Toulouse, located in the southwest of France, is the capital of Haute-Garonne in the Midi-Pyrénées region and the fourth largest city in France. Most of the buildings in Toulouse retain the construction characteristics of rose-colored red bricks and tiles, so it is called the "La Ville Rose".

　　Toulouse has a very rich architectural heritage - from the Roman period to the 19th century industrial age, the same sky accommodates architectural styles from different historical periods. Toulouse has therefore earned the title of "City of Art and History".

　　Main attractions:

　　1. Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

　　The Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse, France, stands as a resplendent example of Romanesque architecture and is among the most significant church buildings in Europe. Constructed during the 11th and 12th centuries, it was designated to house the relics of Saint Saturnin, also known as Sernin, the first bishop of Toulouse and a martyr. The basilica is characterized by its grandiose dimensions, extensive ambulatory, radiating chapels, and the iconic octagonal five-tiered bell tower that can be seen from across the city. The exterior is adorned with detailed sculptures, while the interior presents a serene atmosphere with vast nave, choir, and apsidal chapels. Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain have frequented the basilica, as it lies on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed route, the ‘Way of St. James’ (Camino de Santiago). The relics and tombs within, alongside the exquisite frescoes and carvings, contribute to its spiritual and historical significance, attracting visitors and devotees alike.

　　2. Place du Capitole

　　The Place du Capitole is located in the center of Toulouse and is the heart of the city. The square is famous for its magnificent buildings and rich cultural activities. The square is surrounded by exquisite Renaissance buildings, including the Town Hall itself, which has become one of the landmark buildings of Toulouse with its unique red brick facade and exquisite sculpture decorations. When night falls, the square is brightly lit and becomes a great place for people to take a leisurely stroll, taste delicious food and enjoy street performances.

　　3. Cite de l'Espace

　　Cite de l'Espace is a scientific discovery center focused on space and the conquest of space, located on the eastern outskirts of Toulouse, France. This theme park opened in 1997 and covers an area of approximately 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres). It provides a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into space exploration history and technology. The park features full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket, Mir space station, and Soyuz modules. Interactive exhibits include a planetarium, IMAX cinema, and numerous hands-on exhibits about astronomy and space science. It is not only a place to learn about stars and spacecraft but also to inspire and engage in the broader context of space in our lives. Its array of outdoor and indoor exhibits draws tourists, students, and space enthusiasts alike. The Cite de l'Espace is designed to ignite curiosity about the universe and facilitate understanding through simulators, workshops, and presentations, making it an ideal location for educational trips.

　　4. Musée des Augustins

　　The Musée des Augustins is located in Toulouse, the capital city of the French department of Haute-Garonne, in the Occitanie region. Housed in a stunning Gothic convent building dating from the 14th century, the museum boasts a rich collection of fine arts dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Its cloisters and gardens offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The collection includes sculptures and paintings, with notable works by French artists representing various artistic movements. Among the highlights are Romanesque sculptures and a comprehensive array of Gothic sculptures. The paintings collection spans from the French Renaissance to the French Revolution, with works by masters such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Jean-Paul Laurens, and Pierre Subleyras. The museum actively engages visitors with temporary exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and conferences, ensuring a dynamic and rich cultural experience. The Musée des Augustins provides not just an artistic journey through time but also a remarkable example of historical architecture, with its vaulted halls and serene galleries.

　　5. Couvent des Jacobins

　　The Couvent des Jacobins is a historic Dominican monastery situated in the heart of Toulouse, France. Founded in the 13th century, it is renowned for its remarkable architecture, which exemplifies the Southern Gothic style and is known for its large brick construction. Featuring a stunning palm tree-shaped stone vault, the monument's church interior captively displays an array of ribbed vaults that converge at a central column, radiating outward like branches. This unique feature gave rise to its nickname, the 'Palm Tree of Jacobins.' The Couvent des Jacobins once housed religious brethren and today stands as a testament to the ecclesiastical and cultural significance of medieval Toulouse. It includes a convent, a large church, and a cloister, which together create a sense of serene grandeur. The convent was also historically significant as a center of the Dominican order and played a role in theological scholarship and the Inquisition. It now serves multiple functions, hosting religious services, cultural events, and exhibitions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its historical and architectural splendor.

　　6. Pont Neuf

　　The Pont Neuf, also known as the New Bridge, is a historic site in Toulouse, France. Despite its name, it is the oldest bridge in the city, with construction initiated in 1544 and completed in 1632. The bridge spans the River Garonne and is renowned for its unique design and historical significance. It consists of seven arches and a unique asymmetrical design that was necessary to deal with the river's unpredictable currents. The Pont Neuf was built using pinkish Toulouse stone, which gives it a distinct hue, especially at sunset. It was designed by Nicolas Bachelier and Jacques Lemercier and has survived many floods and the test of time, becoming one of the emblematic landmarks of Toulouse. The bridge integrates both Renaissance and medieval architectural elements, reflecting the transition in styles. Additionally, the Pont Neuf provides mesmerizing views of the river and is a popular place for both locals and tourists to stroll, especially during the evening when it is beautifully lit.

　　7. Muséum de Toulouse

　　The Muséum de Toulouse is a comprehensive museum that integrates art, history and archaeology. The museum houses a rich collection of artworks and historical relics, including ancient sculptures, paintings, ceramics, gold and silver wares, etc. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Toulouse and even the entire France. In addition, the museum also frequently hosts various temporary exhibitions and cultural activities to provide visitors with a more diversified visiting experience.

　　8. Fondation Bemberg

　　The Bemberg Foundation Museum is located in the Assezat Palace, one of the most beautiful aristocratic palaces in Toulouse. The museum is famous for its exquisite Renaissance architecture and rich collection of art. The museum houses the artworks accumulated by the Bemberg family throughout their lives, including bronzes and paintings from different eras. These artworks not only show the artistic taste and collection vision of the Bemberg family, but also provide a good place for tourists to get close to and appreciate the fine art.

　　9. Musée Saint-Raymond

　　The Saint-Raymond Museum is a well-known museum of ancient art located in Toulouse, Pyrénées, France. The museum was founded by Georges Rabbi (1862-1899), a passionate amateur antiquarian who traveled around the world collecting ancient art and antiquities. The museum is located in a hospital built in the 11th century. The building became a university in the 12th century and later became the Saint-Raymond Museum in 1975. It is one of the few medieval academic buildings left in Toulouse.

　　10. Jardin Japonais

　　The Jardin Japonais in Toulouse, France, is a serene and meticulously designed Japanese Garden that spans over 7,000 square meters. Established in 1981, this garden was created to provide a haven of peace and to foster cultural exchange. The garden is inspired by the traditional gardens of Kyoto, designed during the Heian Period (794-1185), and features classic elements such as a central lake, a tea pavilion, and a red bridge that stands out against the lush greenery. Strolling through the garden, visitors will encounter various plants, koi ponds, a waterfall, and stone lanterns, all arranged to emphasize natural beauty through simplicity and balance. The tranquil paths and quiet corners offer opportunities for reflection and relaxation amidst the bustling city of Toulouse.