If art, history and culture had a heart, that heart would be located in Toulouse France. Toulouse is in the southwestern part of France, 590 kilometers from the City of Lights - Paris. Toulouse, is knowns as the Ville Rose (or, Pink City) after its unique brick architecture. This fifth-largest city in France, is the home of European aerospace industry, including the Airbus and the CNES's Toulouse Space Center. Going to Toulouse can be done by air or by land. The Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport is about twenty (20) minutes west of Toulouse. By land, you can reach this charming city by the TGV, or even by the traditional coach ride. You can go around the city through the underground lines or even by the free shuttle buses circling the city. Why not go eco-friendly and ride the CycloVille? This 100% ecological alternative to going around the town is available right at the heart of the city center.
There are numerous great hotel rooms in Toulouse France. Many of the Bed and Breakfasts in Toulouse France are available from sixty to seventy US dollars per night. The
Appart'City Hotel Toulouse Hippodrome starts its rooms at sixty-six dollars (US$ 66). Standard hotel rooms will cost between seventy-five and one-hundred US dollars per night. Enjoy the century-old grounds of
Le Charlary Residence Toulouse on your own, as a couple with the whole family for as low as ninety-nine dollars (US$ 99) a night. Luxury hotels and deluxe hotel rooms in Toulouse will generally start around three hundred US dollars per night but the prices do rise quickly depending on the type of room you choose.
When in Toulouse, do it like the French do:
*Do
le bise or
le bisou (kiss) close acquaintances and family member when greeting and parting, usually one kiss per cheek starting with the right. There's no need to make the lips come in contact with the cheeks. Also, men don't usually kiss each other unless they're family or close friends.
*Do use french fingers to affirm what you're saying. Kiss the tips of your fingers means delicious. If it's bad, do point your thumbs down, other wise do a thumbs up. Rubbing the finger tips as if feeling a piece of cloth means expensive.
*Do arrive at the agreed time, when invited to a French home. But never arrive early. Also, do bring a gift or, at least, flowers for the hostess.
*Do speak in a subtle, gentle tone of voice when speaking in public places. The locals find it rude when visitors speaking loudly in public.[8]