Toulouse. Stroll to the Christmas markets
For the first year, the Toulouse Christmas market is spread over several sites in the city. In addition to the Place du Capitole, consumers can do their shopping on the Jules-Guesde alleys, or on the ramblas which host the chalets of creative artisans. Moreover, in front of the “Carnet de Bulles” stand, Sophie has just offered herself three “scented fondants. I melt them in a burner to perfume the house and it lasts a long time”, she explains, behind her mask. . Next door, Morgane, dressed in a camouflage down jacket, offers small fashion accessories made from recycled fabrics. “For the moment, people watch and buy little, they are on the lookout,” notes the trader. Same observation for Christophe who sells jewelry in horn and ebony. “There is a lot of passage, people are discovering the market,” he explains, pulling on his white cap.
Cécile and Fabrice who work just at the top of the Jean-Jaurès alleys went down to have a mulled wine during their lunch break. On the Christmas shopping side, they will see “later”.
Milena and the Snow Queen
Meanwhile, Miléna, 6, is getting ready to take her place in a car bearing the image of the Snow Queen on the merry-go-round installed at Place du Salin, until December 25. His mother offered him this little tour in the air, just before his plastic arts workshop. Discreet behind his counter, the young Angy manages the attraction. “For the moment, I work mainly with passers-by. Most of the attendance takes place in the evening, around 5 p.m., and on weekends,” he explains. At that time, the square was animated by a slide, a laugh box, a trampoline and three chalets: sweets, pancakes and duck fishing. “Similar events are in place in Saint-Pierre Square,” says Angy.
Head now to Place du Capitole where 93 chalets are grouped. While a delicious smell of roasted chestnuts picks us up at the end of rue Saint-Rome, we are already waiting for the cries of the children having fun on the ice rink. Besides, Camille and her son Aaron put on their skates, blue for her, orange for him. “We’re going to have fun for 45 minutes,” says the mom. Meanwhile, at a nearby chalet, Evelyne treats herself to a sequined black cat. “I collect them, it must be the 60th”, explains this retiree with emerald eyes, who never misses a Christmas market, “because it’s magical, it puts lights in my eyes”.