Toulouse

Dubbed La Ville Rose “The Rose City” for its unique coral-hued architecture, Toulouse is a city of both rich heritage and innovation. As the capital of French rugby, Toulouse will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate the World Cup, whether you’re dining on the banks of the River Garonne, bar-hopping in the atmospheric quartiers, or visiting the Space Centre.

Toulouse is well-placed for exploring Occitanie, France’s southernmost region, where rolling hills, UNESCO-listed cities, and one of Europe’s most renowned pilgrimage sites are all on the agenda. The Spanish border is just a few hours away, hidden behind the soaring peaks of the Pyrénées Mountains, and the pint-sized country of Andorra is also within day-trip distance.

Admire Toulouse’s pink-hued landmarks on a walking tour of the city, browse the boutiques in the Bourse-Daurade quarter, then tuck into Toulousaine specialities at Victor Hugo Market. In the afternoon, discover the wonders of outer space at the Cité de l’Espace (Space City), marvel over the aeronautical creations at La Piste des Géants (The Trail of the Giants), then head back into the city for drinks and dinner along the quaysides of La Daurade.