Every year, the Pantone Colour of the Year plays a part in influencing everything from interior design to fashion, and 2019’s colour, Living Coral, is especially exciting as it is a stunning tone that can be spotted throughout Europe in nature, architecture, and many things in between.
Chosen by Pantone due to its ability to create optimistic and playful feelings, this coral hue with a gold undertone has been said to “energise and enliven” people, making it the perfect colour to seek out on your travels.
There are lots of exciting places where you can see the Pantone Colour of the Year in Europe, and here we share some of our favourites.
Visit the “Pink City” – Toulouse
Known as the “Pink City”, or “La Ville Rose” in French, Toulouse is home to striking pink buildings which gained their Living Coral hue due to iron being present in the clay deposits used to build them. Not only does this make Toulouse a great place to see the Pantone Colour of the Year, but you will be guaranteed some enviable Instagram photos too!
Often overlooked by tourists who choose to holiday in Paris, Nice, or Bordeaux instead, Toulouse has plenty to offer those who visit, including gorgeous churches, pretty squares, fascinating museums, friendly locals, and nice weather for much of the year. You can reach Toulouse in around 9 hours from Calais by car, and it is so compact that you can explore on foot with ease when you arrive.
Foodies will also be happy with a trip here, as Toulouse is known for its delicious cuisine. Try the hearty cassoulet made with meat and beans, confit de canard (duck), and the city’s very own sausage, “saucisse de Toulouse”.
See a Living Coral coloured lake
Another place to see the Pantone Colour of the Year in Europe is at the Camargue Natural Park, which is also located 9 hours from Calais by car in the south of France, and home to almost unbelievable pink lakes.
The lakes get their Living Coral colour from the combination of salt and a specific type of algae that lives in the water, and against the white salt mountains it really is like nothing you have seen before. The park is also home to white horses, wild bulls, and pink flamingos, so there is plenty to see when you visit here.
If the production of salt interests you, take a tour of the Salins du Midi salt company by train or bike and you can find out all about the process used and see the surrounding area as you travel around too.
Admire Living Coral tulips in the Netherlands
Heading to the Netherlands in the spring to see tulips in bloom should be a trip that everyone takes during their lifetime, as you really do need to see this beautiful sight to believe it! 2019 is the perfect time to take this trip as you can see the Pantone Colour of the Year in all its glory, among every other colour you can think of too!
One of the most popular places to see tulips is Keukenhof Gardens. Six million tulip bulbs are planted here which result in an amazing display of colour and a gorgeous floral scent in the air, and their 2019 theme is “Flower Power” which promises to be a very fun-filled and exciting event! The gardens are open from 21st March to 19th May in 2019, and you can drive there in just under 4 hours from Calais, or a very quick 45 minutes from Rotterdam.
Alternatively, head to Amsterdam where they will be holding a tulip festival for the whole of April 2019. Their aim is to have a tulip for every Amsterdammer, so around 850,000 bulbs were planted which will flower in the spring and create a very bright and colourful city, including blooms that are Living Coral coloured of course.
With a number of great opportunities to see 2019’s Pantone Colour of the Year in Europe, book your crossing to the continent today and discover Living Coral for yourself.
