Of Pyrenean memories

The Toulouse Pyrénées in South-West France is hallmarked for its versatility and offers a range of exciting experiences for visitors. TRAVTALK showcases some must-visit tourist spots in this scenic region.

The capital of the Occitanie region, Toulouse is known for its varsity, aerospace industry, and the Romanesque St. Sernin Basilica, which is part of a pilgrimage route. History and heritage are reminiscent of Toulouse, which has been aptly dubbed the ‘Pink City’.

HERITAGE

The Saint-Sernin Basilica is a magnificent structure and awes viewers with its sheer size and beauty. Dedicated to the martyred bishop Saint Saturnin, it houses the treasures of the eleventh and twelfth centuries as well as the underground chambers which hold treasure relics. Also in Toulouse is the Jacobins Convent – a large brick building whose construction started in 1230, and whose architecture influenced the development of the Gothique méridional style. What would the ‘Pink City’ be without the Place du Capitole? If there is one building in Toulouse not to be missed and completely worth visiting, this is it. The Capitole complex hosts the City Hall as well as the National Theatre of Toulouse. This is, in fact, the heart of the historic city – the municipal administration of the French city of Toulouse. The town's hôtel de ville, if you please.

The Victor Hugo Market is the epicenter for all things food in Toulouse, having celebrated its 120th anniversary recently. Marché Victor Hugo is the largest covered market in town. It has gourmet stores which offer delicacies such as deli and sausages, cheeses, ice-creams, chocolates, wines, fish and seafood.

AVIATION

Aviation enthusiasts are in for a treat at Toulouse as it has on offer the enthralling world of the Airbus that was established in Toulouse. It commences in the ‘Telemetry Room’ with an insightful and interesting presentation.

Aeroscopia, the aeronautics museum in the Airbus premises, is sure to appeal to all visitors as it straddles aviation’s past, present and future and presents a fascinating array of the main aircraft models on display. Tours to the cabin and cockpit areas of prototype models as well as view of the aircraft system enthuses travellers. Opened in 1997, The Cité

de l'espace is a theme park focused on space. This park has an array of 250 interactive exhibits as well as an outdoor park with the MIR space station and other exhibits which are particularly emblematic of the conquest of space.

GOING BEYOND

‘The Hundred Foot Journey’ trail will enthrall visitors to relive the moments of the film with a trip to the very charming medieval village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. The movie was extensively shot at scenic locales of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

The Pic du Midi is a mountain in the French Pyrenees famous for its Pic du Midi Observatory that can host up to 100,000 visitors. Visit a castle in the sky via a thrilling ride on a cable car, where the panoramic landscape envelopes you on your ascent.

Lourdes in southwestern France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, is the resplendent sanctuary of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. It defines the legend of the young girl Bernadette, who saw visions of the Virgin Mary come alive.

Cauterets is a spa town, a ski resort and a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department and the region of Occitanie in South-West France. Experience a completely therapeutic and relaxing experience at a thermal spa namely the Les Bains Du Rocher, with its rich lighting, damask curtains and floor of jade and embellished with mosaics and glass beads.