Hearty dishes like cassoulet come to mind when most people think of Toulouse, but it’s also a busy university city nicknamed ‘La Ville Rose’ because of its pink stone buildings, not to mention a major centre for the aerospace industry in Europe. The Place du Capitole is the main square, with lively cafes and bars, as well as the regal-looking Theatre National du Capitole, fronted by eight columns of pink marble. Take a cruise along the Canal du Midi, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or spend a few hours at one of several museums devoted to space; La Cite de L’Espace is perfect for families as it has interactive displays and a 3D cinema. Food is undoubtedly a huge draw, and with Michelin-starred restaurants, bistros and patisseries you’ll certainly not go hungry.
