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.
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.