April 3rd, 2008
TOULOUSE YOURSELF
Known as La Ville Rose for its pink-hued buildings, the southern French city of Toulouse has far more to offer than just sausages.
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You’ll find only the best Euro designers at chic boutique Hall 2. Covet the cotton shift dresses from cult label Les Prairies de Paris, the Golden Goose chemises, and its original selection of lovely chausseurs including a darling pair of black patent leather Mary Janes with grey suede heels by Avril Gau. Sometimes credit limits are there to be tested. Hall 2, 32, rue des Marchands, Toulouse, +33 5 61 52 92 04.
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We have a bit of a thing for foreign pharmacies and Toulouse has some of the quaintest in France. Pay a visit to Pharmacy Ozenne (circa 1775) because there‘s nothing quite like buying shampoo in a neo-medieval building. Pharmacie Ozenne, 3, rue Ozenne, Toulouse, +33 5 61 52 70 51.
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Built in the 1850s, Le clos des potiers is an elegant boutique hotel with its own private garden. We loved the Philippe Starck ghost chairs set amongst the French antiques and hardwood floors. Be sure to ask for a Junior Suite overlooking the historical centre. Rooms from €100, rue Potiers, Toulouse, +33 5 61 47 15 15, www.hotel-closdespotiers.com
eat
Sweet or savory, Toulousains adore their tartines. Stop for lunch at L’Autre Salon de Thé in the quartier Saint-Georges. With 64 blends of tea and dozens of cakes, you may want to skip the savory and go straight for dessert. Try a bite of its famous Banofi cake sinfully made from banana, toffee, double cream, vanilla and chocolate (€3.50). L’Autre Salon de Thé, 45, rue Tourneurs, Toulouse, +33 5 61 22 11 63.
do
This city is best explored by bike and there are 2400 available for rent at various VélôToulouse sites around town. Be sure to peddle along the banks of the Garonne River and across the lovely arched Pont-Neuf. €2/per rental plus €1/hour.
