Toulouse, also known as the Pink City (Ville Rose) because of its pink buildings is not only an excellent city to discover as a short break destination, but also a great base for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. Located alongside the Garonne River and the scenic Canal du Midi Toulouse is a beautiful city. As famous for its architecture as it is for its pioneering space centres, Toulouse is a town with a nostalgic heart and forward-thinking mind.

Toulouse is one of the chicest cities in France. Toulouse is the main city in the Midi-Pyr'n'es Region and is France's fourth largest city. If you thought Paris was the last word in fashion and style, a visit to Toulouse will change your mind. The city is a shopper's paradise, boasting a range of unique boutiques and large department stores. Whatever your style, you'll find plenty of fashion on show in the city's shops and streets.

The city brims with cultural attractions. From the Basilique St Sernin, with its distinctive wedding cake spire, to the cutting-edge exhibits of Les Abbattoirs, there's something for everyone in Toulouse.

Renting a car in Toulouse means you can enjoy all the charms of the city as well as the many day-trip destinations in the countryside. A short three-mile drive from the city centre takes you to Cit? de l'Espace where visitors will find a planetarium as well as interactive exhibits and full-scale replicas of Ariane 5 and the Mir Space Station. This is definitely one of the biggest highlights of any visit to Toulouse. Showcasing the city's fantastic scientific achievements as well. Cit? de l'Espace is one of the most unforgettable excursions you'll undertake in Toulouse.

With a rental car in Toulouse it's possible to see the all of the wonders of the city and lots more besides. Top day-trip destinations include Puy l'Eveque, the artist's favourite and Carcassonne, the famous medieval walled town. With a rental car in Toulouse, there's nothing stopping you from seeing the wonderful sights of big cities like Bordeaux either. Brimming with shops, the city is a great place to visit with your Bordeaux rental car.

Before you leave the city however, there are a few places that you must see.

The beautiful Capitole is by far the city's most popular tourist destination. The building's iconic pink fa?ade and elegant columns are definitely worth photographing. Don't leave the city without taking a Parisian-style cruise on the river in one of the Toulouse Crois?eres.

You're bound to work up a hunger with all that sight-seeing. Fortunately, there are plenty of eateries to silence rumbling tummies in the city. Being home to a large student population means you won't be paying through the roof for your eats either. Toulouse cuisine is excellent so it's well worth sampling what the locals eat, while in town.

Getting Toulouse couldn't be easier. The city is served by A'roport Toulouse Blagnac. There are many Europe airlines including Air France, British Airway and Lufthansa that serve Toulouse.