Toulouse, a City of Rugby

Toulouse, a vibrant city in southwest France, is known for its lively culture and spirited celebrations that reflect its Catalan heritage. With its rich rugby tradition and a booming aerospace sector, including landmarks like Concorde and Airbus, the city offers much to explore. One of the best ways to experience Toulouse is on foot, complemented by an efficient driverless metro system. You can indulge in exquisite regional cuisine, visit its two stunning cathedrals, enjoy the lively street atmosphere, and admire the enchanting rose-brick Old Town—which the French describe as "Pink at dawn, red at noon, and mauve at dusk".
For those looking for a comfortable stay, consider the numerous Toulouse aparthotels, which provide a perfect home base for your adventures. Stade Toulousain, the city's celebrated rugby team, boasts a remarkable history with 19 French Championship titles and four Heineken Cup victories, playing their home matches at Stade Ernest-Wallon near Blagnac airport, while larger events often take place at the Stadium Municipal de Toulouse.

Historically, Toulouse began as a Roman settlement, evolving over time into a prosperous Visigoth city and then a Renaissance haven adorned with red-brick palaces built from the wealth of the pastel and grain trades. The most magnificent of these structures remains in the Old Town at the Place du Capitole, now housing the City Hall. Just a stone's throw away, in the Place St Georges and Rue Alsace Lorraine, visitors will find a bustling hub of shops, bars, and charming pavement cafés.
Don't miss visiting the Basilique de St Sernin, Europe's largest Romanesque basilica constructed to host pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, featuring stunning brick arches and a striking octagonal belfry. Another highlight is the Gothic marvel of Les Jacobins, with its breathtaking palm tree vault in the apse. 

From April 1st to November 11th, a tourist train invites you on a captivating journey through notable Toulouse sites such as la Capitole, Saint-Sernin Basilica, and the picturesque Garonne River quays. The Tourist Office also organizes walking tours, available in English, that delve into Toulouse's historic center or the surrounding Midi-Pyrénées region. 
Every year, the city celebrates various festivals, including the Fête de la Violette in February, the Toulouse Arts Festival in May and June, and a vibrant Christmas Market in December.