Known as la Ville Rose (“the pink city”), zany Toulouse is the place to go when all French cities begin to look alike. During the school year, 110,000 students fill the cafes and brasseries that line its narrow streets. At the heart of centre-ville sits the massive Capitole, whose eight grand columns symbolize the eight headstrong town capitouls (councilors) who defied counts and kings to maintain control of the city until the Revolution. An abundance of museums and concert halls, along with family-owned art galleries and independent theaters, help make Toulouse the cultural capital of southern France, a reputation well in line with the city’s free-thinking tradition. Whether it’s the Garrone River or the flourishing arts scene that makes your heart pound, it’s hard not to fall in love with Toulouse.