JUNE 2022 / GETAWAY / TOULOUSE CITY GUIDE by Clare Sartin
TOULOUSE
Immerse yourself in the Gallic way of life with a trip to the capital of the Occitanie region – a place where the days are long and warm… and where it’s always time for a drink!
THE INSIDER Antoine Vignault, the founder of OAK represents artists, designers and photographers, and presents his own unique pieces in his gallery space overlooking the Jardin des Plantes (oneofakind.fr).
■ Water Tower Gallery. A former water tower houses the first public gallery in France dedicated to photography. Founded in 1974 by the photographer Jean Dieuzaide, it shows big names and young talents (@galerielechateaudeau).
■ Galerie Saint Jacques. Nestled near the cathedral, this pretty antique shop is run by award-winning French decorators Suduca & Merillou (galeriesaintjacques.com).
■ Chelala. This cosmopolitan restaurant takes advantage of its factory setting of the 70s, with a look mixing raw walls and flashy colors (chelala-restaurant.fr).
■ The banks of the Garonne. Nothing better to soak up the soul of Toulouse than a walk along the city’s waterway, between pink bricks and many bell towers.
For lovers of modern furniture and design, Toulouse is full of dedicated shops to browse. The first stop should be the OAK Gallery (“one of a kind”) – although you should make an appointment in advance. Located in an apartment, this concept features a selection of bespoke pieces, as well as works by artists (oneofakind.fr).
