Written by Linda Bendt for Tonka Times Magazine

Among all the countries in Europe, few have the allure and mystique of France. Perhaps it’s the culture and excitement of Paris, or the beauty of the vineyards along the countryside. Maybe it’s the glitz of the French Riviera or the awe-inspiring views of its many coastlines. No matter what it is that piques your interest in this region of Europe, few would dispute it’s worth every ounce of emotion.

More than 80 million people visit France each year. If you’ve been there, you know why. The diversity of its landscape, the cultural richness of its cities and the heritage of its museums, castles and countryside is unparalleled. So even if you’ve been to France once or twice, there’s no doubt it’s left you wanting even more.

Exploring Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrenees Region

While you’re most likely to fly to Paris on your way into the country (and you should!), escaping the city to explore the various regions of France is a must (there are 27 regions in all).

One of the less explored regions is the Midi-Pyrenees, in specific, its capital of Toulouse, located in southwestern France. A 5-1/2 hour TGV (“fast train”) ride from Paris, the journey gives witness to some of the most scenic farmlands and vineyards in the country. If flying is preferred, there are many direct flights each day from Paris to Toulouse that take less than 1-1/2 hours.

You’ll arrive in the hills of Toulouse, which is the fourth largest city in France. It’s located 425 miles south of Paris, merely 70 miles from the Pyrenean ski stations, and is about half way between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Nicknamed La Ville Rose (the pink city) because of the pinkish tinge to most of the buildings, Toulouse is built on an ancient Roman settlement. Because of that history, many of its buildings, bridges and river walks described below make the city a true spectacle.

The Garonne River and Canals

The city, built directly on the Garonne River, has spent decades building and rebuilding bridges and roads to protect the canals and surrounding area. Today, travelers can enjoy their beautification throughout the city.

Canal du Midi

This waterway, the oldest canal in Europe that is still in use, is a World Heritage Site. Tree-lined walking paths run along the canal, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

The Saint-Sernin Basilica

For travelers passionate about architecture, this 11th century Romanesque brick masterpiece is in the form of a crucifix with vaulted ceilings, radiating chapels and a breath-taking bell tower.

Capitole de Toulouse

Serving as the heart of the municipal administration of Toulouse,today the Capitole de Toulouse houses the city hall, the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse opera company and the Salle des Illustres, which contains many 19th century works of art.

Pont Neuf

Also known as the Pont de Pierre and Grand Pont, this 16th century stone arch bridge crosses the Garonne River. Its construction dates back to 1544.

Hôtel d’Assézat

The grandeur of this 16th century Renaissance palace is easy to relish outside and in (the courtyard alone is stunning). Among the sites inside is the Bemberg Foundation art gallery.

Add to this list the many other significant churches and museums (including Les Jacobins monastery church, Les Abattoirs modern arts museum, Georges Labit Museum featuring Asian arts and Egyptian antiquities, and Les Augustins art museum) and it’s hard to deny the deep sense of culture and history Toulouse has to offer.

A Modern Flair to This Historic City

Although it has wonderful heritage, Toulouse and the surrounding region is actually an interesting yin-yang blend of old and new, historic culture and modern-day innovation. In fact, according to Newsweek, Toulouse ranked as the fifth most dynamic city in the world in 2006.

So what gives balance to the Roman heritage that makes it so dynamic? Throughout the past 20 years, Toulouse has become a center for aviation, electronics, information technology and biotechnology. More than 35,000 of the inner-city’s 400,000 citizens work in the civil aviation or space industries alone. Airbus / EADS has its headquarters and several assembly lines here, making it the largest employer in the region.

The popularity and interest in space and aviation led Toulouse to build The Cité de l’espace (City of Space) in 1997. This “theme park” type attraction is home to full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket and Mir space station, a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and 250+ interactive exhibits.

So whether you’re a newcomer or veteran traveler to France, exploring some of the quieter, less ventured regions of the country could be a rewarding, educational and relaxing way to spend a vacation.

Side Trips from Toulouse

Luchon and the Pyrenees – Truly a blend for adventure travelers and those seeking a bit of relaxation. This mountain town tucked up in the foothills of the Pyrenees is most known for its thermal springs, laid back attitude and slower pace of life. For active travelers, this window into the Pyrenees offers an amazing place to ski, bike (the Tour de France runs through Luchon), hike, rock climb, parapont (hang glide) and much more. Luchon is only 12 miles from the Spain border, which opens up another world of great cultural experiences.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes – About two hours West of Toulouse lies the beautiful town of Lourdes, most known for the appearances of Our Lady of Lourdes (Virgin Mary) to Bernadette Soubirous and various miraculous healings. In addition to the Our Lady of Lourdes statue and the surrounding grotto, the small city (15,000 residents) has much to offer by way of history and architecture, including the Basilica of the Rosary, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Lourdes Castle. If time allows, continue your venture up through Pau and to the western coastline of France to soak up some of its beautiful beach towns.

Small Towns of the French Riviera – A 5 to 7-hour car ride (depending on your route and final destination) to the east of Toulouse is the famed French Riviera, located on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea. While well known for the glitz and glamor of the Cannes Film Festival, St. Tropez and Monaco, some may prefer exploring the less discovered, quaint towns such as Grasse (home of the perfume industry and amazing views of the coast), Biot (famous for its pottery and glass blowing) and Eze (described as an eagle’s nest because of its location high atop a cliff).

For more information about this region of France, or your other travel adventures, contact us.

Written by Linda Bendt

Many of us become enamored with the history, beauty and excitement associated with the coming Christmas holiday.  And, if you’re a traveler, here’s yet another reason to take note of this amazing celebration – European Christmas markets.

Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria and date as far back as the early 1300s.  Hundreds of these markets can now be found in many other countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Scotland, Hungary, Italy, Poland and others.  These street markets help usher in the four weeks that represent Advent and ultimately lead up to Christmas Day.

Typically held in the town square or designated pedestrian area, the markets feature open-air stalls or tented booths that sell everything from food and drink to traditional seasonal items such as toys, books, Christmas tree ornaments and decorations.

In addition to the merchants sharing their holiday treasures, many of these markets provide a wonderful opportunity to listen to Christmas carolers and other musical concerts, view traditional Nativity Scenes, relish the craftsmanship of hand-carved Nutcrackers and, of course, take in the market’s center of attention – a brightly-colored Christmas tree (many times towering over the area).

A Peek Into The Markets

Nearly 20 European countries host hundreds of Christmas markets throughout the cities in their region. (Germany alone is home to nearly 150 markets.) Here’s a brief look at some of the most renowned markets:

Vienna, Austria

This historic city is actually home to several Christmas markets, but perhaps one of the oldest markets (dating back to the year 1298) is held in front of City Hall.  Visitors can walk among the 140+ merchant stalls and shop for glass ornaments, wooden toys, beeswax candles and more while filling up on pastries, candied fruit, and Weihnachtspunsch (a spiced Christmas punch of wine, brandy or schnapps sweetened with warm fruit juices). Two other popular markets are the Schonbrunn Market and the Spittelberg Market.

Highlight: A series of 35+ Advent season concerts from choirs invited in from around the world.

Prague, Czech Republic

The long slope of Wenceslas Square is home to one of the country’s most popular markets. Everything centers on a giant Christmas tree, manger scene and a small petting zoo.  Bohemian crystal, handmade jewelry and classic Czech marionettes often steal the hearts of shoppers – who won’t leave hungry after smelling the gingerbread and braided pastry!

Highlight: St. Nicholas Day, December 5. St. Nick roams the town with an angel and a demon – tallying the naughty and nice.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is arguably Germany’s most famous city for Christmas markets.  The Nuremberg Main Market Square event opens its stalls for visitors like clockwork at 5:30 pm on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday. It’s then the Christmas Angel opens the market and recites her solemn prologue.  Known as the “Little Town from Wood and Cloth,” visitors can experience the 180+ wooden stalls, decorated with red and white cloth.

Highlight:  Little figures made from prunes called “Nuremberg Plum People” make a fun, unique souvenir.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Where better to host a Christmas market than the famed amusement park of Tivoli Gardens? This site shines bright during the holidays with more than 1,800 strands of lights strung throughout the lakeside willows. The locals favor æbleskiver (iced doughnuts with black currant jam) and gløgg, a hot mulled red wine with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks and cloves (add aquavit or schnapps to your liking!).

Highlight:  The craft market lies along a canal in the Nyhavn district and the town crier visits there each weekday between 5-6 pm.

Experiencing the Christmas Markets

There are countless European Christmas markets to experience throughout the month of December.  One of our favorite ways to take in the rich tradition and diversity of several of them is on a river cruise through Germany and Austria.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers an amazing 8-day cruise on the Danube River (Europe’s second longest river after the Volga), which provides a journey from Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria.  In addition to seeing each city’s Christmas market, highlights include:

• Nuremberg’s city tour featuring a stop at the Medieval Kaiserburg Castle
• A walking tour of Regensburg exploring the Cathedral of St. Peter and its famous 12^th-century Stone Bridge
• Gingerbread making and floral decorating demonstrations in Passau
• A visit to Linz, showcasing the impressive Main Square, one of Austria’s most beautiful closed squares
• Passau’s walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the New Residence and the Town Hall, including the Baroque cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in Europe
• A classic concert, walking tour and visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (where Mozart was married) in Vienna

For those looking to maximize their time in Europe even more, consider extending your 8-day cruise to Prague with a three-day, four-night stay available on the front or back end of your trip.

Christmas Market Keepsakes

There are so many authentic Christmas treasures at the various markets throughout Europe.  The following are some of our favorites:

• Nuremberg Plum People – Little figures made from prunes (and often figs and nuts)
• Nutcrackers – Wood carvings of a soldier, king, knight or other profession
• Marionettes – Beautifully crafted puppets that are classic in the Czech Republic
• Vosi hnizda  – Nutty cookies heavy with rum (also known as wasps nests)
• Peanut brittle – When in Rome be sure to pick up some of its 101 variations
• German Pyramids – Also known as Christmas Carousels, these decorations use candle power to rotate the levels of wood-carved figurines or propeller at the top
• Babbo Natale dolls – Red and white Father Christmas dolls
• Stuffed white storks – A good luck symbol and city mascot of Strasbourg, France
• Sheepskin clothing – Handmade garments popular in the market at Stuttgart, Germany

Other customary gifts from these markets include blown glass, hand-made jewelry, wooden toys, glass ornaments, Nativity figurines, pewter crafts and many other unique gems.

For more information on river cruises or other ways to experience the Christmas Markets of Europe, contact us.