Issue No. 25

France’s 4th largest city has a multi-faceted
personality. It’s famous for being home to
Airbus headquarters, hosts satellite, space
and aerospace industries and has three
major universities.
It’s a sprawling modern city with an ancient
heart at whose centre is the Place du
Capitole where major events and markets
take place, surrounded by architecturally
glorious buildings, restaurants, the town hall
and bars. Around this grand central square
are a web of streets, teeming with life,
brimming with museums, art galleries, shops,
bars, bakeries and bistros.
Cross the river Garonne via the Pont Neuf,
which despite its name is actually the oldest
bridge in the city, and you’ll find the arty,
earthy district Saint-Cyprien, home to major
museums and galleries, residential and nontouristic.
Meanwhile, on the inner city outskirts a new
resident roams the streets, a mythical beast
bought to life – read on to discover more
about the Minotaur of Toulouse…
And there’s a secret part to Toulouse which
visitors rarely discover. A short walk from
the Capitole, but a world away from the busy
centre, are streets filled with beautiful
mansion houses, tiny squares where you’ll
find art and local bars with a friendly
welcome a part of Toulouse with a laid back,
authentic vibe.
Closer to the capital of Spain than the capital
of France, it’s just 60 miles from the Spanish
border, Toulouse has absorbed the laid back
vibe and flavour of its southern neighbour.
Aperitifs come with tapas on the terraces of
sunny cafés and the night life has a distinctly
Latin flavour…