Toulouse

Toulouse is a lively student city in southern France. The city's main square is the Place du Capitole, where you'll find the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville (city hall) and one of France's prime opera's, the Théâtre du Capitole. South from the square is Toulouse's Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter) that has retained its 18th-century atmosphere. There are numerous alleys and old buildings.

There are numerous gardens, museums, art galleries and churches in Toulouse. The city's largest church is the Basilique Saint Sernin It was built in the 11th century and it is France's largest and best preserved Romanesque building. The interesting frescoes inside were added in the 12th century. In 257 AD a local boy was martyred after being tied to the tail of a bull. The Église Notre Dame du Taur was constructed to honor the boy, known as Saint Sernin. It was built in Gothic style and the Black Madonna inside dates from the 1500's. Another interesting Gothic church is the Église des Jacobins. Toulouse is also home to France's main space and aeroplane industry L'aérospatiale.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Toulouse, as well as hundreds of bars and cafés. Most students seem to celebrate their days off near the Place Saint Georges. There are also several nightclubs in the area. Toulouse is 635 km south of Paris.