The French city of Toulouse is sophisticated, vibrant and picturesque, with something to offer all visitors and charming streets to wander around.

Situated in the south of France, the city is famous for its red brick architecture and has been dubbed the "Ville Rose" (Pink City).

Located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast, on the banks of the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi, Toulouse boasts some charming waterways, including the Canal du Midi, a Unesco site constructed under Louis XIV to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea.

The fourth largest city in France, Toulouse has a population of around 800,000 and rose to eminence with the powerful 12th and 13th century counts of Toulouse. The city was the centre of the woad (blue dye) trade during the 16th and 17th centuries and at the heart of the Languedoc region.

During the First World War, Toulouse became a major arms and aircraft manufacturer and still has a flourishing aerospace industry. In recent years, the city has also attracted a number of high-technology manufacturers.

With a large student population and the second major university in France, Toulouse feels cosmopolitan and laid back, with a thriving and lively arts and night scene. Its large concentration of hi-tech companies and so provides it with a sophisticated side and some very upscale bars, restaurants and clubs.

The old town is particularly pretty and worth a long amble around during a trip to the city, with some delightful sights, cafes and shops to take in. It is also possible to hire bicycles and cycle around the town and Toulouse has a comprehensive bus and tube network.

The main tourist activities include taking a boat trip on the river or canals, visiting the imposing Capitol, home to the town hall and the Theatre du Capitole, browsing in the excellent shops and markets and going to the impressive Saint-Etienne Cathedral and Basilique Saint-Sernin.

Those with time on their hands should head to the old area of Les Carmes and browse around the antique and art dealers' shops, examine the fine collections of Romanesque and medieval sculpture at the Musee des Augustins and marvel at the Aerospatiale aerospace museum.

Renowned for the quality of its food, Toulouse is a gourmet's dream, with fine restaurants serving all manner of delicacies and excellent French wine and champagne.

Toulouse is relatively easy to get to from the UK, with regular flights by several airlines to Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport and many more connections from Paris. Once there, accommodation is plentiful and ranges from cosy hostels to glamorous five-star hotels.

The weather in Toulouse tends to be mild and sunny, with very hot, busy summers and cooler winters.