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Think Paris is France’s prettiest city?

We hate to break it to you, but it’s time to reevaluate.

I loved visiting Paris for the first time, roaming the streets late at night giving my best Owen Wilson “wow” at every turn.

But there’s certainly a dark underbelly to Paris, too, that travelers shoo away and pretend doesn’t exist while they’re mesmerized by the iconic Eiffel Tower and an endless array of classic landmarks.

With that said, what if we told you there’s a city in France that’s arguably more beautiful, equally romantic, less crowded, and feels far less touristy without sketchy vendors selling trinkets and ruining your perfect shot?

In that case, let us present to you Toulouse — known as France’s “Pink City” — and just touted by National Geographic as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for a summer jaunt.

Heading To Europe This Summer? Be sure to check the latest Entry Requirements for your destination before you head to the airport.

A Fraction Of The Price Of Paris

Last time we reported on Toulouse, we revealed one of the best aspects of Toulouse besides its sheer beauty: your wallet.

Not that I was shocked about how expensive Paris was; I was more shocked by how it’s one of the most visited destinations in the world while being expensive.

Since France is such a mega-popular country, there has to be more to see and more affordable ways to see it, right?

Toulouse is roughly 40% cheaper than Paris across the board, where you can expect a nice meal for about $17, hotels nearly half the price of Paris at around $100 per night, and museums costing only $10 or so.

Now, we’re not saying to expect The Louvre (or what’s left of it) in Toulouse, but have European museums ever disappointed?

Not that I’ve seen.

In fact, most Toulouse museums are pushing 5 stars on Google, and the Augustins Museum just reopened.

Though, if you’re anything like me, food budget is almost entirely separate from the rest of your expenses.

Hey, I’m a glutton — and there’s no better place to loosen the belt than France, such a renowned culinary playground.

According to Michelin, Mantesino is one of Toulouse’s best budget-friendly restaurants, where you can still enjoy a quality meal without settling for Mickey D’s while twirling your mustache.

France’s Blushing City: Is Toulouse Really Pink?

Full disclosure: my ex used to think I’m colorblind, while I maintain she was the crazy one (still do!).

We used to have one particular (playful) argument about whether one of my shirts was purple or blue.

Cycling through numerous Toulouse photos, I’ve been left wondering why it’s called the “Pink City” when, if we’re being honest, there’s not much pinkage going on.

For a moment, I thought my ex was right for once, until I discovered how Toulouse earned its eye-catching moniker…

This city was built largely from pinkish terracotta brick, but even up close, it’s not the bubblegum-pink shade most of us picture.

In other words, if there’s a Barbie sequel, you likely won’t see Ryan Gosling rollerblading through Toulouse in head-to-toe hot pink.

The magic really happens at sunset, when the glow hits the blushing cityscape, bringing out the “Pink City” that Toulouse keeps teasing all day.

There’s no denying this city is drop-dead gorgeous with its riverside promenades and centuries-old brick facades, but you’ll want to slice off a chunk of time to witness both the sunset and sunrise when its rosy side really comes alive.

It’s not just the postcard sunsets that are a draw; there are numerous UNESCO-protected monuments worth checking out, and even without its rosy hues, Toulouse’s Old Town is one of the most picturesque you’ll come across, laden with cozy sidewalk cafes and towering, timeless cathedrals.

How Safe Is France This Summer?

As one of the world’s most visited countries, it’s fair to say travelers aren’t deterred from exploring France city to city, beach to beach, and village to village.

While places like Marseille are notoriously edgy, and certain pockets of Paris aren’t exactly a Woody Allen portrayal, cities like Toulouse that are lesser-known tend to feel safer.

According to Travel Safe Abroad, travelers largely have low risks across the board from muggings to scams and women traveling alone.

Most notably, our very own real-time Safety Index shows a majority of tourists feel safe visiting France as a whole, scoring an 84/100 as of this writing:

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.