can experience a satellite launch and explore a mock up of the Russian Mir Space Station. Rockets and other space hardware act as art in the grounds of the Cite, meaning you can learn more as you take in the gardens.
|
| 4. Roman Toulouse |
Toulouse has its origins in Roman times and there has been a lot of excavation in recent years to uncover the city’s Roman past. Many of the finds, together with information and plans of the Roman city can be found in the Musee St Raymond. The archaeological digs continue and there’s often the chance to question an archaeologist working on the site for news of the latest finds.
|
| 5. La Ville Rose |
The city itself is uniquely beautiful. Built from locally produced bricks which used the pink clay found in the region, the city has been dubbed La Ville Rose. The huge town square is bounded by the Town hall and the Theatre National, both built in the Baroque style. The city also contains what is considered to be the most beautiful Romanesque church in Europe, the Basilique St Sernin. For such a big and important city, you’ll find it surprisingly relaxing to spend a short break there.
|
| 6. Port de l’Embouchure |
The Port de l'Embouchure is where the Canal du Midi, the Brienna Canal, and the Garonne River join together. Three picturesque bridges span the different canals and the river. There’s a small reservoir where you can see a series of marble panels detailing life on the Garonne River. The area has been planned with many paths along the river and canal sides which are great for walking or biking. For the less energetic who still want to enjoy the river, cruise boats ply up and down at a leisurely pace making sure you don’t miss a thing.
|
| 7. Famous Author |
Toulouse was the home of the much loved author Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who wrote Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). For fascinating information about his life and works visit the Hotel du Grand Balcon where there is a permanent gallery with numerous photos and some of his works located there. He led a very exciting life and it is thought that he was shot down off the Mediterranean coast by a German pilot who was a fan of Saint-Exupery’s books.
|
| 8. Le Capitole |
Le Capitole is the site of the original Town Hall built in the 18th century, The building is one of the major landmarks of the city and houses busts of Toulouse’s famous residents from over the century. Unless you are good at French history, many of them will be a mystery to you but the number on display say something for the importance of the city as a place of culture. There are many 19th and 20th century paintings on display and the ceilings are highly decorated too. The main square outside the town hall is a favourite meeting place for residents and tourists alike and has a convivial air about it.
|
| 9. Le Galerie Municipale du Chateau d’Eau |
For a more contemporary collection of art, visit the photography exhibition in the Galerie Municipale du Chateau d’Eau. Here, a collection first put together in 1974 by a photographer from Toulouse, Jean Dreuzaide,is a breathtaking look at 20th century history through the eye of a camera together with a collection of contemporary photographs showing how times and photography have changed over the decades.
|
| 10. Country Walks |
Finally, if all that city sight seeing has made your soul want for quieter times, head out of the city into the countryside of the Midi and experience the beauty of the scenery of South West France. The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are a wealth of walks signposted along its route. Equally beautiful are the pathways along the Garonne River.
|