Toulouse?

We stayed at the Albert 1er last month. It was a small charming hotel in the old city center where there is minimum traffic. It was easy to walk to the major sights and there were lots of restaurants nearby (but most are closed on Mondays.)

Toulouse is an interesting city. I spent most of a week there last year. I specifically went to see Airbus and the aviation museum, but found there's quite a bit more worth visiting. If you have any interest in Impressionist art you need to visit the Bemberg Foundation. the Natural History museum is also very well laid out. I also visited Lascaux and Andorra while in the area, both are easy day trips, although I suggest a couple days in the Dordogne would be even better. You will be in the middle of the area famous for Pate, and if you drive around the countryside you'll find many smaller places where you can buy direct.

If you're a photographer plan to get early morning, or late afternoon light, as that will accent the "rose" color of the city buildings.

I found Toulouse very easy to get around, the public transport is well laid out.

One thing Toulouse has is the perfect sausage for cassoulet. Carcassonne is the "headliner" for it, but Toulouse has a good rep for cassoulet as well. And yes to the pate!

You'll find all the information you need on the Toulouse tourist website.

https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/

I also created this map, which might be useful. There are walking tours you can do on your own.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Z1sSFFM4Injq9W_WArpkpYN_6SanFjw&usp=sharing

You can refer to this map to find a convenient hotel location.

From the historic center, the vast majority of sights can be easily reached on foot.

Carcassonne and Albi are accessible in about 1 hour by train.

Toulouse is the epicenter of the European aerospace industry. If you're interested in aircraft, the Airbus factories can be visited (partially).

Warning! Cassoulet is a very sensitive topic in the region. Don't confuse cassoulet from Toulouse with cassoulet from Castelnaudary or Carcassonne, which don't have exactly the same ingredients. And avoid the restaurant "La Maison du Cassoulet," which is a tourist trap and manages restaurants in the three towns mentioned above.

If KGC and Judy are talking about pâté, I assume they're talking about foie gras. Be careful, too, never confuse pâté with foie gras; it's actually an insult that can get you into serious trouble. :)

We visited Toulouse in 2023 and found that it is a great city for walking. We visited several parks and walked along the river. One day we took a train to Carcassonne, fairly easy to do but it was very busy and not our favourite.

We stayed at the Hôtel Croix Baragnon which is fairly central and had a good breakfast. Our room was quiet, fairly spacious, air conditioned, and had a good shower.

We also stayed at the Albert 1er in April 2024. It’s a great city for walking.

We really enjoyed a boat ride on the Canal du Midi, the cathedral, and the Victor Hugo market. We also liked Carcassonne but if you stay overnight in Carcassonne you get to experience it when it's a bit quieter. I'm not sure when you're going but we went in July and it was extremely hot.

That area can be very hot in the summer. If that's when you're traveling, pay pafticular attention to what hotel reviewers say about a/c quality.

Ah, JoLui! I wish it was winter and I was in the Southwest of France...I will take cassoulet from Toulouse, Castelnaudry or Carcassone...all will be relished, as I can't reproduce it here in Southern California.

Judy, three cassoulets in a row?

That require a serious practice. I'm not sure you'll survive. :)

That said, I agree that the Croix Baragnon Hotel is a good choice, located in the "Antiquaires" district (antique dealers), with its narrow streets and a few chic little mansions hidden behind large gates.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ghbw13S617Uj65y59