Bordeaux or Toulouse??

Question

My husband and I are going to be traveling to France in the spring. We will be flying into Paris and making out way down to Barcelona to visit friends. We have about 2 additional days that we would like to stop in a smaller French city too see the sights and relax. Both Bordeaux and Toulouse sound great (from all we've read)... but we need help making a decision. We like to do "low key" and "off the beaten path" type things. We love food and wine and the experience of local culture. Any imput on these two cities?

Answer 1

Toulouse:

    - is more "off the beaten path" than Bordeaux.

    - will be hotter than Bordeaux in the spring

    - has great food (Try cassoulet)

    - will be cheaper than Bordeaux

Bordeaux:

    - has wine

Answer 2

Toulouse is a city very warm and very welcoming. This is a great city on a human scale, with a very special architecture and a rich nightlife. The cuisine is famous. I was born near Toulouse, my parents still live there and I go back very often.

Answer 3

Toulouse is a more welcoming city, but if you like wine, Bordeaux is THE place you need to visit...