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Flower power
Jardin des plantes
The beautiful botanical gardens are a perfect place to chill out and smell the roses and other flowers right next to the Museum of Toulouse. You’ll find the museum mascots, the colourful peacocks, preening and primping, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot a baby one! It’s also a great place for a snack at Le Moaï café (and there’s free WiFi here too).
Violets are the flower of Toulouse. The little purple petals have been cultivated here since 1854 and this species is a cousin of the fragrant Parma violet. They’re an important part of the heritage of Toulouse and you can enjoy the scent and discover the history of the violet at the Maison de la Violette barge which is moored on the Canal du Midi in the city. Each February there’s a grand fete to celebrate the violet at the spectacular Place du Capitole.
Photo copyright Jane Gifford