Toulouse is a city in south west of France which combines a genuine architectural heritage with the vibrancy of a modern city. There are few civic squares in the world that can match the grandeur of Place du Capitole; the stature of Capitole emphasises that Toulouse is the fourth biggest city in France. The Basilique Saint Sernin is a stirring piece of Romanesque religious design reminding us that Toulouse is a city that has spanned the ages. Car hire from Toulouse means you can visit places like Carcassonne quite easily or you can head south towards Lourdes and the Pyrénées.
Most visitors to Toulouse will immediately descend on the Place du Capitole, here you'll see the stately theatre building and a number of pavement cafés. Following that, the Musee des Augustins and the Saint Sernin Basilica, make for worthwhile detours. If you're hiring a car from Toulouse, an hour-long trip on the A61 to Carcassonne is certainly worthwhile. Alternatively, head to Albi on the A68 where you'll see the majestic Cathedrale Ste-Cecile. If you happen to be here for the rugby, the Stade Ernest-Wallon is a short drive on the Boulevard de Strasbourg.