Toulouse
I had a delightful 3-day weekend in Toulouse, also known as the Pink City, and I am excited to share my experience with you! Despite only having gone for a brief half-day trip five years ago, I eagerly accepted the invitation from Club Hôtelier Toulouse Metropole to discover the city for a "city-break."
Toulouse is referred to as a "city-break" due to its close proximity to Spain, Italy, and many other major French cities. Located in the south of France, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year, even in November with temperatures around fifteen degrees Celsius! Why travel to Barcelona or Lisbon when you can reach Toulouse with just a 1H15 plane ride from Paris?
My stay in Toulouse exceeded my expectations, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! From the welcoming locals to the weather, the lively artistic and cultural scene, the architecture and colorful streets, and, of course, the local cuisine, all the ingredients were present for an enjoyable city experience.
Join me on my adventure in Toulouse!
Before attending the main event on my schedule, "La Nocturne du Marché Victor Hugo" I made a stop at the hotel where I stayed - La Cour des Consuls.
The covered market in Toulouse is an institution that reminded me of the markets found in Spain.
The Nocturne, which takes place only four times a year (once per season), was the last one of the year. I was fortunate enough to be guided by Clément Lazuech, a local influencer and ambassador, who showed me all the secrets of the market, including the stand of Maison Garcia where everything was exceptionally delicious!
Clément Lazuech, influencer and local ambassador
The next morning, I went to the Jacobins Convent. A medieval and gothic architectural jewel!
This former monastery was built in the 13th century, it's located at few steps from the Place du Capitole. Since nearly 700 years, the church is the home of the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The complex consists of several parts, the Jacobins church...
...and the cloister with the refectory room, a chapter house and a chapel.
I also had the privilege of going to the top of the clock tower where you’ll get the most incredible view all over Toulouse!
Let's stay high up, this time at Ma Biche sur le Toit, which as its French name suggests is on a rooftop, with a splendid view and accessible to all!
After a traditional French lunch, I headed to La Halle de la Machine and its famous Minautor!
This large showroom will make young and old dream through a journey of tales and legends.
I discovered all the show machines designed by the Compagnie la Machine. It's really impressive to see...and try!
I was planning on going back for a little break at the hotel after such a long day but got caught by such a beautiful and colourful sunset! (yes, believe it or not it’s the end of November, welcome to Toulouse!)
Last stop: le Théâtre du Capitole. I had the chance to arrive before the show starts and go backstage, I attented the last preparations, make-up sessions.... What a great moment to enjoy the empty theater all by myself!
After a very good night's sleep, I went for an early morning walk in the small streets of Toulouse, way before everyone wakes up. What a chance to admire the magnificent colours of the city in a quiet atmosphere!
Lunch time! Welcome to Le Bibent, one of the best restaurants in town where I was warmly welcomed by the Michelin Stars Chef Christian Constant himself.
The classified as a historical monument setting is splendid and don’t even get me started about the meal itself!
A short cultural afternoon later, I met an artists' collective called Atelier 2000. It is in their offices where I discovered all about the silkscreen printing technique. How amazing to learn something new!
Last stop, Les Abattoirs. As the French name suggests these are the city's former slaughterhouses which have been transformed for many years now into an exhibition space for contemporary and modern art.
I really like the architecture inside, given the season the place offers a small but lively Christmas market and the exhibitions were open to everyone. A good opportunity to learn about art when you are not familiar with it.
Last but not least, a very nice dinner (so good that I forgot to take pictures of it) at L’Alimentation! It was already time to go back to Paris (where a difference of minus 10° welcomed me upon my arrival!)
This city-break in Toulouse was a great surprise, I discovered a city that is as nice, lively and culturally rich than one of the best for French Gastronomy! Perfect destination for a 2/3 days week-end in France!
