That’s a Wrap

Today’s the last day of our trip to France. We spent it walking all around Toulouse, exploring areas we hadn’t before, having a fantastic last big “official” restaurant meal, all while trying to forget that this was the last day of our trip in France. We started out walking along the Garonne (our apartment is right on the river).

Toulouse Pont des Catalans
The Pont des Catalans over the Garonne

We came to a place where water was spilling over a small dam, on both sides of the river there were hydroelectric plants. I took this video, we’re talking about a real river here.

Lots of Water in the Garonne

We found our way to our first destination, the beautiful Couvent des Jacobins, with its splendid interior space:

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A Straight-Up Shot shows the Amazing Ceiling and Stained Glass of the Couvent des Jacobins
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Couvent des Jacobins
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Stained Glass and Light

From there we walked through the older part of the city just south of the Capitole, ending up at a pretty square where we found an elegant yet friendly and accessible restaurant that served us a super delicious lunch at a remarkably reasonable price.

Typical Street Scene in Toulouse
Another Typical Street Scene
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Paul and Suzie at Place St. George

After lunch, since it was threatening rain, we decided to go the Musée des Augustins, which was close to our restaurant. At 4 euros per person to enter, it was the best museum bargain we’ve had in France, especially if (like me) you like old buildings and old artifacts (which had been saved from other churches in Toulouse or the surrounding area of Occitanie.

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The Eglise at the Musee des Augustins
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The Cloister at the Musee des Augustins
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Gargoyle!

The most amazing room was one containing (I’m estimating here) about 100 Romanesque stone carvings from the 11th and 12th centuries. The carvings themselves were cool, but the room itself was an exhibit, as it had been treated with colorful hanging lights that gave it a “wow” factor.

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Such Bizarre Carvings
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On the way out Suzie posed before a giant statute. Later we disputed whether the bishop (bishop?) was going to whack her on the head or, rather, was blessing her. Suzie noted that if you look closely at this picture you will see a blue aura around her, which suggests a blessing. Oh my.

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Blessing or Bashing?

We walked back to our apartment again under a dark, blustery sky; it started pouring about five minutes after we got back.

Tomorrow it’s up early and to the airport for a long day of travel. This trip was great; I can’t wait for the next one.

Lots more pictures from today in the Toulouse album.

St. Sernin Toulouse

See you all soon.

Categories: Blogging

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