The last leg of my trip took me to Toulouse for a couple of days of rest and relaxation. If you've never been, it's definitely worth the trip. Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France and it's located in the mid Pyrenees. It's a very young city due to its high concentration of universities. I would describe it as a mix of Harvard Square with a twist of Spanish influence. It is an amazing city to walk in and has a great central square.
No taxis or metros are necessary here. Narrow cobblestone pedestrian streets, friendly people and fewer tourists. It's got a world famous opera house and it was fun to watch people all dressed for the performances.
I am by no means a food critic but this place had amazing food. It's a combination of French and Spanish influences. I had a Spanish style " bouillabaisse " at Emile's one night and it was out of this world. Another Toulouse speciality is violets and they have managed to use violet flavor in just about everything. Violet marshmallows, violet liqueur, violet chocolate and many many more items. I'm not so found of the flavor but it looks pretty.
I also stop in at La Compagnie Du Chocolate. This place was to die for if you love chocolate. The owner was eager to let me take pictures and describe her process for French fudge. It doesn't include butter!
Heading home tomorrow...
can't wait to see my family.
I love France BUT
there's no place like home!