The spicy, meaty, unctuous and utterly mouth-watering stew with haricot beans is one of the most famous specialities of the region and there are plenty of restaurants dishing it up. With a lovely sunny climate, eating outdoors is the order of the day. In the city of Toulouse, the cassoulet boasts Toulouse sausage, another regional speciality, and you’ll find plenty of tree lined elegant squares, like Place St Pierre, where you can sit and enjoy watching the world go by and revel in the luxury of al fresco dining late into the night.
10
11
Lip-smacking Cassoulet
Open air markets
There’s loads of choice for a spot of mooching at a market in Toulouse. One of the best is the atmospheric more than 100 year old Victor Hugo covered market, with its 100-plus active stalls – a great place for foodies to discover the local cheeses, charcuterie, wines, herbs and the freshest fruit and veg.
On a Sunday morning don't miss the picturesque marché held around the church Eglise St Aubin, it's a "bobo" (bohemian bourgeois) style affair with clothes, flowers, spices and great produce on offer - it’s like a village within a village.
Photo © CRTMP D Viet
Photo © Toulouse Tourism Marche de Saint Aubin