1/29/2025 Toulouse, France

Greetings from beautiful, but a bit chilly, 52 degrees Toulouse, France!

We made the easy, three hour drive from Collioure, France to Toulouse and paid the €21 tolls. Fresh snow the previous night left the Pyrenees even more beautiful.

We visited Toulouse once previously and loved it so much we decided to return.

Old town Toulouse, classic French architecture.

Toulouse is an interesting city. It’s quite large, over 1.5 million inhabitants and the home of Europes airline and space manufacturing. Airbus is Headquartered here.

Us, we’re just there for the sights and the food😎

First stop after a quick metro ride, the Canal du Midi.

Built in the 1600’s the canal runs over 240km from outside Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. It was once a super waterway for cargo, now it’s used for pleasure boating and Barge lifestyles.

OK, we’re in France, home to, in my opinion, the country with the world’s best food! First stop, the world famous Victor Hugo Market, a fresh food market.

Of course the first stop is at one of many Boulangeries, the French are the worlds best bakers 👍

Possibly, the only thing better than a French Boulangerie? A French Fromagerie, or cheese shop!

The French think their oysters are the best!

Specialty foods, notice the olives are not as prevalent.

Don’t know about you, but I need a little coffee after all that drooling.

Basilique Saint Sernin, Mass was under way, so no pictures.

Ok, walking tour says TGC. Toulouse is very pedestrian friendly, except for bicycles, they fly around everywhere! Be careful ✔️

Started in the 800’s and has had many lives as a monastery and gardens of Toulouse. Current version built in the 1600’s. Unbelievably beautiful, my pictures don’t do it justice.

Started in the mid 1500’s and completed in 1640 this bridge is still used today. The construction was very difficult because of the swiftness of the Garonne River and the shifting sandy bottom.

TGC is pounding me now, more steps!

A convent created in 1550. It’s spectacular!

The regional specialty of the area is Cassoulet, a hearty dish of beans, broth and meats. We love the Duck and sausage version made with rendered duck.