Toulouse ‘La Ville Rose’
See the façade of astonishing terra cotta decor, listen to the murmur of a fountain and discover hidden courtyards around every corner…
Let yourself be guided through the quarters of Toulouse that blend history and modernity. Toulouse, located in the south western part of the country, is a must-see city and is France’s fourth largest. Once the capital of the Visigoths, Toulouse invites you to explore its 2000 years of history. It is a major shopping destination and a renowned gastronomic region – particularly for ‘cassoulet’ – the Toulousain dish par excellence.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025
Suggested itinerary
Days 1-2
Travel to Toulouse.
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel south for an overnight before arriving in Toulouse on day 2.
Day 3
Toulouse Sightseeing.
Toulouse is known as ‘La Ville Rose’ because of the pink-tinted stone of its buildings and is the capital of the Midi-Pyrenees region. Enjoy a guided tour and see the Place du Capitole at the heart of the city, the Cathedral of Saint Etienne and St. Sernin Basilica – the largest Romanesque church in the Western World. Stroll around the historic centre, walking alongside the Garonne and the Canal du Midi.
Day 4
Carcassonne.
Excursion to the tiny medieval town of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a walled citadel, 13th century lower town and tree-lined quays along the Canal du Midi. The citadel is circled by a double ring of ramparts and 53 towers. (120 miles).
Day 5
Albi and Castres.
Drive to the medieval town of Albi, home of Toulouse Lautrec. It is dominated by the Gothic cathedral of St. Cecile. Continue to Castres, a pretty riverside town in the Black Mountain region. It has been a centre of wool-making since the 14th century and is best known for its museum of the paintings of Spanish artist, Goya. (125 miles).
Days 6-7
Return to the UK.
It’s time to leave the Toulouse and return to the UK. Make an overnight stop en route back to Calais for the return crossing on Day 7.
Greatdays can offer a selection of good 3* and 4* hotels
Departure date |
7 days / 6 nights |
Dates throughout 2025 | Price on request |
Single supplement available on request