France, Haute-Garonne Departement – Toulouse

Toulouse is called La Ville Rose (the Pink City). This is because the pinkish colors of the buldings which becomes apparent especially during sunrise or sundown. The city is situated in southwest France. This makes it an ideal spot for a vacation.

The ride from the airport to the city center is without any problems. You can use tram to get to the nearest metro line station. By the way, the local metropolitan has two lines which are 28 kilometers long. The number of stations is 37 (the Prague subway is 65 kilometers long and there are 61 stations).

Downtown Toulouse is pedestrian friendly and some streets are even closed to cars. You can get anywhere simply by walking. And when you do so, look also above yourselves for there you can see the centuries of architecture at work. Also, visit a visitors' center to get yourselves a booklet with recommended itineary.

We can recommend you to visit the iconic Saint Sernin basilica. Often it is considered one of the most amazing churches in France. It is truly worth your time. Simply put the basilica - its exterior as well as interior - is amazing.

You can join a guided tour where you learn many interesting things. If you come during a sermon, you may hear local organ play.

If you love art Musée des Augustins is the right place for you. There it holds many statues, paintings and special art collections. You will see romanesque, gothic or renaissance art but modern art is present as well. The museum sis situated right next to the Augustinian cloister to which belong a beautiful church, and gardens.

Toulouse is a city worth of spending your time in the streets. There are countless restauratns and bars that would gladly take you in. If you don't want to sit somewhere simply take a drink with you.

GPS: (airport) 43°37'44.8"N 1°22'01.3"E

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photos: Wikipedia.org: Didier Descouens, Didier Descouens (2), Don-vip, PMRMaeyaert, PierreSelim, Didier Descouens (3)