Written by Linda Bendt for Tonka Times Magazine

Among all the countries in Europe, few have the allure and mystique of France. Perhaps it’s the culture and excitement of Paris, or the beauty of the vineyards along the countryside. Maybe it’s the glitz of the French Riviera or the awe-inspiring views of its many coastlines. No matter what it is that piques your interest in this region of Europe, few would dispute it’s worth every ounce of emotion.

More than 80 million people visit France each year. If you’ve been there, you know why. The diversity of its landscape, the cultural richness of its cities and the heritage of its museums, castles and countryside is unparalleled. So even if you’ve been to France once or twice, there’s no doubt it’s left you wanting even more.

Exploring Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrenees Region

While you’re most likely to fly to Paris on your way into the country (and you should!), escaping the city to explore the various regions of France is a must (there are 27 regions in all).

One of the less explored regions is the Midi-Pyrenees, in specific, its capital of Toulouse, located in southwestern France. A 5-1/2 hour TGV (“fast train”) ride from Paris, the journey gives witness to some of the most scenic farmlands and vineyards in the country. If flying is preferred, there are many direct flights each day from Paris to Toulouse that take less than 1-1/2 hours.

You’ll arrive in the hills of Toulouse, which is the fourth largest city in France. It’s located 425 miles south of Paris, merely 70 miles from the Pyrenean ski stations, and is about half way between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Nicknamed La Ville Rose (the pink city) because of the pinkish tinge to most of the buildings, Toulouse is built on an ancient Roman settlement. Because of that history, many of its buildings, bridges and river walks described below make the city a true spectacle.

The Garonne River and Canals

The city, built directly on the Garonne River, has spent decades building and rebuilding bridges and roads to protect the canals and surrounding area. Today, travelers can enjoy their beautification throughout the city.

Canal du Midi

This waterway, the oldest canal in Europe that is still in use, is a World Heritage Site. Tree-lined walking paths run along the canal, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

The Saint-Sernin Basilica

For travelers passionate about architecture, this 11th century Romanesque brick masterpiece is in the form of a crucifix with vaulted ceilings, radiating chapels and a breath-taking bell tower.

Capitole de Toulouse

Serving as the heart of the municipal administration of Toulouse,today the Capitole de Toulouse houses the city hall, the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse opera company and the Salle des Illustres, which contains many 19th century works of art.

Pont Neuf

Also known as the Pont de Pierre and Grand Pont, this 16th century stone arch bridge crosses the Garonne River. Its construction dates back to 1544.

Hôtel d’Assézat

The grandeur of this 16th century Renaissance palace is easy to relish outside and in (the courtyard alone is stunning). Among the sites inside is the Bemberg Foundation art gallery.

Add to this list the many other significant churches and museums (including Les Jacobins monastery church, Les Abattoirs modern arts museum, Georges Labit Museum featuring Asian arts and Egyptian antiquities, and Les Augustins art museum) and it’s hard to deny the deep sense of culture and history Toulouse has to offer.

A Modern Flair to This Historic City

Although it has wonderful heritage, Toulouse and the surrounding region is actually an interesting yin-yang blend of old and new, historic culture and modern-day innovation. In fact, according to Newsweek, Toulouse ranked as the fifth most dynamic city in the world in 2006.

So what gives balance to the Roman heritage that makes it so dynamic? Throughout the past 20 years, Toulouse has become a center for aviation, electronics, information technology and biotechnology. More than 35,000 of the inner-city’s 400,000 citizens work in the civil aviation or space industries alone. Airbus / EADS has its headquarters and several assembly lines here, making it the largest employer in the region.

The popularity and interest in space and aviation led Toulouse to build The Cité de l’espace (City of Space) in 1997. This “theme park” type attraction is home to full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket and Mir space station, a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and 250+ interactive exhibits.

So whether you’re a newcomer or veteran traveler to France, exploring some of the quieter, less ventured regions of the country could be a rewarding, educational and relaxing way to spend a vacation.

Side Trips from Toulouse

Luchon and the Pyrenees – Truly a blend for adventure travelers and those seeking a bit of relaxation. This mountain town tucked up in the foothills of the Pyrenees is most known for its thermal springs, laid back attitude and slower pace of life. For active travelers, this window into the Pyrenees offers an amazing place to ski, bike (the Tour de France runs through Luchon), hike, rock climb, parapont (hang glide) and much more. Luchon is only 12 miles from the Spain border, which opens up another world of great cultural experiences.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes – About two hours West of Toulouse lies the beautiful town of Lourdes, most known for the appearances of Our Lady of Lourdes (Virgin Mary) to Bernadette Soubirous and various miraculous healings. In addition to the Our Lady of Lourdes statue and the surrounding grotto, the small city (15,000 residents) has much to offer by way of history and architecture, including the Basilica of the Rosary, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Lourdes Castle. If time allows, continue your venture up through Pau and to the western coastline of France to soak up some of its beautiful beach towns.

Small Towns of the French Riviera – A 5 to 7-hour car ride (depending on your route and final destination) to the east of Toulouse is the famed French Riviera, located on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea. While well known for the glitz and glamor of the Cannes Film Festival, St. Tropez and Monaco, some may prefer exploring the less discovered, quaint towns such as Grasse (home of the perfume industry and amazing views of the coast), Biot (famous for its pottery and glass blowing) and Eze (described as an eagle’s nest because of its location high atop a cliff).

For more information about this region of France, or your other travel adventures, contact us.