I too loved Toulouse. This makes me want to return ❣️Fabulous food and everyone in the shops were so friendly. My husband said the way they said “bonjour” sounded like a bell. Chantant indeed.
Véro, thank you for the great article. I am putting Toulouse on my list for visiting Southern France! I cannot wait for the second article and the pronounciations!
My wife and I are from South Africa, and are currently touring through France. It just so happens that we are in Toulouse at the moment. Yes, we had cassoulet last night at Maison de Cassoulet, we each had a couple of Chocolatines, and visited both the Basilica and Place du Capitole earlier today!
Also, the Pont Neuf was beautifully lit up earlier this evening.
There are lots of new and returning students here at the moment, so it was very busy and noisy in all the bars and restaurants tonight!
Bonjour Vernon. Toulouse can get loud with so many students in the city especially if you hang out by areas like Place St Pierre at night. So much to do, see and learn in my beautiful hometown! I recommend visiting the Jacobins convent too if you have a chance. There's an exhibit there at the moment that covers (and debunks some facts about) the fascinating history of the Cathars. Bonne visite !
I agree about the skyline Carol. I love that some of the highest buildings in town are striking landmarks like Saint-Sernin basilica's octogonal bell tower. Toulouse is growing fast. Let's hope it stays that way.
In 2023 Urban Sketchers France held their annual meetup in Toulouse. I was shocked how beautiful it was - a too well kept secret. I’m adding my story. Feel free to delete
I’ve been living in Toulouse for the last (almost) two years and I’m about to move to the Basque Country in a couple of weeks! This was so sentimental to read and makes me realize how much I’ll miss it here! Thanks for writing. ❤️
PS - I’m so glad that I learned French with the word “chocolatine” in my vocabulary first. Saying pain au chocolat seems massively wrong! Chocolatine is one of my favorite words in this language—it feels like une chanson when it leaves your lips!
Bonjour Kelsey. So happy you enjoyed this piece as an adopted Toulousaine. You might very well miss "la Ville Rose" after you move but the Basque Country is such a special place too! I heard you got married recently. Félicitations!
As for "chocolatine" I would have to agree with you. It's one of my favorite French words with "libellule," "coccinelle" or "coquelicot." Good luck with the move.-- Been there, done that you might say. A bientôt.
There may be some violets popping up in the second post next week indeed. ;-) As for the book it's in my future but not sure it is that near unfortunately. M cup runneth over these days one might say... A bientôt Toni
Bonjour Janet. All is well. You are a France with Vero patron but you are not a paid subscriber on Substack. Those are two different platforms. My newsletter published here on Substack remains free. There's an option to upgrade to a paid membership but you don't need to since you already are a patron. If you still have questions please email me at vero@francewithvero.com
I loved reading this take on Toulouse, a city I go to fairly often. Unfortunately I don't always have enough time to linger.
I remember when we moved to Rodez, a Parisian friend of mine who had also just moved south was horrified to hear my daughters starting to say "maisong", "paing", and so forth. She also very sternly admonished me for once pronouncing the s on "moins," something I had started to hear among my French colleagues.
One of my daughters is now a stage actress in Paris and has had to learn to tone down her southern accent for most roles, even though she is in no way playing Parisians. It's not fair!
Why am I not surprised? Some things don't change in France. Long before regional languages were accepted by "the Powers that Be" and were officially mentioned as part of French heritage in the 1958 Constitution, many kids were harassed everywhere in France. Shame on them if they dared speak local languages and dialects at school instead of French! This went on until the 1950s. I am certain your daughter's accent is lovely.
"Don’t be too smart now! Calling it “un pain-g au chocolat” won’t help." ROFLOL - long live chocolatines! My favorite article, merci for sharing Toulouse.
What a lovely stroll through your "hometown". I understand how you feel about your "home of origin". Though I moved away from the St. Louis area 30 years ago, I still consider it my hometown. Though I have lived in many other places during my Navy career, and in Florida nearly as long, at STL, the Gateway City will always be my hometown. (Even though France is where I want to settle and live my last years)
So you understand. You, too, have led a pretty nomadic life. When I mention how many times my family moved around France, people immediately assume my dad worked in the military. "Et non," I reply, "seulement dans les Ventes" (Sales) :-)
Merci Bonita. I am sharpening my writing chops in anticipation of the book I've been thinking about for several years. Since I found Substack, I started enjoying the writing process again. I am on a roll (well, when my other activities allow of course.) ;-)
Loved the article-look forward to hearing and seeing more! Thanks, as ALWAYS, for sharing Vero!!!
Avec grand plaisir, Jeanie. Have you been to Toulouse yet?
Beautiful article...I fear I am about to become a refugee from Trump's America and I want to relocate and die in France.
Maybe you will find yourself down the road in Marine le Pen's France and won't be so happy after all ;-)
I too loved Toulouse. This makes me want to return ❣️Fabulous food and everyone in the shops were so friendly. My husband said the way they said “bonjour” sounded like a bell. Chantant indeed.
Your husband is right! Toulouse has many fans out there!
Véro, thank you for the great article. I am putting Toulouse on my list for visiting Southern France! I cannot wait for the second article and the pronounciations!
You would love Toulouse Joyce. Such a vibrant, colorful city!
My wife and I are from South Africa, and are currently touring through France. It just so happens that we are in Toulouse at the moment. Yes, we had cassoulet last night at Maison de Cassoulet, we each had a couple of Chocolatines, and visited both the Basilica and Place du Capitole earlier today!
Also, the Pont Neuf was beautifully lit up earlier this evening.
There are lots of new and returning students here at the moment, so it was very busy and noisy in all the bars and restaurants tonight!
Bonjour Vernon. Toulouse can get loud with so many students in the city especially if you hang out by areas like Place St Pierre at night. So much to do, see and learn in my beautiful hometown! I recommend visiting the Jacobins convent too if you have a chance. There's an exhibit there at the moment that covers (and debunks some facts about) the fascinating history of the Cathars. Bonne visite !
I LOVED Toulouse durinh my brief visit ❤️
Sooooo beautiful
And no tall buildings to wreck the skyline
Amazing city planning imo 👍
I agree about the skyline Carol. I love that some of the highest buildings in town are striking landmarks like Saint-Sernin basilica's octogonal bell tower. Toulouse is growing fast. Let's hope it stays that way.
In 2023 Urban Sketchers France held their annual meetup in Toulouse. I was shocked how beautiful it was - a too well kept secret. I’m adding my story. Feel free to delete
https://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/2023/05/toulouse-brick-city.html
I’ve been living in Toulouse for the last (almost) two years and I’m about to move to the Basque Country in a couple of weeks! This was so sentimental to read and makes me realize how much I’ll miss it here! Thanks for writing. ❤️
PS - I’m so glad that I learned French with the word “chocolatine” in my vocabulary first. Saying pain au chocolat seems massively wrong! Chocolatine is one of my favorite words in this language—it feels like une chanson when it leaves your lips!
Bonjour Kelsey. So happy you enjoyed this piece as an adopted Toulousaine. You might very well miss "la Ville Rose" after you move but the Basque Country is such a special place too! I heard you got married recently. Félicitations!
As for "chocolatine" I would have to agree with you. It's one of my favorite French words with "libellule," "coccinelle" or "coquelicot." Good luck with the move.-- Been there, done that you might say. A bientôt.
Another great slice of life! Toulouse is definitely on my bucket list. And the purple things must be violet related, no?
So happy to hear you are contemplating a book in the near future! 👏👏👏
There may be some violets popping up in the second post next week indeed. ;-) As for the book it's in my future but not sure it is that near unfortunately. M cup runneth over these days one might say... A bientôt Toni
A wonderful piece--thanks Véro!
Actually Lois Loontjens :)
Did Lois send you my way? That's very kind of her.
Hi Vero, It's Lois again. I seem to be Elle on line. Nom de plume, perhaps? :)
Ha. I get it now. Coucou Lois!
J’attends avec impatience la deuxième et aussi ton livre♥️♥️♥️
Part 2 of this story will come to you a lot faster than "Le Book" is all I can say. :-)
Dearest Vero,
I'm a little confused as I am showing as a non-paying person on this website. Has there been a problem with my payments?
Janet
Bonjour Janet. All is well. You are a France with Vero patron but you are not a paid subscriber on Substack. Those are two different platforms. My newsletter published here on Substack remains free. There's an option to upgrade to a paid membership but you don't need to since you already are a patron. If you still have questions please email me at vero@francewithvero.com
OK, thanks so much. Love the posts!!!!
I loved reading this take on Toulouse, a city I go to fairly often. Unfortunately I don't always have enough time to linger.
I remember when we moved to Rodez, a Parisian friend of mine who had also just moved south was horrified to hear my daughters starting to say "maisong", "paing", and so forth. She also very sternly admonished me for once pronouncing the s on "moins," something I had started to hear among my French colleagues.
One of my daughters is now a stage actress in Paris and has had to learn to tone down her southern accent for most roles, even though she is in no way playing Parisians. It's not fair!
Why am I not surprised? Some things don't change in France. Long before regional languages were accepted by "the Powers that Be" and were officially mentioned as part of French heritage in the 1958 Constitution, many kids were harassed everywhere in France. Shame on them if they dared speak local languages and dialects at school instead of French! This went on until the 1950s. I am certain your daughter's accent is lovely.
Such a lovely story! 💕
Merci Sharyn.
"Don’t be too smart now! Calling it “un pain-g au chocolat” won’t help." ROFLOL - long live chocolatines! My favorite article, merci for sharing Toulouse.
Ah, that's nice of you to say. Merci Theresa! PS: I just learned a new expression, thank you ("ROFLOL") :-)
What a lovely stroll through your "hometown". I understand how you feel about your "home of origin". Though I moved away from the St. Louis area 30 years ago, I still consider it my hometown. Though I have lived in many other places during my Navy career, and in Florida nearly as long, at STL, the Gateway City will always be my hometown. (Even though France is where I want to settle and live my last years)
So you understand. You, too, have led a pretty nomadic life. When I mention how many times my family moved around France, people immediately assume my dad worked in the military. "Et non," I reply, "seulement dans les Ventes" (Sales) :-)
I love what you're doing now with these posts. The personal, casual tone is very charming!
Merci Bonita. I am sharpening my writing chops in anticipation of the book I've been thinking about for several years. Since I found Substack, I started enjoying the writing process again. I am on a roll (well, when my other activities allow of course.) ;-)