Eat, Drink, Explore: Toulouse

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN TOULOUSE

More than a century ago, cachou was invented by pharmacist Léon Lajounie as a medicinal remedy for a host of ailments like smoker’s breath, tooth decay, and scratchy throats. The concoction was designed to “sweeten the breath” and featured licorice, powdered Iris, and mint formed into a paste and cut into squares. Today, cachou is consumed by everyone who appreciates the flavor of black licorice. Packaged in a round yellow tin, cachou is synonymous with Toulouse.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Toulouse

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Toulouse:

• Cassoulet: Cassoulet is the signature dish of Toulouse, a rich and satisfying casserole made with white beans, duck confit, sausage, and pork. This meal is a point of regional pride and the perfect dish to warm you up! Trying a true Cassoulet is definitely a must for any visitor.
• Saucisse de Toulouse: Saucisse de Toulouse is a delicious, fresh pork sausage that’s famous for its mild flavor and slightly coarse texture. You'll find it everywhere, from traditional brasseries to the various local markets of the city. This delicious dish perfectly captures the city's love for simple yet high-quality local ingredients!
• Garbure: To get a taste of the countryside, you'll want to try Garbure. This is a thick vegetable soup with meat and cabbage that is a classic from the Gascony region. "s both comforting and nutritious, and it’s perfect for a warming up on a cold day. 

BEST DRINK IN TOULOUSE

Toulousains are mad about their violets. The fragrant purple flowers have been cultivated in the region for more than 150 years and have become an emblem of Toulouse, earning the city the nickname, “City of Violets.” There’s even a festival every February to celebrate the luxurious bloom. From perfume to bath salts, cake decorations to jams and jellies, you’ll find many opportunities to indulge. Pay homage to the fair flower with dram of créme de violette, a sweet liqueur as floral and purple as the blossom itself.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Toulouse 

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Toulouse:

• Regional Wines: Toulouse is a fantastic place to explore traditional French wines! The beloved city is surrounded by top-notch vineyards in the Gaillac, Fronton, and Cahors regions. From deep, complex reds to crisp, refreshing whites, trying the local wine is a must...plus it’s a central part of the region’s social culture!
• Apéritif à la Violette: Toulouse is famous for its violets, and that's what this regional liqueur is all about. This delightful apéritif is a sweet, floral liqueur that locals often mix with sparkling wine or soda.
• Aviation Cocktail (with Violet Liqueur): While the Aviation cocktail is not a local invention, it has been embraced by Toulouse thanks to its signature ingredient. This gin-based cocktail gets its purple color and subtle floral flavor from violet liqueur. 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN TOULOUSE

Toulouse is home to France’s aerospace industry, so it’s no coincidence it houses a high-tech theme park just outside the city center called, la Cité de l’Espace (Space City). Spend a fascinating afternoon exploring the surface of the moon, traveling through the cosmos, and learning the secrets of the universe. Interactive exhibits like moon-running simulators and rotating space travel pods heighten the experience. Seriously it’s like Disneyland for Trekkies!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Toulouse

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Toulouse:

• Place du Capitole: This is both the heart of Toulouse and the perfect place to start exploring the city. The massive public square is home to the stunning Capitole building, which houses the city hall and a beautiful opera house. Students often go here to meet up with friends, people-watch, and simply bask in the atmosphere of the city.
• Basilique Saint-Sernin: This beautiful basilica is a key landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site in Toulouse that is a stop on the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It's a fantastic place for those who love classic architecture, and it’s the perfect place to learn more about the rich history of Toulouse.
• Cité de l'Espace: Did you know Toulouse is a global center for aerospace and space exploration? You can explore city’s high-tech side in this popular park. Explore a full-scale replica of the Ariane 5 rocket, walk through a space station, or try out a moonwalk simulator. It's a unique and incredibly fun experience that is a fan favorite of students of all disciplines! 

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