The Christmas holidays are fast approaching, but despite the promise of free time, it’s amazing how quickly they fill with festive plans. If you’re in the mood for a getaway, Toulouse could be the perfect destination. It’s a great city for a short break; charming little streets and an abundance of yummy French food, it’s easily accessible and totally affordable on a student budget.
Things To See And Do
Place du Capitole is the main square, set in the old part of the city. Spanning one side is the majestic Capitole, the city hall. Completed in 1760 the building oozes historical charm. Visitors can walk through and enjoy the artwork that adorns its interior walls. The square boasts cafes and shops and is a perfect place to spend an afternoon people watching. On Wednesdays and Sundays it transforms into a lively market.
Basilique de St-Sernin is the largest Romanesque church in Western Europe. On weekends a large flea market surrounds the church. A truly beautiful building with a high pointed tower, it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around the perimeter to view the building from all angles. No doubt you’ll want to stop and pose for a few pictures as well!
Place de la Daurade is a pretty grass area beside the Garonne River. From here you can take a boat tour of the city’s canal. The tour lasts around 70 minutes and costs €8. The area is equally picturesque at night with the lights of the city glimmering off the water. The Notre Dame de la Daurade basilica presents another impressive sight with its huge stone columns overlooking the bridges of the Garonne.
Food
Toulouse is a foodie’s heaven. Not only is it famous for its duck, foie gras, local sausages and cassoulet, you can also sample the most delicious French cheeses and patisserie.
A visit to the Victor Hugo Market is a must. Every morning you can browse the tempting array of fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheese, cakes, pastries, meat and fish. There are lots of free samples to taste and a small bar at the back where you can enjoy a glass of wine and (bizarrely) a boiled egg.
On the second floor of the market there is a row of lovely restaurants. One of which, Au Bon Graillou, offers a daily lunch menu that comes highly recommended. The three course lunch costs just €13.90 on weekdays and €18.90 at weekends and the desserts are to die for.
Head to the imaginatively named Maison du Cassoulet on Jean Jaurès to try the regional specialty, Le Cassoulet Castelnaudry is a flavoursome stew of white beans, duck and pork. The Cassoulet menu which includes a choice of dessert comes to less than €20.
When you’re not looking for a sit down meal, dip into any of the many chocolatiers, bakeries and patisseries for a quiche, macaroon or pastry.
Getting There And Getting Around
With Easyjet flights from Bristol setting you back as little as £40 return and a range of affordable city-centre hotels a weekend-break definitely wouldn’t break the bank.
The shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre costs €5.50. It takes around 20 minutes and you can buy your ticket from the driver.
Once in Toulouse you can use the metro, busses and trams with one ‘Tisséo’ ticket, a single fare is €1.60 but you could also buy a 2 day (€8.50) or 3 day (€10.50) pass and enjoy unlimited travel. If the weather is nice, forget the public transport and enjoy wandering around the pretty streets as just about everything can be reached on foot. Or, if time is of the essence, for €1.20 per day you can use the VeloToulouse public bike rental scheme.
What are you waiting for? Hop on a plane and say au revoir Exeter!
Photo Credits:
http://www.europe-autos.com/toulouse-france/
http://incidentalnomads.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/toulouse-impressions-modern-city.html
https://eatingmilkandhoney.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/sweet-heaven/
http://bingfotos.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/sunset-over-garonne-river-in-toulouse.html