Taste
Colourful Toulouse & the white peaks of Andorra
Christian Clerx, founder of CityZapper.com, travels the world for his work. He shares his favourite spots in global cities exclusively for MASTERS.
Christian Clerx, initiator of CityZapper.com, travels all over the world for his work. He recommends the best places in world cities especially for MASTERS. Toulouse is one of the French cities he likes to visit. The atmosphere in the pleasant student city and the good restaurants really appeal to him, but he doesn't stop there. “What makes Toulouse unique is that you can perfectly combine a city trip with winter sports in Andorra. You can reach this dwarf state in the Pyrenees within four hours from the center.”
STAY OVERNIGHT
Boutique Hotel Maison Soclo
“This nice hotel is located on the Garonne just outside the historic center. All highlights of Toulouse can be reached on foot. The building in which Boutique Hotel Maison Soclo is located dates from the eighteenth century and the British-inspired interior fits perfectly with the old elements of the building. The spacious rooms are stylishly decorated in soft pastel tones: perfect color combinations for complete relaxation. When the weather is sunny it is nice to relax in the spacious garden. And in the hotel bar De Gaspard you can enjoy excellent cocktails and a good glass of wine to end the evening in the city in a pleasant way.”
La Cour des Consuls Hotel&Spa
“This hotel is located in the heart of the old city and everything revolves around luxurious enjoyment. The staff is very friendly and the excellent food is prepared by star chef Thomas Vonderscher. So you don't have to leave the house for gastronomic delights. The spa is equipped with all amenities. Enjoy a massage, relax in the sauna or unwind in the adjacent tea room. The care products are from the Graine de Pastel brand, all ingredients of which come from Toulouse and the surrounding area.”
FOOD
The Restaurant
“This is a really great restaurant. It is popular among the locals, although tourists are increasingly finding Le Restaurant. For lunch they serve a menu of 21 euros. You can choose from three excellent starters and three tasty main courses. Believe me: everything looks delicious, it is difficult to decide which dishes to lose weight.”
Une Table à Deux
“This charming restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with international influences. After completing their training, the chefs traveled through South Korea and Malaysia for a year and discovered new flavors there. So you can expect an exciting Asian twist to many of the traditional French dishes. All ingredients come from the season and as much as possible from the restaurant's own vegetable garden.”
DRINKS
Le 5 Wine Bar
“You can find this wine bar in a somewhat remote street near the Esquirol metro stop. On the ground floor you can enjoy a drink at the standing tables. Downstairs in the basement there are cozy lounge sofas for larger groups or for those who were smart enough to make a reservation. Le 5 Winebar won the award for the best wine bar in the world three times in a row, from 2017 to 2019, and is therefore particularly popular. Upon arrival you will be given a credit card to put an amount on, after which you can tap wine from the large barrels of wine yourself. Perfect if you want to try different wines or simply can't choose.”
The Bibent
“Toulouse's most famous lunchroom/brasserie will be 2023 years old in 180. You imagine yourself in a room of Versailles. The beautiful murals, colored ornaments and opulent chandeliers give a chic look and make a visit really worthwhile. It doesn't look that special from the outside, but when you walk inside it feels like you're taking a big step back in time. Enjoy a coffee like the Sun King did.”
SHOPPING
Mano Facto
“You will find Mano Facto in Esquirol, a district in the historic center. This store is a collaboration between twenty designers from the region and all handmade items are sold. If you're looking for a unique gift, this is the place to be. The range includes pottery, jewelry, lamps and leather goods. The designers are true professionals who are happy to tell you all about the creation of their items. Please come in and be inspired by their stories.”
La Maison de la Violette
“As the name suggests, this business is all about the violet. La Maison de la Violette is difficult to categorize. Sweet and savory dishes containing the famous flower are sold, but you can also buy cosmetics and fragrance sticks. La Maison de la Violette was founded in 1993 and more than forty local entrepreneurs and craftsmen provide the surprisingly varied range. Violette not only refers to the flower, but also to the color – what you immediately see when you enter the store.”
