Toulouse – May 19, 2018

Today we did what apparently most of the French do on a sunny Saturday in spring – walk around the streets, shop, and eat and drink in outdoor cafes.  It sure gives me a better impression of Toulouse than I had rainy and cold last week.

Basilique Saint-Sernin. This was the best view as the square around the basilica was totally under construction.
May 17 was my sister’s birthday so I lit a candle in her memory at the basilica. We were not near a church on her birthday. It’s been a long time, but she is still missed.

We saw a few of the sights including Basilique Saint Sernin, the spot in Toulouse where camino passports are stamped.

Notre Dame du Taur. There are a few churches in this city that you only seem to see at the end of a narrow street.

The saint’s original church down the way is now called Notre Dame du Taur.  It is built on the exact site of the saint’s martyrdom – by being dragged by a bull.  (du taur = of the bull, Taurus, get it?).  He was the first bishop of Toulouse in 250 AD.  The requirements for martyrdom seem to have changed over the years.

A temporary climbing facility in Place du Capitole. This one is for Mark.

 

We put on over 8 km walking around the city.

Lunch, and it’s warm enough to eat outside!
And what is your preferred activity after a three course French lunch? (Hint: That is not Vic.)

Then we nicked back to the hotel internet for a quick peek at the royal nuptials.