Toulouse. Aligot, mulled wine, and ice rink… “The unmissable” Capitole Christmas market is open

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Under a temperature that almost makes you forget that winter is approaching, the Christmas market from Toulouse finally opened its doors, this Thursday, November 28, 2024.

A place where gastronomy, crafts and festivity combine for the pleasure of visitors. Like every year, the market attracted crowds who came to taste local dishes under the Christmas tree. Capitol Square.

A magical atmosphere

Autumn is advancing, with its shortened days, its sometimes gloomy weather and runny noses. But Christmas remains an enchanted parenthesis, a timeless meeting where everyone can let the child within them emerge. This is the promise of the Toulouse Christmas market.

Between the comforting scent of mulled wine and the enchantment of the decorations, this somewhat magical place offers a real immersion in the holiday spiritto escape for a day.

According to the chalets

Here, visitors wander through the chalets in the hope of finding gift ideas, a comforting meal for the lunch break or simply to take a stroll. Some are more tempted to put on ice skates and try their hand at the ice rink. One thing is certain, you don't need a good reason to get carried away.

“We come every year several times a month, but rarely to buy anything. It's just the atmosphere we like. It makes you think of family, holidays and gifts. It allows you to forget a little about everything around you and it feels good,” says Manon, who came to discover the hundred chalets from the opening with her mother. Before launching: “I know that I will come back to it every week”.

Gastronomy in the spotlight

Gastronomy undoubtedly remains one of the major attractions for the people of Toulouse. Between the authentic flavors of the local region and festive specialties, the Christmas market offers a catalog of varied and gourmet dishes. Among the culinary stars, the aligot takes center stage.

“It’s a stop every year, come and eat a good aligot accompanied by a mulled wine. It’s a must in Toulouse,” say Laurie and Fred, who arrived at midday.

And what would this Aveyron specialty be without its inseparable companion, the mulled wine? Together they form the duo gourmand par excellence delighting the Toulouse residents who flock every year to savor this emblematic winter association.

“A good aligot is motivating, especially with mulled wine,” say Jean and Lucie. It's really the annual meeting, which you only find at the Christmas market. With weather like this, it’s even better,” the couple continues.

A period anchored in the hearts of Toulouse residents

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Place du Capitoleto enjoy the magic of Christmas. In France, and particularly in Toulouse, this magical period occupies a dear place in the hearts of the inhabitants. For a month, the atmosphere is filled with the excitement of family reunions, generous meals and the impatience to unwrap the presents under the tree. The Christmas market allows Toulouse residents to immerse themselves in the festivities before their time.

“It’s only once a year so we take advantage of it. The big tree, the decorations, the chalets, only at Christmas can we experience this. It’s a special spirit that we only feel during this period,” underlines Ilona, ​​leaning on the terrace of the Bistrot du Marché.

“In the evening, it's even better when all the lights come on in the square, we really have the impression of being in a bubble,” think Lou and Paul, who have come to have lunch on the square.

The Christmas market will remain, in total, for a month in Toulouse, until December 29 . Other chalets were also installed behind the Capitol, at Square Charles de Gaulle as well as on the Ramblasof the Jean Jaurès aisles.

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