Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/310131
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 11 MAY 2014 30 Toulouse Why go? Known as "la ville rose", life is rosy in Toulouse. The city is constructed from pink bricks that glow in this sunny corner of southwest France. Surrounded on all sides by water, the city's cobbled streets weave their way down to the River Garonne where locals sun themselves in summer. Despite being France's fourth larg- est city, Toulouse has the feeling of an overgrown village with sausages sizzling on street corners and the best cassoulet and foie gras served in every café. What to do? For a cultural fix, visit Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest surviving Romanesque church in the world. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, it was an essential stopping point on the Santiago de Compostela pil- grimage route. A typically Roman- esque church, the bell tower had two levels added when a neighbouring church built a tower taller than the one at Basilique Saint Sernin. The extra two levels, built in a different era, were built in Gothic style. Inside lies the tomb of St Saturnin (Sernin), whose act of martydom was of being tied to a bull and dragged through the streets. The grandeur of Saint Sernin is amplified by the simplicity of the Jacobin Convent. The Dominicans built the church in the 13th and 14th century, to show that a place of wor- ship need not be extravagant, and used a simple double-nave struc- ture. The brick building is built in Southern France Gothic style with red bricks and stained glass win- dows. The palm tree – the most famous ribbed vault in the church - is reflected in a mirror at the foot of the column, making visitors feel like they are looking into an empty swimming pool. The Place du Capitole is the heart of the city. Its square is dominated by the city hall, displaying paint- ings by Toulouse-born artist Henri Martin in its grand chambers. The square is often the site of exhibitions and youngsters gathering for dem- onstrations. Surrounded by trendy cafes, this is a great spot to sit, grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Explore the boulevards that snake out from the square and wander to- wards the river. Hire a bike and cycle through the city's cycle points and along the Ga- ronne banks lined with food, art and craft stalls at the weekend. The Pont Neuf links the two banks of the river. The oldest bridge in Toulouse, built in the 16th century, is still standing after some of Tou- louse's worst floods, thanks to large overflow holes that remove pressure from the bridge when the Garonne is swollen. Where to eat? The Place Saint Georges, once the largest in the city, used to be a place of assembly where markets were set up. Today is better known for its bustling terraces and people meet- ing up for dinner or drinks. Monsieur Georges, www.mon- sieurgeorges.fr, is a small but trendy restaurant popular with the locals and serving the very best Toulouse has to offer. Try the foie gras au tor- chon, cooked and hung in a lowly tea towel, for a slice of heaven on toast. The goose liver flavour is subtle whilst retaining a creamy, buttery texture. Toulouse is home of the cas- soulet, so try this rich, hearty stew made with duck, pork sausages and beans. Monsieur Georges' version is not to be missed. For regional cuisine with a meaty focus, try Chez Carmen for nose-to- tail eating. Chef Pierre Lambinon is causing a stir at Le Py-r, www.py-r.com, trans- forming ingredients like foie gras and succulent scallops and pigeon into an art form. For a taste of the region's famed cassoulet, try Le Genty Magre www. legentymagre.com, but leave room for waffles for dessert. How to get there? Air France and Airmalta operate regular services between Malta and Toulouse. Flights departing from Malta on 20 May and returning on 27 May on Air France were priced at €329.44 including tax, while flight on the same dates on Airmalta were priced at €383.29. TRAVEL La vie en rose The oldest bridge in Toulouse, the Pont Neuf has survived years of Toulouse's worst floods as a result of the overflow holes within its structure Though the bell tower of the Basilique Saint Sernin is typically Romanesque, the two topmost levels were built during the gothic era, in a gothic style to keep the tower the highest in the city The vaulted ceilings at the Jacobin convent built by the Dominican monks The pink bricks give the sunny city of Toulouse a pink glow which is why the city is known as "la ville rose"