TOULOUSE
The Garonne rises not far from here, in the Pyrenees. The strength of its current has enabled the city to develop prosperously, albeit marred by fatal floods. The inhabitants may fear it, but they also know how to tame it. Although navigable, today the Garonne no longer powers water mills, but rather electric turbines.
On this tour, you will follow both the right and left banks of the river. It’s a light-hearted stroll along the water, with its history and anecdotes. How were the quays transformed into elegant, safe promenades? How did the water’s trades shape the lives of its inhabitants? The guide mumbles, but the atmosphere is relaxed, the morning lights still satin purple and pink.
Toulousans just call her “Garonne” like a person, and she continues to be the centre of fascination. In the intimacy of the morning, Garonne may reveal a great cormorant or a pale swift, because it is also home to a rich and protected ecosystem.
Finally, we’ll take you for a coffee and croissant at the end of your visit to the Port de la Daurade, to anchor this peaceful stroll in your retinas and on your taste buds.
