Jun 18th - Toulouse

Not the most successful of days today as in the beginning Toulouse seemed shut!  Not exactly true but we did find most places we tried weren’t open. 

We first tried ‘Le  Capitole’, the city’s town hall, but not only was it closed we couldn’t even get into the main square as it was surrounded by security staff. 

Next we tried to visit a renaissance private mansion, the Hotel d’Assézat, a beautiful place that was built in the 1500’s.  We weren’t quite as unlucky this time though as, although there’s some major renovation work happening at the moment, we managed to get on-site for some photos. 

We then attempted a visit to the ‘Bemberg Foundation’, an art collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects of ancient and modern art.  Alas, no joy here either, as they we’re doing major reno works as well!  It just wasn’t our day.  

However, not to be entirely frustrated in our agenda we still had ‘Plan C’, (or was it ‘D? 😊) and so off we went to see the ‘Chapel of Carmelites’.  Built by Louis XIII in 1622 the walls and ceiling are covered in frescoes inspired by the Sistine Chapel, and they are magnificent!

Post-lunch we decided that our luck had been out for the day and so headed home.  However, on the way we discovered why the town’s main square had been closed, they were preparing for a parade by the Toulouse rugby union team, last nights cup final winners 🏆🥇🏅.  It was all a bit of fun, and with a few false starts waiting for the ‘Victory’ bus to turn up, everyone, including us, were getting a little bit excited.  When they did finally arrive though there was much shouting and singing, ‘La Marseillaise’ and the Queen song “We are the champions’ being the favourites!  It was a good afternoon.