Toulouse is capital of the Midi-Pyrénées Region and is about to displace Lille as France’s 4th largest city (metropolitan area). The city has a vibrant culture, assisted in no small way by the huge student population. Toulouse Blagnac Airport is the headquarters for the giant Airbus consortium who manufacture the A380 Super Jumbo. The high tech revolution has had a dramatic effect on the economy creating unprecedented growth for the city. The city was founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago and was a major trading centre in Roman Gaul. After the Romans Toulouse passed from the Visigoths to the Franks and then changed hands between various royal families throughout the middle ages. Toulouse gained prosperity during the renaissance through the production of Woad (a plant from which blue dye was made). This was an incredibly valuable commodity in Europe at the time and the prosperity it brought is reflected in the fine architecture from that period. A cheaper alternative to woad was eventually found and Toulouse went into a slow decline that has only recently been turned around by the aviation industry. Official Visitor Site for Toulouse Virtual Touist Guide for Toulouse Toulouse is rugby city. Its leading club, Stade Toulousain has dominated the French championship for many years. | 
