4 Hours In Toulouse

Steeped in history, "La Ville Rose"—so called for the pink color of its stone buildings—lies in the sunny southwest of France, and combines Latin warmth with Gallic charm.

Wander the maze of cobblestone lanes, brimming with art galleries and hip boutiques. The Fondation Bemberg, housed in the 16th-century Hotel d'Azzezat, features modern French artists including Raoul Dufy, Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse (www.fondation-bemberg.fr).

Visit the 11th-century St-Sernin basilica, France's largest Romanesque church and an important stopover for annual Roman Catholic pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.

Savor regional dishes at the Michelin-starred restaurant Michel Sarran, where specialties include roast pigeon and foie gras de canard du Gers (michel-sarran.com).

Watch a rugby match with the proud locals at the historic Stade Toulousain, where the sport is a second religion (stadetoulousain.fr).

Sip a sirop de violette—violet sherbet, a local specialty—under the historic dome of Le Bibent brasserie, as the setting sun glows pink against the surrounding buildings (5, place du Capitole).

© 2008