SW France help please!
 

I will be flying into Toulouse in early June and have five days/four nights to get to Avignon, near where I will take a French course. After the course, I have three days/three nights before flying out of Nice. I will be relying on train and/or bus travel.

I was planning to stay in Toulouse for two nights (which would actually give me two full days as I arrive in the early morning) then perhaps Sète for a day/night as I love the beach and then Nimes for a day/night to see the ancient ruins.

Reading others' posts, I am now wondering if Toulouse will be of sufficient interest to me or if the city will be too large. Last year I visited Albi which I loved for its safety, walkability, sites and river location and I have also stayed in the past for three weeks in Montpellier for a French course. I have also visited Foix, Carcasonne and Coullioure in this area. (Also, I have in the past visited Avignon, St-Remy, Les Baux, etc. and don't really want to visit much in this area before my course, as the course will include visits to some of these sites.)

I enjoy walking around cities and small towns to absorb the atmosphere and to see the buildings and parks. I enjoy museums but probably prefer walking around and perhaps taking a guided visit of the city/town.

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about my Toulouse-Sète-Nimes itinerary!

Merci.

I use Toulouse as a regular base flying in and out of the South West. I have to say that I think a full day in the old town and you've kind of done it all. The Capitol Square is a nice people watching place, but whilst there's plenty to do, good shops, galleries etc, I'd take my day and then move on, if I were you.

I couldn't disagree more about Toulouse. We love the city, and love walking around. If you liked Albi, Tulouse is even better - and although larger, still very manageable.

From the Capitole, the main sqare, in one direction you can go up to the lovely rose church, St Sernin. In the other direciton the Jacobins church, with wonderful palm tree shaped columns, and great cloisters. Nto far away, by the river, is the Hotel d'Azzezat, one of the loveliest buildings I've ever seen, with a good art collection as well.

Lots of good restaurants, great museums, lively, full of young people, great shops. One of our favourite places - and luckily we live only two hours away now.

I agree with everything Carlux said. I just have ahd enough after a day.

hi, i was in toulouse with my husband and daughter...we didn't like it at all...i found the city very dirty and not like the rest of the other parts of the south of france...sete is so cute of a town and there a section where there are so many restaurants in a row where the best fish soups are made...have a great trip...