Déjà Vu in Toulouse

Less than two hours north of the Pyranees mountains lies the Pink city. Toulouse was nicknamed the Pink city (la ville en rose) because of it's redbrick, auburn and magenta buildings lining the winding cobbled streets.

When I stepped out of the car park and breathed in the city, it felt so... normal.

Ordinary. Mundane. Quotidian. Not in a bad way. It just felt like I've been here before.

Could the redbrick be triggering flashbacks of my years of studying in Manchester? Or my traumatic braces journey with my Liverpool Street dentist? Whatever it was, Toulouse felt like a fancier version of the streets I've walked before, and I liked it. I felt instantly melded into the fabric. Not tourist nor foreigner, I belonged here.

It helped that there were plenty of young people, black people and young black people around. The city has a pulse matches my rhythm.

Of course, I stopped for lunch before truly exploring. I went to a place called Oikos Café. An hipster-esque trendy eaterie with a cowork space and plug points abound.

Fresh orange juice

Mackerel with fennel mousse

Carrot cake

Green tea

€ 26.60

From there I ambled through the streets to reach the main square. I spotted all the familiar faces - Sephora, Body Shop, Lush and of course, McDonald's. The staples of any cosmopolitan European city which to some may be disappointing. But equally there were plenty of independent cafés, bookshops and artisanal wares to go around. Though familiar, Toulouse is not without its own character.

I reached the central square in front of the Capitole (city hall). I was surprised to see a market there full of old records, clothings and books. I didn't plan to head into the building but something beckoned me to do so and I'm glad I did.

It has free entry to visitors though it is still an active government building. The security guard showed me to the painted hallways, where you could see the old marriage halls. How funny that I've joyfully left the wedding business just to end up back in a marriage hall.

But of course it was all different now. The paintings depicting joy, love and...er..."frolicking, made me joyful too. Awash with delicate dancing colours, I sank into each painting - the way that art is meant to hit you. It's quite amazing how a rested mind sees things in a completely different way.

Ultimately I was only in Toulouse for 3 hours or so, but it left an impression. The weather was dreary but the people were warm. It's not my top pick for places in France to go on holiday, but as a sweeping visit or a student exchange, it's quite lovely. I hope you agree!

Ta ta for now,

Olivia