March 10, 2026 - Market and caching day

Today we decided that we were going to do both markets to see what they had and compare. We started with the Victor Hugo market which is the closest to us. Basically, it was like any other market in Europe.  The prices here in Toulouse are much higher than they were in Bordeaux. They are not double the price but close. Even in the Marché des Carmes which is smaller and not as much in the city center the prices were the same as the Victor Hugo one. Jacques bought some dried sausage and some Iberico ham from one of the vendors.

After dropping off our supplies we headed towards the other market. This route took us to the cathedral of Toulouse in St. Etienne. They started the construction of this Cathedral in the 13^th century and finished it in the 17^th century. The long span of time that it took to build this Cathedral gives it a unique appearance. We visited inside before heading out again.

Saint Jacques and our friend Sainte Agnès

Our next stop was to have a look at a castle called ‘’le Palais Neil’’ which was constructed between 1863 and 1868 on the old city fortifications. All we did was look because it was gated with guards inside the gates to make sure nobody came in. We contented ourselves by taking a few pictures through the rails of the gate.

Interesting name for a bar

Next on the list was at the ‘’ Jardin Royale’’. It’s a nice garden with lots of plantes, sculptures, and fountains (and caches). After spending a bit of time in the garden it was time to head to the Marché des Carmes before they closed at 1. We thought that they had restaurants on the top floor like at the Victor Hugo market, but here are no restaurants here. We were starting to be hungry and still had a lot of walking to do so we opted to share a pizza next door to the market. It was the best pizza that we have had thus far since arriving in France.

Building across the street from where we ate our pizza.

After the pizza, our geocaching trek took us to ‘’le pont neuf’’ which despite its name is the oldest bridge in Toulouse still standing over the Garonne River. They started the construction in 1541, but it took almost a century to complete it. After crossing we walked along the Garonne River until we reached the next bridge, ‘’le Pont Saint Pierre’’.

It was such a nice day that many people were sitting on the grass, sand or steps just relaxing near the Garonne. After crossing the river on the Saint Pierre bridge, we decided it was time for a break, so we stopped in a small brasserie next to the bridge for a beer and did some people watching while drinking our beer.

Next on the list was le ‘couvent des jacobins’. We couldn’t visit because it’s under renovation. So, after finding the answer to our lab cache we decided to head home. Making a detour to pick up a dessert for tonight. When we finally made it home, we sat on the patio for a drink in the sun. Our patio faces an indoor courtyard and has the sun in the afternoon. It is very quiet and there is no street noise.

Our caching also took us to the chapel of the grave with its copper dome topped with a lantern and perched 85 meters  above the ground. It is part of a vast hospital complex founded in the 12^th century on the riverbank, hence its name la grave.