Chapter II- Toulouse

Our tour that began in Carcassonne has now reached the fourth largest city in France, Toulouse. It is a city of vibrance, colorful mixtures of old and new and where the passion for rugby is greater than for any other team sports.
It is here where the "Canal du Midi" joins the Garonne river and makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Toulouse has earned its nickname of  "La ville rose" or "The pink city" because of its particular brick buildings which cast a pink reflection, especially at sunset.
Our stay in the capital of the Haute-Garonne department was short but nevertheless intense and fortunately well-timed.
Le monument aux morts

Musee des Arts Paul Dupuy





Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

 Saint-Etienne Cathedrale

Even though we stayed for such a short period, we enjoyed the hospitality of two great people that welcomed us in their new home, Xavier and Juliane. In the few hours we spent talking, they told us a great deal about their adventures in the the Americas and other wonderful travelling experiences. As they are both architects, we learned interesting things about Toulouse and its unique architectural diversity and chromatic.









As previously mentioned, we were lucky to be in Toulouse in this particular day because we participated at a military parade, a street carnival and some street protests, apparently not related, which degenerated into small incidents and tear-gas in the central square.  



 Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

 One additional event that mobilized the people of Toulouse was the rugby match in the quarter finals of the European Cup, where the local team Toulouse played away against the Irish team Munster Rugby. It was amazing to see the passion and emotions that stirred every man that was watching the tv. Unfortunately, Toulouse lost 47-23.
Garonne



Place du Capitole

All in all, it was a great day with lots of events, beautiful places and wonderful people. More photos from the parade and carnival and from the interior of Saint Etienne Cathedrale will follow soon.

All the best!

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