The Top Things To See and Do In Carmes, Toulouse

Pont neuf à l’heure bleue
Pont neuf à l’heure bleue | ©Grégory Tonon/Flickr
Nicole Link

Just outside the center of Toulouse and cut-through by an ancient Roman road, is the historic district of Carmes. While the centrally located Carmelite convent and covered market have faded into history, visitors shouldn’t miss all that this lively neighborhood has to offer. Here is a list of the top things to see and do when in the area.

Place des Carmes, Toulouse, carrefour Place des Carmes – Rue du Languedoc – Rue du Canard

Marché des Carmes

While this covered market no longer dominates the center of the Places des Carmes, it certainly continues to be a neighborhood destination. Recently renovated, the Marché des Carmes offers those visitors lucky enough to have access to a kitchen a wide section of fresh produce, from meat to cheese, and much more, all six days a week. Those who don’t have access to a kitchen should be sure to stop by the market-based bistro, Jeannot Les Carmes; many of the ingredients used there come straight from the more than 50 vendors around all around.

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GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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1. South Korea

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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2. Thailand

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Marché des Carmes, 2 Place des Carmes, Toulouse, France, +33 5 34 31 64 02

Caisse d’Epargne, place des Carmes

El CanailleLocated just steps from the Marché des Carmes, El Canaille is a deli, grocery and sandwich shop with a distinct Spanish flair. The grocery offers a myriad of products imported directly from Spain, such as sardines packed in their characteristic yellow tins, piquillo peppers, and – of course – ham. However, the real reason to come to El Canaille is for the Spanish-inspired sandwiches. Keep it simple and try the Serrano. Between the thin slices of melt-in-your-mouth ham and pleasantly chewy French baguette, what could go wrong?

El Canaille, 39 Place des Carmes, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 32 76 07

Place du Salin in Toulouse – Southwest exposure

Carmes/Place du SalinSometimes, one of the greatest ways to explore any part of a new city is to simply walk around. Carmes is the perfect district to spend the afternoon wandering aimlessly, largely due to its stunning architecture and wealth of charming little side streets. Be sure to stop in the Place du Salin. This large, park-like square in the heart of Carmes contains several historical sites worth seeing; the Church of St. Matthew, the old parliament building built on the site of the Château Norbonnais, and the former studio of photographer Eugène Trutat. Small markets tend to crop up each week as well as the famous garlic market, held every August 24th, marking the anniversary of the massacre of St. Bartholomew.

Carmes/Place du Salin, Toulouse, France

Pont neuf à l’heure bleue

Garonne River/Le Pont Neuf

The Garonne River forms a large section of the Carmelite border. Once the city’s lifeline, this magnificent river is the perfect setting for a long afternoon walk. Not only are there stunning views of the city and the Prairie des Filtres located just on the opposite bank, all along the Quai de Touis are places you can stop to grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The Pont de Neuf, an asymmetrical stone bridge completed in 1632, marks the border between Carmes and the city center. At night, its seven arches glow ethereally in colorful light.

Garonne River/Le Pont Neuf, Toulouse, France, +33 5 62 26 09 74

Notre Dame de la Dalbade

Notre Dame de la Dalbade

Restaurant

Notre Dame de la Dalbade

Dating from the late 15th century, Notre Dame de la Dalbade was named for the white, lime-coated church that preceded it. Despite its rather austere exterior, which is typical of the Southern Gothic style, the interior of the church houses many notable works of art. Among them is a 16th century wooden Pietá, several paintings by Jean-Baptiste Despax, a stained glass rose window, and a 19th century organ. Don’t miss the artful 19th century tympanum by Gaston Virebent as you walk through the main entrance either.

Notre Dame de la Dalbade, 28 Rue de la Dalbade, Toulouse, France, +33 5 61 55 20 50

Metz street, in Toulouse, view from the place du pont neuf. | © Dider Descouens/WikiCommons

PY-R Restaurant

Restaurant, French, European, Vegetarian

A member of the Château & Hotels Collection, PY-R Restaurant is a locus of modernity in the heart of the historic district of Carmes. Chef and owner Pierre Lambinon, a native of Toulouse, takes inspiration from traditional specialties of the region and reinvents them to match the avant-gardism of space in which he serves his customers five days per week. Some of his specialties include boiled egg with cream of corn, a Moroccan take on duck confit, and sesame caramel. Nice.
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