The southern French city of Toulouse is just a stone’s throw from the Pyrenees. Unlike most French cities built from stone, this city was hewn from bricks. The bricks that were once considered a sign of poverty are today the city’s pride. Their colors change from pink to orange to red throughout the day. This has earned Toulouse the pink cut (la Ville rose in French). Some acquaintances of mine who own an Edmonton Physiotherapy clinic shared that this city was absolutely a highlight for them on their Europe trip because of the vast history and beauty. The city makes for a photography lovers paradise!
Church if the Jacobins
Many of the finest brickwork in this city can be found in its holy places. The church of the Jacobins feature rose-colored light and you can gaze at the vaulted palm that rises over Thomas Aquinas final resting place. For views of the medieval lanes and across a sea of terra-cotta, climb the bell tower.
Toulouse Cathedral
Toulouse Cathedral is one of the most beloved churches of France. Although over time the cathedral’s design has changed many times, its mishmash and lopsided styles are proof that true beauty often awaits when you look beyond imperfection.
The Pink Heart of Toulouse
There are many museums and civic buildings that breathe life into the city’s brickwork. One of such is the Pink Heart of Toulouse. Its walls celebrate the city’s love, four seasons, and great moments.
Museum Saint Raymond
Explore Toulouse’s Roman past at this museum. In the Gallery of Emperors, ponder past decades of deceptions and deeds. It is an awesome gathering of marble busts that were unearthed upriver at Chiragan Roman Villa.
The Museum of the Augustins
The stone lips whisper secrets, hopes, and even curses, within the medieval cloisters, staircases, and vaults of this museum. Apart from being a home to 14th-century artistic treasures, it also houses the homeless gargoyles rescued during the wrecking ball of time and war.
Hotel d’Assezat
For a long time, color has been a theme that has infused the story of Toulouse. Although brickwork earned this city its sobriquet, the color blue has brought it incredible wealth. Hotel d’Assezat is the stateliest of the mall. It houses one of Europe’s finest Impressionist and Renaissance art collections in Europe. From the sky above to the fabric dye, the color blue continues to bring prosperity to this city.
Aerospace Aeronautical Museum
Discover Toulouse’s rich aviation heritage from its beginnings to the manufacture and design of the most iconic aircraft in the world. Nearby is the Cite de l’Escape. Here you will discover how the aerospace prowess of Toulouse has helped to push humankind into the final frontier and beyond the clouds.
Jardin Royal and Jardin des Plantes
Before losing yourself in the simple pleasures of this city, take some time to relax amid the floral displays and grooves of this garden. When you visit Toulouse, you will discover that it is not just the red oxide within the bricks that gives it a special glow; rather it is the people who breathe magic and life into the clay.
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