Toulouse is like a former child actress. Long ago, it enjoyed fame and notoriety as a major city in France, but then got lazy and fell out of favor. Now, a little tattered and known for its aerospace technology and universities rather than food or culture, it seems to want the attention it once had, but doesn't warrant it. But somehow it dons its rose-colored dress every day and puts on a brave face, not really admitting that the focus of the country has moved elsewhere.
I do enjoy the architecture and wandering the narrow streets, and there are treasures to be discovered there if you look hard enough. There are some sights to see, but unlike in Paris or Brittany, you don't feel an obligation to run around and check things off as you go through your guidebook. I confess that in the 10 years that we have been coming to Toulouse, I have not set foot inside one museum or historical building. The best experience to be had is to visit the market or stumble upon a great local restaurant.
As the main city of the Languedoc and the Occitan culture, you get a mix of Roman-esque buildings and a blend of cultures, including French, Spanish, and much less so, Italian. There is a strong Arabic population, so often you will find fast food restaurants featuring Kababs and bakeries with unusual confections in the window.
The most famous person that hails from Toulouse is Antoine de St.-Exupery, author of Le Petit Prince. This book is a family favorite of ours, and will always be near and dear to me.
On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur.
(We see well only with the heart.)
- Antoine de SAINT-EXUPÉRY, Le Petit Prince
