12 Gourmet city 13 Bake

12 Gourmet city 13 Bake my day With 9 Michelin-starred restaurants in Toulouse metropolis and +1,700 places to eat, the city is one of the country’s best served in terms of restaurants. Toulouse A Table 5-8 September sees a city wide festive feast take place - irresistible Details: www.toulouseatable.com Try a local speciality cake - Le Fenetra, a typical “gateau Toulousain” made from candied lemons and almonds, one of the best-kept secret recipes of the Occitanie region. You’ll find it in specialist bakeries and the Salon de Thé in Toulouse. 14 Victor-Hugo market A show-stopper market and a place of tempting aromas. Head to the first floor of this 100 year old market where you’ll discover a fabulous bistro called L'Impériale – impossible to not be intoxicated by the delicious smells of the freshly cooked food, their cassoulet is divine! Photo copyright Jane Gifford Pastel 15 products Used for dyeing and as a medicinal plant since antiquity, Isatis Tinctoria was cultivated in the Lauragais, between Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne. Its blue pigment was exported throughout Europe and used as a dye for textiles. Having earned a fortune, the pastel merchants had sumptuous private mansions built in Toulouse. Visit Terre de Pastel, an unusual complex that combines, museum-spaboutique-restaurant showcasing the plant.

16 Jardin des plantes The beautiful botanical gardens are a perfect place to chill out and smell the roses and other flowers right next to the Museum of Toulouse. You’ll find the museum mascots, the colourful peacocks, preening and primping, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a baby one! It’s also a great place for a snack at Le Moaï café (and there’s free WiFi here too). 17 Flower power Violets are the flower of Toulouse. The little purple petals have been cultivated here since 1854 and this species is a cousin of the fragrant Parma violet. They’re an important part of the heritage of Toulouse and you can enjoy the scent and discover the history of the violet at the Maison de la Violette barge which is moored on the Canal du Midi in the city. Each February there’s a grand fete to celebrate the violet at the spectacular Place du Capitole. Photo copyright Jane Gifford