Toulouse and the Canal du Midi … a spot not to be missed.

14 November 2014

Toulouse, on the Garonne in southern France, was not on our must-visit list. We ventured there to spend some time with our canal-boat-owning friends and I'm so glad we did. Of course the hospitality was superb and the canal boating sublime, but Toulouse, the city, is quietly beautiful.




The streets are lined with elegant buildings from a time past. 


Shutters enticed me to want to see inside.


And as we meandered home from dinner in the square, the shutters would have been swung open to catch the evening air. Snatches of ornate ceilings and opulent chandeliers could be glimpsed from our lowly street level view. Sophisticated French style.

Narrow streets curved away to secret reaches of the city.


I so wanted to know what was behind this door.


The park was grand and blooming, having a last fling before the weather turned cooler.


Protective mothers surveyed their surrounds.



Elaborate lamps


and sculptures were dotted amongst the green.


Wine bars lurked beneath timbered buildings.


The city came alive as night fell.


And Cathédrale St-Étienne glowed.


Then there was the canal boating on the Canal du Midi.




Scenes like this were common.







And the dining room, well, what more can I say?


So, what more did Toulouse have to offer?

For MLP, the aircraft infatuated one, Toulouse has this. The Airbus factory.


And this. The Beluga, purpose built to deliver A380 parts from around the world to Toulouse.


And, yes, he did get to fly in his A380 on the way over. Boy heaven.

For me?

Well, I fell in love with this.



Isn't she stunning! Who couldn't love her?

Definitely my next car. The adorable Fiat 500.

So, what do you think …

will Toulouse be added to your must-see list?

I highly recommend it.

What places are on your bucket list?






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