In the city of Toulouse, capital of France’s southern Occitanie region, known as La Ville Rose or the 'The Pink City’

 (in France) In the early morning and late afternoon, the rosy-red brick buildings of Toulouse emit a special glow, earning the city its title, "La Ville Rose" ("The Pink City"). At the heart of sultry southwestern France not far from the border with Spain, the warm, sunny climate and friendly locals provide Toulouse quite an inviting ambience. In this part of France, people speak slowly with drawn-out vowels, just as they linger over coffee at outdoor cafés and wander around town squares. For tourists learning French, this is the perfect place to practice. A great way to begin a tour of Toulouse is by journeying back in time to the era of medieval pilgrimages at the Basilique Saint-Sernin. Then, visitors can explore a 13th-century convent exemplifying Southern Gothic style, or just spend time walking around the Place du Capitole, lined with red-brick architectural landmarks. Toulouse is also home to archaeology and fine arts museums. Be sure to enjoy the sidewalk cafés and regional cuisine. Toulouse is famous for its hearty specialties like cassoulet (meat and bean stew) -- and crystallized violet candies. Imagine that!