For the first time, Toulouse, the Pink City, has risen to the top of the prestigious ranking Best on the go of Lonely Planet, positioning itself as the best destination in the world to visit in 2024. This city in the south-west of France has seduced with its unique charm, its cultural richness and its southern lifestyle, marking the minds of all who have set foot there. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of gastronomy or looking for modern discoveries, Toulouse promises you an unforgettable experience.
Why was Toulouse voted the best destination in the world in 2024?
Toulouse perfectly embodies thesouthern spirit. Its cobbled streets, ocher brick facades and historic monuments create an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. Add to that the sun that bathes the city and an exceptional heritage, and you’ll understand why Lonely planet has crowned this city as a must-see in 2024.
But Toulouse is not only beautiful, it is also rich in cultural experiences. Here are some reasons why it was voted “best in the world”:
- An exceptional historical heritage: From the Place du Capitole to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, every street corner is steeped in history.
- An incredible gastronomic scenario: The cuisine of the South-West, famous for cassoulet and Toulouse sausage, seduces the palate of visitors.
- Capital of Aeronautics and Space: Toulouse is home to the Cité de l’Espace and emblematic places of world aviation.
Lose yourself in the colorful streets of the Pink City
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive in Toulouse is the color of its buildings. Nicknamed the Pink cityToulouse gets its nickname from the terracotta bricks used to construct its buildings. Each street reveals a palette of shades ranging from light ocher to deep pink, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
If you walk around the historic centerdon’t miss the Capitol Square. This space is much more than a place of passage, it is the beating heart of the city. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants where it is nice to linger, the Place du Capitole is a meeting place for residents and visitors of Toulouse. Take the opportunity to sit on the terrace and let yourself be carried away by the lively atmosphere.
As you move slightly further away, you will come across something impressive Basilica of Saint Serninlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Romanesque basilica, one of the largest in Europe, is a true jewel of religious architecture. Inside you can admire precious relics, including those of San Sernin, a 3rd century martyr.
The essential elements of Toulouse’s heritage: monuments and historical sites
Toulouse is rich in historical monuments, true witnesses of a rich and varied past. If you are passionate about history, here are some essential sites to visit during your stay:
- The Basilica of Saint-Sernin: The largest Romanesque church in Europe, it is a must-see to understand the religious history of the city.
- The Jacobin convent: This Gothic monument houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas and is striking with its palm-shaped vault.
- The Pont Neuf: This bridge, which crosses the Garonne, offers breathtaking views of some of Toulouse’s most beautiful monuments, such as the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques and the Grave dome.
If you want to immerse yourself even more in local history, take a walk along the such as Henri-Martin will lead you to Daurade Squareanother perfect place to admire the sunset over the Garonne.
Toulouse, European capital of aeronautics and space
Toulouse does not only shine for its past. It is also focused on the future and plays a key role in aeronautics and space exploration. Being the European capital of these industries, the city is home to numerous iconic sites to visit.
- The city of space: This interactive museum offers a fascinating immersion in the world of space exploration. There you can discover replicas of rockets, satellites and even training simulators used by astronauts.
- The Aéropostale website: For aviation enthusiasts, this site tells the story of the first commercial flights between France and South America, a true modern adventure.
For an even more immersive experience, head over the Path of the Giantswhere the Engine room and his monumental creations will immerse you in a universe halfway between engineering and art.
Generous and tasty cuisine, typical of the South-West
It’s impossible to talk about Toulouse without mentioning it gastronomy. As you walk through the covered marketslike that of Carmes, you will discover the generosity of local products: foie gras, confit, regional cheeses… But the real protagonist of Toulouse’s tables remains the cassouletthis generous dish based on white beans and meat, typical of the South-West.
Here are some specialties not to be missed during your visit to Toulouse:
- Toulouse Cassoulet: A hearty and comforting dish, ideal after a day of sightseeing.
- Toulouse sausage: Perfect grilled or simmered, it’s a must-have at Toulouse meals.
- Violet tart: An original dessert that highlights the city’s emblematic flower.
Many restaurants and bistros in the city offer menus in which these local dishes pair perfectly with a glass of regional wine, such as a Gaillac or a Fronton.
Toulouse, a city to be experienced in the open air
Toulouse’s mild climate allows you to enjoy lots of it outdoor activities throughout the year. Whether you enjoy walks along the banks of the Garonne or prefer to relax in one of the city’s many parks and gardens, Toulouse is an invitation to relaxation and discovery.
Walking through the lively streets, you will often come across open-air marketswhere the stalls are full of seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan products and local specialties. This is the perfect opportunity to bring some home Toulouse good manners.
Toulouse, a perfect combination of tradition and modernity
What makes Toulouse such a special city is this balance between history et modernity. Walking through its streets you will see how past centuries coexist harmoniously with the most recent innovations. From the legacy of the Capitouls to the spatial advancements of the Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse continues to evolve while preserving its unique identity.
In short, whether you are a history buff, a gourmet looking for new flavors or simply looking for a cultural and enriching stay, Toulouse will be able to offer you much more than you expect. All you have to do is plan your visit to this city that has enchanted the whole world.