A travel writer has described the French city of Toulouse as being a magical destination to visit in autumn.
That's when, Simon Calder of the Independent writes, the pink bricks of La Ville Rose's historic buildings are "bathed in autumn sunlight".
Such sights should stand the city in good stead when the location, in south-west France, competes against Bordeaux, Marseille and Lyon for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2013.
This "elegant and tranquil" town could be closer to your doorstep than you think. The train link from London St Pancras takes around nine hours with Eurostar via Paris to the city's handsome Matabiau station.
From there it's just a short wander to "the soul of Toulouse" - the Place du Capitole, a vast pedestrianised square with a zodiac in the centre, rather than a statue.
Over in the south-east quadrant of central Toulouse is a ribbon of parkland but the city also offers a vibrant culture as the metropolitan area is the fourth-largest in France and the fastest growing in Europe.
Make it part of your travel plans as you book some
gap year travel insurance.
Downunder - try us out for the best in
Gap Year Travel Insurance.
