It’s done.
A week in Toulouse.
I got a lovely apartment through Airbnb. It’s in the St Cyprien quartier, which is where I lived and worked a few decades ago.
home from home
Going back there was great – like putting on a pair of old shoes. Comfortable & familiar.
Remarkably, it has changed very little. I had expected it to be gentrified, as it’s just across the river from the city centre. It still has the small town feel to it. My workplace and home are still there too.
local boulangerie
As well as re-visiting old haunts, I went back to Carcassonne to see the Cité and Ville Basse. I had been there before, but only to play rugby. Having “won” an unexpected draw that day, and with the referee having sent off one of the Carcassonne props, we (the referee and us) needed a police escort away from the stadium. Not a time to go sightseeing.
Pont Neuf, Toulouse
I also went to Albi for a few hours. It was one of the places in the area which was always on my wish list, but didn’t get to. I’m glad I got there this time. A lovely town.
On the negative side, the trip was planned around going to see a rugby game in Carcassonne. The home game against Agen. Months ago it was scheduled for the Saturday. Then about a week before the game, it was changed to the Sunday afternoon. D had to be at the airport in Toulouse for 4:30 that day, so short of renting a helicopter…
La Garonne, Toulouse
Very frustrating. It was televised, so that was probably the reason for the change. I saw posters for the game when we were in the town, and could see the stadium from a distance. Maybe next time.
Pl du Capitole, Toulouse
I may well do it again. At about €45 per night, the apartment is a good deal even if I’m alone. It’s a real steal for 2 people. My flights were with British Airways air miles, so £50 return from Edinburgh via Heathrow.
© iain taylor 2014