Ideally located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast, Toulouse is one of the most animated cities in France, where old meets new in a fusion of generational influences.

Toulouse has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading cultural and political centres in France. From the 10th to the 13th centuries the counts of Toulouse controlled much of southern France and were famous for maintaining the most resplendent court in the land.

However, in the 13th century Toulouse became crown property and began its slide into obscurity (relative to Paris).

But in recent times Toulouse has been the focus for heavy investment, as the government has sought to transform the town into a European centre of high-tech industry. Toulouse has always been a centre of aviation, and now boasts the national Space Centre, the European shuttle programme, France's principal aeronautical schools and many market leading electronics firms.

But Toulouse has much more to offer than the history of the past 30 years. Its historic town centre is the highlight of any trip. Take the time to see the wonderfully sundry architecture of the Cathedral Saint-Etienne, built over the course of five hundred years from the 12th to the 16th century. In addition, it houses a number of interesting features, such as its stained glass, paintings, the large rose window and its many chapels.

The 1st century amphitheatre is also worth a visit as it is the only Roman monument in Toulouse that is can still be seen in its entirety. In fact, this is a fine place to begin your tour of Toulouse, as many museums explore the city's Roman heritage.

But aside from the city's Roman past, there is a wonderful variety in Toulouse's museums', including Real History, the History of Man, of Art, of different cultures and the 'Abattoirs', a gallery devoted to modern and contemporary art.

Perhaps the most poignant event in a trip to the city is the monument recalling the Occupation and the Resistance in France and is situated close to the former Gestapo headquarters.

But Toulouse is not simply a city of history and culture. The city is known as the capital of the good life, and with its 110,000 student population it is second only to Paris as a university centre.

As a result, Toulouse has one of the most dynamic club scenes in Europe. In particular check out the Mr Carnaval and Saint-Georges Club.

To non-French people, Toulouse is a city easily overlooked by many travellers. But if this is the case among foreigners, it is most certainly not so among the French. Toulouse is attracting visitors in ever increasing numbers as people are drawn to it beautiful and historic town centre, it wealth of culture and an increasingly youthful crowd throng the city's pavement cafes, bars and clubs.

It is a city that succeeds in appealing beyond age and interests boundaries as whatever you are looking for, it can be found in Toulouse.

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