Toulouse

A red-brick city on the banks of the Garonne, Toulouse is best explored on foot, from the Capitole square and its grand town hall to the Saint-Sernin basilica and the Jacobins cloister. The Daurade district, with its harbour and restaurants, is well worth a wander, as are the riverside quays, lively in the evening and popular for water activities, the big wheel and bike hire. Nature lovers will enjoy the Japanese garden at Compan-Caffarelli and the gardens of the natural history museum, whose collections are worth a full afternoon. The Halle de la Machine, with its mechanical shows, and the Cité de l'Espace are must-sees for families, while the urban cable car offers an original view over the city, particularly at sunset. On the food side, cassoulet and violet-flavoured desserts are local specialities worth trying, and the restaurant Le Bouillon Capitole serves simple, affordable dishes right in the city centre. Toulouse therefore suits both culture-focused visits and relaxed urban strolls.