NO TIME TOU-LOUSE

I've been waiting to use that line for ages, I must admit
Well, one weekend and a lot of kilometres later, and I can now say I've seen at least a little of southwestern France.

Leaving late on Thursday night, we drove the 700 odd kilometres down to Albi (a town just out of Toulouse where we had a free bed waiting). Arriving at around 2am, we didn't see much of the town, but opening the shutters to a hot southern sunny day, we were greeted with a very green view of the river Tarn, and more than a little jealous that this wasn't OUR daily view!

Albi is a town of about 50,000 people that is known for its massive ancient cathedral, and of being where Toulouse Lautrec is from. When we weren't in Toulouse, we spent time exploring the medieval streets, red brick buildings, restaurants, and surrounding river Tarn (full of fish, frogs and birds).
The trip was for a potential job placement for Monsieur, crossing fingers it goes ahead as Paris life is wearing me down, I'd be happy to relocate to the south. Toulouse (otherwise known as la ville rose) is a vibrant small city - with a large student population (1/4 of the 400,000 residents), rivers, canals, parks and characteristic rose brick buildings. I'm taking things as they come, however, and won't pin all my hopes on a move there, but it's definitely on the list of places I could live.

3 comments

  1. I'm a Danish ex-pat living in Toulouse and I can definitely recommend the city. Give me a shout if you guys move down here or want to have a chat with some natives :)

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  2. Aww, although it would be an exciting move, I'd be sad to see you go. You're the only Aussie I know of my age here in the big smoke!
    Anyway, I know a Brisbane-born Aussie living in Toulouse too, so if it does become more concrete, I'll send you her details.

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  3. aww, thanks Katia, thats such a nice thing to say! :) Though with possibly TWO people you know down south, that's gotta be an excuse to visit ;)

    Thanks also for the offer to catch up Thomas! I'll drop you a line if the arrow points south for us!

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