In the dead of the past winter, we spent the day in Toulouse. It’s such a lovely city, one that punches above its weight in sophistication.
I suppose travelers might think of Carcassonne as a daytrip from Toulouse, but I prefer to think of Toulouse as a daytrip from Carcassonne.
My favorite thing to do in any city is flâner–to walk aimlessly. I don’t need to shop, though I enjoy faire du lèche-vitrine (literally, licking windws, but it means do window-shopping). And of course some time en terrace at a café to people-watch.
- The pre-Christmas outdoor dining scene.
The architecture is a bit different from Carcassonne. Grander, for sure, in such a big city. But there’s also the use of red bricks, which give Toulouse its nickname of La Ville Rose, which was adopted as a tourism slogan more than a century ago, after the author Stendahl wrote insultingly of his visit. Over the years that we’ve lived in the region, Toulouse has cleaned up nicely. More streets in the center are limited to pedestrians, new tram lines have been built and parking is nigh impossible. Bikes are everywhere. Hipster boutiques and restaurants are filled with young French women who look beautiful despite bedhead and young men with bushy Brooklyn beards. The brick walls are authentic.
- An optician. Of course.



I never get enough of the narrow, crooked streets.
You have to look up.
You have to look down.
So many grand entrances, to let in carriages.
Sometimes you get to peek inside.

Have you been to Toulouse? I have more Toulousain treats in store.
I have not been to Toulouse. I was close by in Carcassonne last year – now, I wish I had stopped and spent a day in Toulouse. The photos are great!
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Next time!
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More please! Enchanting!
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I had so many photos I split off some for future posts.
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Love Toulouse – there’s so much to discover there!!
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Plus new things keep popping up.
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I guess that’s another stopover. I need another lifetime.
Gorgeous images….
Ali
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It’s a gorgeous city. I always find new corners.
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Thank you so much for the wonderful photos of Toulouse and your commentary. I also love the smaller cities and winding streets. (I haven’t been to Toulouse yet.)
I look forward to more Toulousan treats!
Jennifer G. Seattle, WA
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I have more planned! And more daytrips, as well.
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Beautiful architecture!
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Yes, I like the red bricks.
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Toulouse being the entry or exit point for us and many of our guests is a lovely bonus. Love the city, great food scene and beautiful to boot! Lovely post!
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Yes, great foodie scene. As innovative as Paris, but more accessible.
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lovely photos and very interesting post as always. Love the architecture and the old winding streets. Helps me travel (vitually) until I get to actually go back to France.
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Virtual is better than nothing!
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Excellent post! I’m flying into Toulouse tomorrow en route to our home in Castelnaudary. I only discovered the joys of Toulouse in the last couple of years and I’ve fallen in love with the city! We’re lucky to live so near.
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That is a lot closer. Castelnaudary is a pretty town, too.
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Omg I am super jealous! I’ve always wanted to go to Toulouse, and your photos just remind me how much I’m missing out on by not being there. It’s good that you enjoyed, and it’s really making me itch to visit!
Amy;
Wandering Everywhere
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It’s a very pretty city. Don’t miss Carcassonne, though!
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