My husband and I spent quite the weekend in Toulouse after our pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Known as the “Le Vie en Rose” of France, the phrase directly translates to “Life in Pink” due to the city’s beautiful medieval red brick architecture that’s prominent here. It started in the 14th century when the French started making efforts to keep within means by using cost-effective red bricks instead of pricey white stone. The result? A seductive mirage of deep, blush pink and red-orange hues that wrap this captivating city like an enticing timeless poem.
My husband and I love cities with a distinct personality and Toulouse was no exception. Here, we traversed through some of the greatest Romanesque churches of our time. The Basilique Saint-Sernin and Church of Les Jacobins tower the city and home to a deep collection of relics including the actual tomb of St. Thomas Acquinas. Sitting here by the River Garonne, we couldn’t help but feel appreciative of Toulouse’s leisurely and enviable pace of life.
Style Details
Dress | FOREVER 21
Crochet Vest | From a Little Boutique in BAGUIO
Bag | SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
Sunglasses | c/o SUNGLASSES SHOP
Shoes | GUCCI
Here’s Styleat30’s 7 Tips on Your Day Out in Toulouse:
- Visit Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and revel amongst the grand architecture and its treasures inside.
- Venture around Place du Capitole for lunch and to really get the feel of the ambiance of this historic, vibrant city.
- Checkout the Church of Les Jacobins, a Dominican Monastery in the 13th Century, and admire the play of the rays of the sun upon its stained glass and colored stone. It is quite beautifully decorated with 14th Century frescos. The dramatic, palm tree inspired arches and beautiful cloister are all so awe-inspiring!
- If you’re traveling with kids, the Jardin Japonais is a great gem of a place to play with birds and allow you to sightsee in tranquility as if you are in a different time and place.
- The Jardin des Plantes’ landscape is also guaranteed to be beautiful all year round, a charming garden and a very peaceful place. It is a true oasis in the middle of this energetic city.
- End the day with a sunset walk in the fabulous Pont Neuf and around the stunning River Garonne. The 17th Century Canal du Midi links the river to the Mediterranean Sea.
- Channel you inner Julia Child and don’t forget to get yourself an authentic French Cassoulet for dinner. A regional specialty of Toulouse, a perfect cassoulet is known for being a rich, slow-cooked dish considered as one of the great classics of French cooking. My husband and I tried it with the traditional sausages found in Toulouse, Duck Leg Confit and Foie gras. The prices will be half of what you’d pay for in Paris while the flavor will be twice as heavenly.
While Toulouse is not quite as famous as Paris, it is able to effectively communicate its charm and pleasant personality that is truly unique to the city. One of my favorite authors, Antoine de Saint Exupéry who wrote the “Little Prince”, used to live here. And if his book is any mark of what this city’s identity is, I’d say that Toulouse is that mellow spot that you never quite look out for, but once you have experienced its charisma, you will realize that the city’s culture will inspire you to live an uncomplicated life with purpose – one that is savory, soothing, cultured and perfected in time.
Toulouse, France | Capital of France’s Southern Midi-Phyrénées Region | Known as La Vie en Rose or France’s Pink City due to the Pink Terra-Cotta Bricks found in its Architecture