Skip Paris And Visit This Pink-Hued French Town Instead
By Aimee Long
VACATIONS
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to dreamy day trips and a feast of traditional eats, Toulouse is a hidden gem that is perfect for those looking for a good Paris alternative.
Nicknamed the "Pink City," Toulouse earned its cheerful moniker because of its terracotta-hued bricks sourced from hills surrounding the city during the Roman Era.
This vibrant town oozes French charm as the Garonne River lazily snakes through the center. There are also sleepy canals to stroll and picnic along.
Swap the Paris Brest for the Paris Toulouse, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur for the Basilique Saint-Sernin, and Parisian picnics in favor of lounging along the Garonne.
The Pink City sees mild weather year-round and has several foodie treats to indulge in. With a fairly concentrated city center, Toulouse can easily be explored in about two days.
Toulouse is connected to the rest of southern France by a network of railways and offers many day trips. No matter what you decide to do in La Ville Rose, you won't miss Paris.