Toulouse - The Violet Capital
Antonio Bonito
Toulouse is one of the largest cities in France, only overshadowed by Lyon, Marseille and of course Paris. The city is located in the Department of Haute Garonne and is also administrative center of the Midi-Pyrenees. The name Toulouse derives from the old Occitan name, Tolosa. The city is also remarkable for being traversed not only by the river Garonne, but also the Canal du Midi.
The French also have a special name for the city of Toulouse, they call it "la ville rose" (the pink town). And when visiting the city the reason is obvious - most of the buildings are build with a typical local pink brick!
The climate of Toulouse can be considered to be temperate, primarily due to its location mid-way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Its climate is therefore characterised as being warm and dry in summer with relatively mild autumns and winters.
The region is also at the crossroads of three dominant winds: the wind from the west, typically bringing humidity from the Atlantic Ocean; the wind from the south-east, also known as the "Autan", especially hot and dry; and the wind from the north, less frequent and typically cold and dry. The Autan wind is often called "the wind that makes you mad", or "the devil's wind", since it affects everything with its stormy passage, including the behaviour of humans and animals. It is considered to "annoy". But indeed days when the Autan wind blows are not considered to be much better, and are not the most auspicious times to meet up with the locals!
More than a metropolis, Toulouse is a major technology center specializing in aeronautics, aerospace, telecommunications and medicine. The city is also the European capital of the aerospace industry. Yet she continues to diversify, particularly in the domain of medical research, with the planned "Canceropole". Toulouse is also the next largest university town after Paris.
>From a historical perspective, Toulouse also possesses several major features, perhaps the oldest being the bridge known as the "Pont-Neuf" (actually "New Bridge" in English), and also of course the renowned Canal du Midi which passes right through the center of the town. Both were constructed during the seventeenth century. Then there is the incredible Capitole edifice, constructed in the eighteenth century. There is also a huge amount of more contemporary history, such as the impressive Aerospatiale works, created in 1927, for which guided tours are available.
Toulouse is also the weather capital of France and is home to the national meteorological center. It was set up in the city in 1982 and since then has been responsible for predicting the weather for the whole of the country.
Toulouse is also known for violets, which are cultivated there both for the flowers and for their perfume.
A city boasting a rich heritage, a major French center of culture with many museums and festivals, known throughout France and indeed the whole of Europe, Toulouse is today a major tourist destination. In Toulouse, it's impossible to avoid contact with cultural centers, such as the Congress Center, the Mediatheque Jose Cabanis, the Zenith, The Abattoirs museum of modern art, the "Cite de l'Espace" and the National Theatre. The Capitole museum with its superb "Salle des Illustres" is a necessary visit!
As for the "Cite de l'Espace", it will uncover for you a fascinating world, by using animations such as the re-creation of a part of the Russian space station "Mir", an "Ariane" rocket, and especially through the amazing spectacle of the IMAX 3D cinema and the planetarium, a real astronomical simulator. This is really impressive stuff!
Culturally, Toulouse is a European city second to none, particularly on the musical scene. The Capitole theatre is home to an internationally-renowned orchestra, opera and ballet with world-class productions held on a regular basis. Summer also sees guest appearances from musicians from around the world, making this an ideal destination for those artistically inclined. The National Theatre is also an impressive venue in its new building in the center of the city, boasting an impressive year-round programme.
For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Clermont in French, please visit http://www.quepourtoi.com/rencontres/clermont.php) Rencontres Clermont at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com http://www.quepourtoi.com/) rencontres libertines web site.
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