Perfect for a New Year city break, Toulouse is set to be on many travel wish lists for 2025
Starting the New Year with a city break is a fantastic way to shake off the post-holiday blues. With quieter attractions, crisp winter air, and cosy local cafés, it’s the perfect time to explore somewhere new.
The city of Paris is one of the world’s best-loved city break destinations, renowned for its romantic charm, iconic landmarks and world-class cuisine. But it can also be pricey and overcrowded at any time of year.
If you yearn for a ‘vacance en france’ the southern city of Toulouse is set to replace Paris on many a travel wish list for 2025. Bursting with character, visitors can enjoy sunny streets, stunning pink-hued architecture and a rich mix of history and culture.
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While Paris may have attracted a staggering 47.5 million visitors last year, Toulouse, with its more modest 5.2 million, remains an underrated gem. Nicknamed “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), the city is known for its stunning terracotta brick buildings.
Home to some historic landmarks including the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the largest Romanesque structures in the Western world, the entire city is an homage to architectural brilliance.
In 2023, it earned the title of UNESCO City of Music, an accolade that highlights its rich cultural tapestry, including the Théâtre du Capitole. Visitors also come to explore the Muséum de Toulouse, one of France’s most impressive natural history museums, a 3,000-square metre space showcasing over two million fascinating exhibits.
But what makes the city really worth ditching Paris for is simply the beauty of it. Taking a stroll along the banks of the Garonne River or the Canal du Midi, is as beautiful as a lazy walk along the Seine.
Built in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi bypasses Toulouse’s city centre, linking it to the Mediterranean Sea. It was considered one of the greatest construction works of its century and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Add to this its picturesque parks and charming cobbled streets that weave through its historic centre and its not hard to see why visitors to Paris are choosing to head south instead.
At the time of writing, Skycanner has one way flights from London to Toulouse starting from just £27 in January and Expedia has city breaks from £167.
