TOULOUSE

Retail shops that line Place du Capitol in Toulouse retain their Individual identity, as long as the proprietary names are discreetly rendered in brass. These are set off by pink bricks, for which Toulouse is renown.  Our accommodation at Le Grand Balcon Hotel is quiet and intimate and overlooks rue Romiguires where students frequent the cheap eats on their way to the University.  L'Occitan bath products added a nice touch to our stay at this historically recognised contemporary establishment.

Apres pre dinner drinks at a nearby street brasserie we ate at another bistro where the €22 formula gave us ample options. My enormous plate of salmon capacchio was followed by duck and a mushroom sauce (Kim) and the obligatory cassoulet for me.  A tasty regional merlot completed dinner. As always, the weather has been perfect which is handy as we have been meeting our 10,000 steps each day.

Next seasons male apparel lines are appearing in the shops ~ corduroy jackets with muted tartan lining combined with manly brogues and paisley print scarves.  Autumn is in the offing despite the superb end of summer weather we are enjoying.  We enjoyed a tasty petite dejeurner (coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, warm croissants and baguettes) at Grand Cafe Albert.  Only €13.20 for both of us ~ no charge for the passive smoking.  A visit to Le Post to purchase stamps (€1.30@) means some of you will soon be the recipient of colourful postcards.

Unfortunately our TGV train, the 11.49 to Paris, had to be met, finalising our short but sweet affair with Toulouse.  The usual contretemps concerning 1st class seating ensued, - "Non madam, cest carriage 13.  Carriage 12 is one back."  No matter, our luggage was soon stored appropriately and pre-lunch beverages obtained from Le Bar TGV.  The French SNCF provide excellent, value for money hospitality for rail travellers ~ Australian rail executives should hang their heads in shame.

Le Canal du Midi lined with plane trees, ran parallel with the River Garonne and the rail track as we headed north to Paris.  Fields of sunflower surrounding us urged to be harvested.  Freshly ploughed fields attested to the lateness of the season.