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LYON TO TOULOUSE TO BORDEAUX

Got confirmation my fly with the birds is cancelled so I’ve got a few days to burn and one day here is Lyon is enough so it’s off to google maps and to see what I can find.

Toulouse it is, again I have no idea what to expect or do for that matter as it’s a bit off the whim and the only reason I’m going is that it’s between Lyon and Bordeaux, where I’m meeting the parents in a few days.

WHERE IS TOULOUSE?

GREAT CROWD

Credit to the French and in all fairness most of Central Europe, the trains are brilliant, very frequent, always on time and comfortable. However somethings more expensive than a flying!

I checked into La Petite Auberge de Saint-Serin, a clean hostel in a good location just a few stops in the metro from the centre. For such a small city Toulouse’s public transport system is great, it has everything; metro, bus and a train network..

IMMACULATE

I’m becoming more and more surprised by this part of France. There seems to be just as much on offer compared to Paris and the med coast without the crowds. They have this habit of making even the darkest alley into something worth looking at. I’ve been walking around all evening and even in the dark I’m yet to come across an area or street that seems dangerous or intimidating.

TOULOUSE….

  • Known as “Pink City” due to the rose-colored bricks used most of the buildings.
  • It’s town hall resembles Buckingham Palace.
  • It is a cultural hub for the performance arts.
  • Rugby is the most popular sport in Toulouse.

STREET PERFORMERS

One thing you must do when in Toulouse is walk along the River Garonne, its where all the locals go during lunch and if you’re lucky enough in the evening you might see some of the best buskers in the country. Walking along the river I could hear some music and commotion coming from a park called Place de la Daurade. It turned out to be local musicians giving one of the best street performances I have ever seen, not to mention during one hell of a sunset. I think anyone could believe their luck and everyone was just vibing, the atmosphere was 10/10. A perfect example of finding something special when just wandering around the city.

BORDEAUX

Check out time and today it’s off to Bordeaux where I’m meeting the rents who have just spent the last 5 days on a boozy holiday in Portugal with some friends. The train station of Bordeaxu is around 10 minutes drive form the centre but Bordeaux has an amazing network of trams which are easy to use and cost less than €2 a trip. Yet again the infrastructure of France continues to amaze me.

LE PALAIS GALLIEN

I checked into Hotel Le Palais Gallien which was only opened 5 months ago, really impressive and one of the better places I’ve stayed! It’s 5-10m walk from the old town but when you are in somewhere like Bordeaux any excuse for a walk should be seen as a good thing. Will help with the amount of food and wine you’re about to throw down your neck. Facilities include, a swimming pool, raised sun trap decking area, compact gym and a bar so all the essentials are covered!

Buskers at night in Toulouse, France. The greatest buskers ever
Buskers at night in Toulouse, France. The greatest buskers ever
Sunset at Garonne River in Toulouse, France. The greatest buskers ever

LE TROQUET

The rents arrived in the evening and from the recommendation of the hotel we headed to Le Troquet, a low key French restaurant. The food was incredible and would probably go on to be one of my fav meals of the trip!

It’s all very traditionally French here, even the menus but you know you are getting quality. The flavours are like nothing I have ever had, if I am ever asked about Bordeaux or going back myself I’ll be suggesting this place!

Train station in Toulouse, France. The greatest buskers ever

NEXT UP

Full tour around Bordeaux trying food and wine. Click to read.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
133/229

This post is part of the West Africa Series, pt1, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.

Question Time

  • Have you been to Toulouse, what was your experience like?
  • Where did you stay?
  • What is your favourite thing to do?

Let me know in the comments below . . .

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A DAY IN LYON
INCREDIBLE FOOD & WINE IN BORDEAUX

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