One of largest cities, as well as the most important industrial, cultural, educational and tourist center of France is the city of Toulouse, located in the southwestern part of the country on the banks of Garonne River, originating in Pyrenees and flowing into Bay of Biscay. Distance from city to Atlantic Ocean is only 250 kilometers, and up to Mediterranean Sea- 150 kilometers. To the southwest of the city are Pyrenees mountains.
In addition to the French, many Spaniards, Basques, Jews and Arabs (immigrants from North African countries) live in Toulouse. From time to time, quite serious conflicts break out between representatives of different ethnic groups.
In the Middle Ages, Toulouse was one of the richest cities in France, thanks to the trade in woad extract, which has a sky-blue hue. At this time, many luxurious churches and mansions were erected in the city. Many city buildings are built of pink bricks; it is no coincidence that Toulouse is called the Pink City ( La Ville Rose).
Today, the South-Pyrenees region, of which Toulouse is the capital, is considered the center of French space exploration, since the National Center for Space Research has been operating in the city since the mid-20th century ( Center National d'Études Spatiales) and aviation. In the suburbs there is a factory that produces aircraft. Airbus and is the largest employer in the region.
Tourists in Toulouse are attracted by many picturesque historical architectural attractions, rich cultural life, the opportunity to visit Space town, proximity ski resorts Pyrenees and sea resorts Atlantic And Mediterranean, as well as the delicious original cuisine of the region.
Region |
capital of the Sud-Pyrénées region, Haute-Garonne department, Toulouse district |
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Population |
450,000 people |
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106 BC e. |
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Population density |
3,804 people/km 2 |
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Timezone |
UTC+1, in summer UTC+2 |
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Postal code |
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International dialing code |
Climate and weather
Toulouse is located at the junction of temperate and Mediterranean climate zones. The daily average air temperature from June to September remains at +23...+26 °C, on some days exceeding +35 °C and even +40 °C. Therefore, the most favorable time to visit the city is considered to be the spring-autumn period, when the comfortable temperature is +15...+20 °C. In winter, Toulouse is also quite warm (+3...+5 °C), but frosts occasionally occur.
Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, but the most rainy days occur in April and May.
Nature
Numerous gardens and parks paint Toulouse in bright colors and give the city a special charm ( Jardin Royal, Jardin Raymond VI, Japanese Garden, garden of exotic plants Georges Labit, the oldest garden in Toulouse Jardin des Plantes, most blooming park Jardin du Grand Rond And Parc de la Maurine). Here you can retire and relax from the city noise and bustle. Many parks are decorated with artificial lakes and ponds. Entrance to all public gardens and parks, except Parc de la Maurine, free.
Attractions
Toulouse is a city with a rich architectural heritage. Ancient buildings built from unique pink brick look very colorful, giving the buildings a certain lightness and romance.
The main attraction of Toulouse is the Capitol ( Capitole), located in the very center of the city. Today, the Capitol building houses City Hall, City Hall, and the National Theater. All the most significant events of the city take place on the square in front of the Capitol.
Numerous churches, cathedrals and chapels attract with their unique style and richness of decoration: Church of Our Lady of Dalbad (Notre-Dame de la Dalbade), St. Stephen's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne), Church of St. Peter Cuisin ( Saint-Pierre des Cuisines), Basilica of Saint Saturninus of Toulouse ( Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse), St. Joseph's Chapel ( Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Grave), Church of Our Lady of Taura ( Notre-Dame du Taur), Basilica of Dorad ( Basilique de la Daurade) etc. The Dominican monastery complexes ( des Jacobins) and Augustinians ( des Augustins), which today house museums and often host art exhibitions.
There are many bridges across the Garonne, the oldest of which is, paradoxically, New bridge (Pont Neuf), built in 1632. The bridge's perfect design has allowed it to withstand severe floods for more than 400 years.
Taking a walk through the old winding streets of the city, you will definitely see the ancient luxurious mansions of woad dyeing merchants: the Assez mansion ( Hotel d'Assézat), Bernu ( Hotel de Bernuy) and etc.
The city has several art and historical museums, as well as the Museum of Medical Instruments, the Postal Museum, etc. It is always worth checking the opening hours of museums in advance, since their days off often fall on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Nutrition
Each region of France has its own gastronomic characteristics and dishes that deserve everyone's attention. Residents region Sud-Pyrenees They believe that goose liver pates are the best in the world foie gras, Toulouse sausages, local cheeses Roquefort, Bleu des Causses, Laguiole And Rocamadour, pies and other sweets (pie with meringue and marzipan fenetra, dark chocolate pavé du Capitole, biscuit caraque and the famous Toulouse delicacy Cachou Lajaunie, the recipe of which is kept strictly secret) and, of course, dishes with the addition of violets.
Many establishments in the city will offer you a delicious dish. cassoulet, which is different variations of meat stew with beans.
As the capital of the wine region, Toulouse will delight its guests with a huge variety of this elegant drink, created from grapes grown in the valleys Garonne or in the foothills Pyrenees. The wine created in this region has a distinctive, pronounced taste.
Among the local alcoholic drinks, you should also pay attention to violet liqueur and various varieties of Armagnac.
Taste best dishes region, as well as delicacies from cuisines from many countries around the world can be found in numerous bistros, cafes and restaurants in the city. The average cost of one of the main courses is about 20 €, and enjoy a set lunch ( a la carte) available for only 6.5-10 €.
Accommodation
In Toulouse you can easily find exactly the type of accommodation that suits your needs.
Here you can easily rent a room in a cheap hotel for only 40 €. The minimum cost of accommodation in a 2-3 star hotel is 55 €. In one of the magnificent 4-star hotels in the city you can rent a double room for 100-260 €. A room in a 5-star hotel will cost 160-1500 €. A B&B (bed and breakfast) hotel will cost about 60-300 €.
You can rent modest furnished apartments for 25-55 € per day.
For a small fee (17.5 €) you can stay in a youth hostel Residence Jolimont, which is located near the new railway station.
Entertainment and relaxation
Toulouse, like most cities in France, has its own unique holidays and festivals that attract participants and guests from all over the world. February will delight city guests with amazing Violet Festival, which is held during the flowering of this fragrant flower, which is the symbol of Toulouse. Violets have been grown by gardeners in Toulouse since the 19th century. Today, a wide range of products are produced from violet petals: candies, perfumes, liqueurs, etc.
If you visit Toulouse in March, you will be... Flamenco Festival, during which artists from all over the world come to the hospitable French city to demonstrate the beauty and grace of this dance. Fans of Argentine tango should visit Toulouse at the beginning of July for the festival Tango Postale. At the beginning of summer, a festival takes place on the banks of the Garonne River Rio Loco, during which concerts, exhibitions of paintings and photographs are held in open areas, and films are shown. A music festival is held at the end of July - beginning of August Toulouse d'été, during which at numerous venues in the city you can hear music of various genres - from classical and jazz to rock and rap. In autumn, Toulouse hosts an original Science Festival Novela, as well as an organ music festival Toulouse les Orgues.
In all seasons, Toulouse offers its guests all kinds of leisure activities. Fans of water activities can go to one of the water parks located near the city: Espace Nautique Jean Vauchère or Aqualudia. There are six golf clubs within 10-15 kilometers from the city center. You can go ice skating at one of four indoor skating rinks (from 4 €).
In the vicinity of the city there are several wine yards (Fronton, Gaillac, etc.), where regular tasting tours are organized.
If you've ever dreamed of walking on the moon or visiting the space station "World", then you should definitely go to Space Town ( La Cité de l'espace). Here you can visit Space Museum, planetarium, watch a 3D movie that will take you to outer space, see a life-size rocket launcher and much more. Ticket prices for adults range from 19.5 to 23 €, for children under 15 years old - from 14 to 16.5 €.
In the evening and at night, more than 20 nightclubs open their doors to visitors, where the hits of the season are played and French and Spanish DJs perform. For those who prefer dance music of yesteryear, they can visit retro discos Dancing La Roseraie and El Bolero. At the casino Casino Theater Barriere you can not only play on slot machines(Texas poker or roulette) but also to attend the magnificent performances that are regularly held in the casino theater hall. You can also relax in evening Toulouse in one of the themed bars, where live music is played in the evenings.
Purchases
In all the souvenir shops in the city you will find all kinds of items related to violet (violette) and the medicinal plant woad (pastel), which played a significant role in the history of Toulouse. Among such products are cosmetics, scented candles, dishes with images of plants, culinary delights, etc. In addition, the city has several sports shops specializing in rugby-related products. Most souvenir shops are located near the Capitol.
A bottle of local wine, which can be purchased in specialized wine stores, can be an excellent memorable gift for yourself and your loved ones. La Boutique des Vins, Nicolas, L'Oustal de Candie, or a package of cheese, the best varieties of which are sold in boutiques Fromagerie Xavier and Chez Betty.
You will find an excellent selection of Toulouse sausages in stores Maison Garcia. A huge selection of foie gras is offered in stores Maison Samaran, Maison Busquets and Valette.
For fresh fruits and vegetables, the best place to go is the market on the boulevard de Strasbourg, and it is customary to buy organic products and homemade wine at the market near the church Saint Aubin Basilica. City markets are open only on weekends, and you should go there in the first half of the day, since the traders' working day ends around 15:00.
Clothing, accessories and cosmetics can be purchased at one of the city's many department stores and shopping centers ( Galerie Lafayette, Monoprix, Stade Toulousain and etc.). Original jewelry sold in the store Nicolas Tourrel.
Art objects created by local craftsmen and artists can be found in the shops and galleries around the square. place de la Bourse.
Transport
Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport(Toulouse-Blagnac). There are no direct flights between Moscow and Toulouse, so you will need to make one transfer in Paris or Amsterdam. The minimum ticket price is 315 €. From the airport to the city you can take shuttle buses that depart every 20 minutes. Travel time takes from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic situation on the road. The fare is 5 €. To get from the airport to the city, you can also use a taxi (20-25 €).
It is quite convenient to get to Toulouse by rail: from Paris high-speed trains TGV - for five hours (from 20 to 40 €); from Marseille - in four hours, from Bordeaux - in two hours, etc.
You can get around the city by public transport ( Tisséo): by metro, which consists of two lines (A and B), by city bus or by tram. The cost of one trip is 1.6 €, a ticket for 10 trips costs 12.9 €, a day pass costs 5.5 €, a pass for two or three days costs 8.5 and 10.5 €, respectively.
The most convenient way to get around the historical part of the city is on foot or on a bicycle rented at one of the VeloToulouse offices (1 € per day). Along with your bike, you will be given a map of the city's bike paths.
Connection
You can contact your family and friends in Toulouse by using a pay phone using a card or by mobile phone. At mobile communication offices you can not only purchase a SIM card, but also rent a phone. Subscribers of all domestic operators can activate roaming.
Free wired or wireless Internet is available in all hotels, boarding houses and hostels in the city.
Safety
Toulouse is pretty calm city for tourists, as pickpocketing is relatively rare here. But, as anywhere in the world, you should always be attentive to the safety of your documents, money, credit cards and valuables. The most unfavorable neighborhoods are considered Arnaud Bernard And la Reynerie.
Recently, terrorist attacks have become more frequent in Toulouse. Certain categories of citizens are particularly at risk, primarily Jews.
Business climate
There is a Free Economic Zone on the territory of the city. Enterprises registered there and with fewer than 51 employees are exempt from paying a number of taxes for five years: real estate tax, income tax and social security contributions. There are a number of benefits relating to income tax and corporate tax. A prerequisite for the operation of a company in the Toulouse Free Economic Zone is the hiring local residents in an amount of at least one third of the number of employees of the enterprise.
Real estate
Real estate purchased in the Pink City can be used both for personal residence and for rental. Every year Toulouse attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, which is facilitated not only by its architectural wealth ancient city, but also its proximity to sea and ski resorts.
The average cost of 1 m2 of real estate here is 2,500-4,200 €. A castle in the suburbs of Toulouse will cost 4,000,000-8,000,000 €.
The most spectacular photographs of the city's attractions are taken in the rays of the morning or evening sun, which gives a golden hue to buildings made of ancient pink brick.
Toulouse (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Toulouse with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Toulouse (France)
Toulouse is a city in the south of France and the capital of the Occitanie region. Located in the heart of the French southwest near the Pyrenees, halfway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Toulouse is one of the most beautiful cities in France with interesting brick architecture, rich history, sunny climate, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. La Ville Rose (translated as “the pink city”) is the so-called name of Toulouse because of the terracotta bricks from which many of the ancient buildings of the historical center are built.
Toulouse was founded on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. In the Middle Ages it was a popular place of pilgrimage and a religious center in southern France. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin was one of the stops on the path of St. Jacob's is still included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now Toulouse is an important scientific, industrial and Cultural Center countries.
Geography and climate
Toulouse is located on the banks of the Garrona River, 680 km from Paris. Old city occupies the right bank, and on the left is the suburb of Saint-Cyprien. The climate is subtropical (Mediterranean). Characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
Practical information
- Population - more than 470 thousand people.
- Area - 118.3 km2.
- Language - French.
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - UTC +1, in summer +2.
- 11 km from Toulouse is located international Airport Blagnac, which connects it with some major European cities.
- Toulouse has excellent transport links with Paris, Barcelona, Bordeaux, Marseille.
- The city is famous for its excellent gastronomy. The most famous local dishes: duck, Saucisse de Toulouse (fried spicy sausages) and Cassoulet (stew with beans and herbs).
- Toulouse is a very safe city. It is enough to follow basic safety rules and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Story
The history of Toulouse goes back more than two thousand years and it is one of ancient cities France. Even in the pre-Roman period, there was a Gallic settlement of Tolosa, which in 106 BC. was captured by the Romans. From the 4th century AD Toulouse is the seat of the bishop. From 419 to 507 - the capital of the Visigothic kingdom. At the beginning of the 6th century, Toulouse was captured by the Franks.
Subsequently, the city was the center of the Kingdom of Aquitaine. In 721 he was besieged by the Saracens, but survived. Since the second half of the 8th century, Toulouse has been the residence of the Counts of Toulouse, who controlled almost the entire south of France. In the Middle Ages the city flourished and was an important center of pilgrimage, as it was on the religious route of St. Jacob.
The Dominican Order was founded here in 1214. In 1217 - 1218, Toulouse was besieged and taken by the crusaders. In 1229 the University of Toulouse was founded. In 1271, Toulouse became part of the kingdom of France and the center of the province of Languedoc.
In the 16th century (during the Huguenot wars), Toulouse was a stronghold of Catholics. Subsequently, the importance of the city declined. Everything changed relatively recently. In the 20th century, Toulouse became the center of French aircraft manufacturing, and Charles de Gaulle ordered the National Center for Space Research to be located here. This contributed to economic growth and population growth.
Attractions
Saint Sernin is an ancient Romanesque basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Is one of the most beautiful churches on the medieval religious route of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Saint-Sernin was built between the 11th and 13th centuries using red brick, typical of Toulouse architecture.
The building has a five-nave structure and a three-nave transept in the Romanesque style. The basilica is dedicated to St. Saturin (Sernen), who was martyred in Patras (Greece). His tomb is located in the apse. Interesting features Saint-Sernin: magnificent Romanesque façade, portal with sculptures, fine 17th-century choir, huge carved Romanesque crucifix in the north transept, 11th-century marble reliefs and crypt with religious relics.
The Dominican Monastery is a fine example of Southern Gothic architecture. It was founded in the 13th century and built entirely of red brick. The tower of the monastery church resembles the architecture of the Saint-Sernin tower. The monastery has a strict appearance and exquisite internal architecture. Chapel of St. Antonia is decorated with paintings from the 16th century. The relics of St. Thomas Aquinas are also kept here.
Place de la Capitole is the lively center of Toulouse and features exquisite classical architecture. On the western side of the square you can see beautiful arcades. On the east side is famous building 18th century Capitol with impressive halls. Behind the square is an ancient 16th-century defensive tower, and to the south are the charming streets of the old town.
Saint-Etienne - Cathedral, which was built over several centuries and has features of several architectural styles. The first church on this site was built in the late 12th century in the Southern Gothic style. The cathedral was later rebuilt in the Northern Gothic style to compete with the magnificent cathedrals Northern Europe. The structure of the church is distinguished by a massive tower, a huge rose window with stained glass and complex decorative elements of the facade. Inside you can see 17 chapels and beautiful tapestries from the 16th to 18th centuries.
The Carmelite Chapel is a small religious building with magnificent paintings inspired by the Sistine Chapel. The chapel was built in the 17th century and was part of a Carmelite monastery that was destroyed during the French Revolution.
The Canal du Midi is a 240 km long hydraulic structure built in the 17th century that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk and a relaxing atmosphere.
Chapel of St. Joseph is a beautiful 17th century chapel that is the main attraction of Saint-Cyprien. It was once part of a medieval hospital that housed plague victims.
Notre-Dame du Tour Notre-Dame du Taur is an ancient church with an unusual bell tower. Built of pink brick in the Southern Gothic style. According to legend, the church stands on the spot where the body of the first bishop of Toulouse, Sernen, fell, who was killed by the Romans and tied to a bull, letting the animal run through the city.
Church of Saint-Pierre The Church of Saint-Pierre is a 17th-century religious building built by Carthusian monks. The church is decorated with magnificent 18th-century sculpture, frescoes and stucco bas-reliefs.
Notre-Dame de la Dalbade is an ancient church with a very beautiful portal, located in the heart of the Carmes quarter. The history of the church dates back to the 6th century. The building was completely rebuilt in the 15th century after a fire. Until 1926, the church had the tallest bell tower in the city, until it collapsed.
The ruins of a Roman amphitheater are the only ancient monument of Toulouse. The amphitheater was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. and was used for gladiator fights until the end of the 4th century.
Notre-Dame de la Daure is an imposing basilica located on the banks of the Garrona. It was built in the 5th century on the ruins of a Roman temple. In the 9th century it became part of a Benedictine monastery. The old church was demolished in the 18th century and completely rebuilt.
The donjon is a 16th century gunpowder tower topped by a bell tower in the style of Flemish architecture.
Museums of Toulouse:
- Museum of Fine Arts, located in former monastery Augustinians. Shows a collection of paintings and sculptures. The collection of paintings includes works by artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Perugino and Rubens. The collection of sculptures spans the Romanesque period to the modern era. Among the sculptures, the most impressive are the magnificent works of the late Middle Ages.
- The Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts (Bemberg Foundation), housed in an extravagant 16th-century mansion. Here you can look at paintings, bronze sculptures and other art objects. The highlight of the collection of paintings are works of the Renaissance and modern French school, including paintings by Monet and Boudin.
- Archaeological Museum(Saint-Raymond) - a wonderful collection of archaeological finds and antiquities. The museum is located in a medieval university building. The highlight of the collection is the gallery of Roman sculptures.
In the south of France there is a modern, rapidly developing cultural, scientific and industrial center of the country - the city of Toulouse.
Description of the city
The population of Toulouse (including suburbs) is 425 thousand people. This figure puts the city in fourth place in the country after Paris, Lyon and Marseille. The city of Toulouse (France) is located on the shores. It is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by 150 kilometers, and from the Atlantic Ocean by 250 kilometers.
In this area, in addition to the French language, the Occitan dialect is widespread. Street names here are written in two languages. France has always attracted tourists from all over the world. Toulouse is no exception in this sense. Thousands of travelers come to this city every year to see the local attractions.
In the world, this settlement has received the name “pink city”, and all because of the color of the brick from which almost all its buildings are built. The city of Toulouse (France) has several higher educational institutions - three state universities, a polytechnic institute, an École Supérieure fine arts. Today, more than 110 thousand students are educated here.
In that French city Aviation enterprises (Airbus and Ariane) are operating successfully, the biochemical, electronic and information technology industries are developing. In the early nineties of the last century, a metro appeared in Toulouse. In addition, the townspeople are proud of the municipal stadium, which is the main venue of the city football club.
Toulouse (France) attractions
This city contains many historical, cultural and architectural monuments. All of them arouse great interest among tourists, and, I must say, for good reason. We will introduce you to some of them in this article.
Church of Saint-Sernin
There are many ancient cathedrals that France is rightfully proud of. Toulouse has preserved one of the oldest temples in the city, which belonged to the Abbey of Saint Saturnin. The basilica was consecrated in honor of this saint, who lived here in the third century. This was the first bishop of the city. He was canonized after he refused to participate in sacrifices, and as a result suffered a terrible, martyr’s death. He was tied to a bull, which was driven through the city streets. The bishop was buried by members of the Christian community outside the walls of Toulouse. Much later, a small chapel was built over his burial. The first temple appeared near the grave at the beginning of the 5th century.
Construction of the basilica lasted throughout the 11th-12th centuries. A building for pilgrims was built next to it - a kind of inn. For this, pink brick was used, and white stone was used to decorate the building.
The predominant style of the basilica is Romanesque, but in the interior you can see elements of Baroque and Gothic. In 1096, Pope Urban II consecrated the temple, although it was still unfinished. At the beginning of the 12th century, other buildings of the abbey began to appear, and work on the western wing was stopped.
In the 13th century, Gothic elements appeared in the appearance of the temple, and after restoration carried out in the 19th century, the structure was so mercilessly changed that in the next century it was necessary to recreate its original appearance.
The main features of this temple include the stone carved decoration of the portals of the southern facade. Stone carved scenes representing biblical scenes decorated the gates of Port Miègeville. In the northern part of the cathedral, unique frescoes dating back to the 12th century have been preserved. They miraculously survived under a layer of plaster during an unsuccessful restoration carried out in the 19th century.
The bell tower of the basilica rises more than 110 meters, and there is a carillon on it, which is crowned with 18 bells.
Town Hall
It is interesting that the city administration building in this city is called not the mayor's office or the town hall, but the capitol. At the end of the 12th century, a palace was erected on this site, in which members of the city magistrate - chapters - met, and therefore the building itself began to be called the capitol.
This monumental structure is located on the main square of the city, which is called the Capitol Square. The building in its current form was built in the 18th century from pink brick, traditional for this city.
On the facade of the building (its length is 135 meters) there are eight columns - they corresponded to the number of city chapters. Their coats of arms were installed on the fences of the balconies of the building. The construction was led by Guillaume Camm, and in the next century his work was continued by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, who restored the building, which was almost completely destroyed during a fire, and also added a donjon tower and a bell tower.
France, Toulouse: Dominican Church
At the very beginning of the 13th century, Dominic Guzman founded His first temple was erected in Toulouse.
Today it is not a functioning temple, but it attracts the attention of citizens and guests of the city with its unusual architecture. Concerts and cultural events are held here. For many parishioners it is very important that St. Thomas Aquinas was a medieval theologian and Dominican monk.
In addition to the church, several more cloisters and buildings have been preserved in the monastery complex. The monastery is located in the historical center of Toulouse, very close to the Capitol.
TO architectural features the churches include “Jacobin palms” - graceful columns whose height exceeds 20 meters; Twenty-two ribs radiate upward from them, forming the structure of the vault. The church is considered one of the highest, while the height of the octagonal four-tier bell tower is only forty-five meters.
In the interior of the temple, for example, in the chapel of St. Antonin, you can admire the wall paintings, and in the rose window you can see a unique stained glass window of modern work - it was created in the middle of the last century. The largest room in the church can be considered the refectory, which today is used as an exhibition gallery.
"Space Town"
For many tourists today France is very attractive. The suburb (Toulouse has many attractions outside the city) on the eastern border has become famous for a theme park called "Space Town". It was opened in 1997. In the park, you can tour full-scale models of the 55-meter-tall Ariana 5 rocket, the Mir space station, and the Soyuz modules. The most interesting show programs are held daily in the planetarium in the park. Here you can visit numerous exhibitions. For example, many will be interested in a simulator room where you can try to control a spaceship.
Paul Dupuis Museum
Undoubtedly, France has a huge number of cultural monuments. Toulouse can offer its guests a visit to this museum. It bears the name of its founder - collector and philanthropist Paul Dupuis. For his museum, he purchased the Besson house, which belonged to the city prosecutor. The cultural institution received its first visitors in 1905.
The museum's exposition is a large collection of applied art, a collection of graphics and other exhibits. The most ancient ones, by the way, were created during the Middle Ages, and the “youngest” acquisitions are not even a hundred years old. The collection is completed by exhibits created at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Quite a large part of the museum’s exhibition is dedicated to the crafts and history of Languedoc. Here you can see the restored interior of a medieval pharmacy, which belonged (early 17th century), dishes, furniture, National costumes. The collection features works of art created by local glass and metal artists.
It is impossible not to mention the unique collection of watches, which includes more than 130 movements, and jewelry brought from China.
Impressions of the trip
Today, many of our compatriots are familiar with Toulouse (France). The attractions that travelers leave reviews about make a lasting impression. According to travelers, this is an amazing pink city with a lot to see. Many tourists liked the excursion train, which takes city guests to memorable places. The duration of such a trip is 35 minutes, the cost is 5 euros. The train makes stops, and you can get off at any place you like and continue exploring on your own.
Many note that before the trip they did not know that Toulouse is famous for violets and perfumes made from these flowers. In addition, you can buy violet jam and even liqueur here. Every February the violet festival takes place here. According to tourists, this is an amazing sight.
French city of Toulouse (Mid-Pyrénées region)
The French city of Toulouse is locality located in the south of France, the capital of the Midi-Pyrénées region and administrative center department of Haute-Garonne and district of Toulouse.
One of the largest cultural, scientific and industrial centers in France; fourth most populous city (480 thousand inhabitants, 2012) after Paris , Marseille And Lyon. The motto is Per Tolosa totjorn mai, which means “more of everything for Toulouse.”
Toulouse, with its beautiful historical center, is one of the busiest and largest provincial cities in France. After the war, the city was simply transformed thanks to the French government, which lavished money into it to turn Toulouse into a high-tech industry nerve center and a kind of first transnational Euroville. Toulouse has always been an aviation center - back in the 1920s, Saint-Exupéry and Mermault took off from here for the first time in postal flights over Africa and the Atlantic.
Today Toulouse is the headquarters of the Aerospatiale corporation, the driving force behind the Concorde, Airbus and Ariane launch vehicles. The National Space Centre, the European Space Shuttle program, leading aviation schools, the advanced electronics industry... all of this is concentrated in Toulouse, whose 110 thousand students make it the second university center after Paris.
Yes, these transformations also apply to the burgeoning suburbs with factories, laboratories, shopping centers, residential complexes where residents go for entertainment, but not the old Ville Rose (Pink City), pink not only because of the color of its brick buildings, but also because of its policies.
Not for the first time in history, Toulouse achieved rapid prosperity. From the 10th to the 12th centuries, the counts of Toulouse controlled most of southern France. They maintained the most brilliant court in the country, glorified above all by the troubadours, those poets of courtly love, whose works inspired Petrarch, Dante, Chaucer and thus influenced the development of European poetry as a whole. This continued until the greedy northern French barons set out on the Albigensian Crusade, and in 1271 Toulouse became the property of the French crown.
Arrival, city information and accommodation in Toulouse
The train station (gare Matabiau) and bus station (gare Routiere) are located side by side on Boulevard Pierre-Semard on the banks of the artistically landscaped Canal du Midi. This is where you will find yourself when you arrive in Toulouse by train, bus or plane, as regular airport buses (arriving every 20 minutes; travel time 20 minutes; 4 €) will drop you off at bus station(they also stop at allees Jean-Jaures and place Jeanne-d`Arc). Those traveling by car should approach the city along the ring road (boulevard Peripherique) and take exit 15.
To get to the city center from the station, it takes only 5 minutes by metro; exit at Capitole station (€1.30, ticket valid for one hour when traveling by metro and Semvat city buses within the city center) or 20 minutes on foot.
After leaving the station, turn left, cross the canal and go straight along the allees Jean-Jaures through Wilson Square(place Wilson) to Place du Capitole, the main square of the city. Directly in front of it lie the shady and frequently visited gardens of Place Charles de Gaulle (Charles-de-Gaulle), where the city's main tourist office is housed in a 16th-century tower, restored by the bathroom so that it looks like the main tower (donjon) of a castle; Capitole metro station is nearby.
The best way to learn about the repertoire of cultural and entertainment institutions (usually there are many events, from opera to films) is to buy the latest issue of the weekly information magazines Toulouse Hebdo (€0.50) and Flash (€1). The interests of intellectuals are usually reflected in the free monthly Toulouse Culture, which is available from travel agencies and other places.
Toulouse is a beautiful and unusual city in the southwest of France, which is often called " pink city"or "city of violets." Often the names “city of students” and “city of airplanes” are also applied to Toulouse. This large cultural, industrial and scientific center is the fourth largest city in France.
How to get there?
It is impossible to get to Toulouse directly from Russia, however, once in France, getting to this city will not be a problem.
The easiest way to get there is by train from (5-7.5 hours depending on the type of train), (2 hours) or (4 hours).
In order to save money, it is better to buy train tickets in advance (on the Internet, for example).
Transport in Toulouse
Toulouse's urban transport system consists of 80 bus routes, two metro lines and two suburban railway lines, which also pass through the city itself.
The metro runs along the Garonne River, and only Line A (the red line on the diagram) crosses the river. Line B (yellow line) runs along eastern shore to Ramonville (suburb of Toulouse). Lines A and B connect at Jean-Jaurès station.
Almost the entire metro runs underground, the entire above-ground line is a branch line from Line A, and Line A itself comes to the surface in some places. Many stations in the city center are named after local attractions and museums to make it easier for tourists and visitors to find their way around.
Public transport in Toulouse is one of the most expensive in all of Europe. The cost of a ticket for 1 trip is 1.5 euros, for 2 trips – 2.7 euros. A subscription for 10 trips will cost 12.5 euros, a ticket for 1 day without limiting the number of trips - 5 euros, for 2 days - 8 euros.
Before boarding, remember that tickets must be validated.
Sights of Toulouse
The most interesting and noteworthy attractions of Toulouse are located in the historical part of the city. This also applies to many cities in France.
In old Toulouse, you should definitely admire the man-made masterpieces of architecture, which include the Capitol, the Church of Saint-Sernin, the pavilion of the Georges Labit Museum, and the Church of Saint-Georges.
However, the attractions in the city of Toulouse do not end there. Attention should also be paid to the pink facade of the city hall and the botanical gardens, the Bember art gallery, the Augustinian museum, and the museum of old Toulouse. Even an ordinary walk through the narrow streets of the city will bring an unforgettable experience.
Church of Saint-Sernin
Church of Saint-Sernin view from the parking lot, Toulouse city
Saint-Sernin is called the largest surviving Romanesque church in the world. Construction of the basilica began in 1080 and lasted until the mid-12th century. Saint Sernin amazes with its beauty.
Viewed from the entrance bay, which is divided in half, the church may seem to go on forever.
An important part of the Church of Saint-Sernin is the dungeon, into which you can go down and see the main shrine of the cathedral - the relics of St. Saturnina.
The large organ, known throughout the world, deserves no less attention.
Botanical Garden
Pond in the botanical garden in Toulouse in summer
The 7 hectares of this Toulouse public park are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. The park consists of three parts, connected by pedestrian bridges: the botanical garden, the Royal Garden and the Grande Ronde.
The botanical garden was opened in 1886. Here you can admire many old trees, fountains, flower beds and ponds. The rich collection of plants from a variety of climatic zones deserves special attention.
Tourists are also attracted by a large pond surrounded by ornamental trees.
For children, the park offers swings and pony rides.
Augustinian Museum
Augustinian Museum, Gothic architecture
The museum is located on the territory of a monastery of the 14th-15th centuries, made in the Gothic style.
Here you can admire a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, dating from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century.
The museum presents Italian, Flemish and Dutch schools, including works by such famous artists as Rubens, Perugino, Manet.
Cathedral of Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne Cathedral combines different architectural styles
The famous cathedral attracts tourists with its unusual appearance. This is due to the interweaving of many directions and styles of architecture in one building.
Initially, the architects leaned toward the Romanesque cathedral style. However, upon completion of construction and as a result of numerous restorations, the style of the cathedral turned out to be quite mixed, including Baroque, Gothic and many other styles.
Capitol
Capitol of Toulouse (city hall is also located in the Capitol)
The Capitole of Toulouse, located in the city center, today houses the city hall.
The wide building is made of stone and brick in a classical style and has three floors. Here you can admire the works of local artists and busts of Toulouse celebrities.
In addition to the city hall, the building houses an opera and a symphony orchestra.
Space town
In Toulouse, the “space center” is worth a visit for every traveler
A very interesting and noteworthy attraction. In the “town” you can see models of satellites, space engines, a copy of the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft and much more.
More than half of the exhibits were brought to the museum from the USSR and modern Russia.
In the park you can visit interactive pavilions with exhibitions, installations, and rocket and orbital satellite launch simulators.
On the territory of the “town” there are two planetariums, an IMAX cinema, and lecture and conference rooms. There are also space-related entertainment attractions for visitors.
Sights of Toulouse - VIDEO
Watch a short video about the main attractions of Toulouse, which will be interesting for every tourist to visit. Small streets and different architectural styles of buildings will not leave anyone indifferent. Be sure to have a cup of coffee with a hot croissant in a cafe next to the city Capitol.
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