Toulouse and Environs Thank You Notes
 

Many thanks to the Fodorites who helped me plan a short itinerary around Toulouse. I'll share the highlights of our lovely trip.

We first stayed in Toulouse with our daughter's French family -- she is there on a semester abroad program. We loved Toulouse. Easy sightseeing, pretty (and intact) downtown, great for walking or biking, nice markets, good food at a variety of prices (enjoyed our lunches at Maison du Cassoulet and above the markets at Victor Hugo).

We rented a car and headed to Carcassone, staying at the Mercure. Very decent for a chain, and a short walk to the old town. Great lunch in the old city at Brasserie le Donjon, and an elegant One Star Michelin meal at Le Parc Franck Putelat.

I used Karen Brown for lodging suggestions as I was so short of time. Based on that site, we next headed to Cordes sur Ciel and stayed at Aurifat. Ian and Penelope, the British owners, are wonderful people -- helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. The views from our simple room (in a 12th C watchtower) were lovely. They sent us to Restaurant Lou Cantoun in Cestayrols for dinner. Breakfast the next morning was included and was quite nice. They even have internet access.

Stopping in the beautiful village of St Cirq Lapopie, we also had a wonderful lunch at Le Gourmet Quercynois.

On to Rocamadour, where we stayed at Domaine de la Rhue - an old barn, elegantly renovated into a lovely hotel. The grounds are as beautiful as the hotel. The helpful owners Christine and Eric sent us out again for another memorable meal at Les Vieilles Tours.

Sadly, a short trip -- but great food, great wine, great hotels. Thought someone might like to know. Thanks for all of YOUR help.

you sort of glossed over toulouse. can anyone chime in on toulouse?

What do you want to know about Toulouse? Great central area, especially the Capitole, the central square, with arcades, restaurants, always something happening. A young city with lots of energy, and extremely attractive. Wonderful churches (St Sernin, Les Jacobins), museums (esp.les Augustins, the Bemberg Foundation)great restaurants, a river and a canal where people walk, jog, etc.

See the Toulouse tourist office site
http://www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com

Toulouse is one of my "top 5" cities in France, after Paris. Read about it in one of the Cadogan or Michelin Green Guides. It's a very active city - especially on Sat night. Lots of neat architecture.

Stu Dudley

We were in Toulouse for three days in August. I second Stu's and Carlux's comments.

On a practical note I highly recommend the Hotel Albert Premiere, just off the main (Capitole) square/place. Immaculate, small family-owned hotel with modern rooms and baths, friendly staff, reasonable breakfast. Rooms had AC (only had to use it one afternoon to cool down the room)--for the rest of the stay we had the windows open, minimal traffic noise and no bugs.

We drove into the city and immediately left the car in an underground car park (hotel had a discounted rate). The car park, under a bus station, was a short walk from the hotel as was a stop for the airport express bus.

We took a boat cruise on the Garonne and Canal du Midi--basic hour-long tourist ride but interesting.

You can walk virtually everywhere in the city centre although the newest art museum in an old abattoir is further out.

The restaurants we chose weren't memorable but all were enjoyable for light, outdoor cafe meals which is what we wanted in summer. We ate once on the main place, it was fine, but cost went down and quality up as we walked further away.

One cool-ish evening we went to L'Entrecote, 15 Blvd de Strasbourg, which only serves entrecote, salads and frites. Mounds of excellent frites and seconds are offered.

We thought very good value. Its frequented by locals--greeted by name in some instances by the patronne. Other diners and staff very friendly. It's a small chain with restos in Lyons, Nantes, etc.

Loved Toulouse, would and will go back.