Why is Toulouse nicknamed The Pink City ?
Toulouse gets its nickname from the buildings made of terracotta bricks, which are typical of the region. The color of these bricks changes with the light, shifting from pale pink to bright red. This material, being cheaper and more practical than stone, has shaped the city’s visual identity since the Middle Ages !
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The violet, a true symbol of the city
Toulouse isn’t just the pink city; it’s also the capital of the violet. This emblematic flower has been cultivated in the region since the 19th century and is famous for its delicate scent. But that's not all: local candy makers and artisans transform the violet into candies, syrups, ice creams, and even liqueurs. There’s even a museum dedicated to it: La Maison de la Violette, located on a barge.
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The Pont Neuf is... the oldest bridge in Toulouse!
Despite its name, the Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge still standing in Toulouse. Built between 1544 and 1632, it was an engineering marvel for its time, designed to withstand the strong floods of the Garonne with its asymmetrical arches and piers. Today, it is one of the city's symbols, connecting the Saint-Cyprien district to the historic center.
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A University Among the Elders of Europe
Founded in 1229 after the Treaty of Paris, the University of Toulouse is one of the oldest in the continent. Initially, it only offered three disciplines: theology, canon law, and arts. Today, it welcomes thousands of students in a wide variety of fields including science, literature, and engineering.
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The Bell of the Capitole
The Capitole, a symbol of Toulouse, hides a bell known as Louison. In the past, this bell only rang to announce tragic events like public executions. It is said that it instilled fear in the locals and attracted morbid crowds to witness the sentences…
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And you, what fun fact did you know? No lying, okay!
