Toulouse, France

I started off October 2023 on a pretty exciting note: visiting The 'Pink City' AKA Toulouse. 

My journey started as I went to Limoges railway station.

I think the railway station is totally cute - a looker! There is also a garden right in front of it, a nice place to sit and read a book or have a meal with a lover or a friend.

 

Built in 1924-1929, it has a mix of architectural styles. It has intricate stonework, beautiful stained glass windows, and a huge central hall.

Taking a train from there, I arrived at Toulouse in the southwest of France. At first glace, I literally fell in love with the city! Toulouse is the "Pink City" due to the rosy hue of its buildings. Plus, my accommodation was centrally placed, so I was in the stark middle of all the fun!

The narrow lanes and the beautiful colours of this city make it a marvel to gaze upon. I was blown away just walking from the railway station to my backpacker's hostel!

Basilique de Saint-Sernin

Since I was living right next to it, it was the first hotspot that I visited. Let me say this, it totally lives up to its hype! It is so historically rich and one get just get lost within the various tit-bits inside.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has Romanesque architecture. It is also a major stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route!

Place du Capitole

This place is huge! The Place du Capitole in Toulouse, France, is a bustling square anchored by the Capitole building, which serves as the city hall. 

It features neoclassical architecture and hosts cultural events and markets. This iconic square is a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike, symbolising the heart and soul of Toulouse.

Here, I had this amazing Gelato from an Amorino Salon and met an assistant! She was so kind as to buy the Gelato!

It was a really nice way to discover around the place. 

Place de la Daurade

It is a charming square situated along the Garonne River. I was listening to some music, walking along this path.

The river is a vital trade route, powering hydroelectricity and nurturing vineyards along its banks. It blends scenic beauty, cultural richness, and economic vitality, making it a captivating waterway in France's tapestry!

Street Art

On my way back, I was thrilled to see the various street art. If I could, I would take a personal day from work just to scrutinise all of it.  

Toulouse has a long history of street art dating back to the 1980s when artists began using public spaces as their canvas to convey social and political messages.

Japanese Garden

I was pretty bummed because I just just gotten some bad news and so going to this garden was reinvigorating. This place is so beautiful. It started raining suddenly and so I took shelter in one of the monuments in the garden and watched the rain fall, while eating the lunch I had packed with me. 

It is a serene oasis featuring traditional Japanese design elements: manicured plants, rocks, and water features! 

Victor Hugo Square

Toulouse Victor Hugo: Historic charm, bustling square, cultural hub with shops, cafes, and theaters. A vibrant neighborhood capturing Toulouse's essence. This place is pretty crowded. 

Dôme de la Grave

I was walking at night in the windy footpaths and I saw this. The Dôme de la Grave is part of the former Hôpital de La Grave, a hospital complex dating back to the 18th century. 

On that night we also listened to local music at an underground bar which was quite nice. 

On an end note, Toulouse is a wonderful place, not just to see but I am sure, to live. It is very historical and culturally profound. I feel like I learnt so much from my trip. Thank you for reading if you made it this far and until next time!