The Pink City Solo: My Journey to Toulouse, France

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Bonjour from Toulouse! Known as La Ville Rose for its beautiful terracotta brick buildings, this city in the heart of southwestern France stole my heart. With its youthful energy (thanks to its universities), aerospace allure, and laid-back canal-side vibe, it’s an ideal—and often overlooked—solo destination.

My Solo Itinerary:

· Day 1 – Historic Heart & River Views: Wandering the cobbled streets of the Capitole de Toulouse, marveling at the grandeur of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin (a UNESCO site), and strolling along the Garonne River as the buildings glowed pink at sunset.
· Day 2 – Space & Science: Geeking out at Cité de l’Espace, a fantastic space museum where you can walk through a replica of the Mir space station. Later, I explored the Canal du Midi by bike—peaceful and flat, perfect for solo exploration.
· Day 3 – Markets & Local Life: Visiting Marché Victor Hugo, a stunning covered market, for lunch (try the duck confit or a fresh goat cheese salad). Spent the afternoon people-watching in Place Saint-Pierre and enjoying coffee beside the canal.

Top Tips for Solo Travelers:

· Stay in Capitole or Carmes: Central, safe, and full of charm—you’ll be within walking distance of everything.
· Rent a Bike: Toulouse is bike-friendly with VélôToulouse stations everywhere. A perfect way to see the city like a local.
· Try the Local Specialties: Don’t leave without tasting cassoulet (hearty bean and meat stew) and violette—a floral local treat.
· Learn a Little French: A simple “Bonjour” and “Merci” will be warmly appreciated.

Toulouse is elegant yet unpretentious, cultural yet cozy—a city made for slow solo travel filled with good food, fascinating history, and golden-hour light.

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