Latest news with #Toulouse
Forbes
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Best Foodie Souvenirs In Toulouse, France (And Why Visit Now)
Toulouse, France Think Paris, but with better weather, more rosé, and way less attitude. Home of the AirBus headquarters, Toulouse recently nabbed Lonely Planet's top city to visit in 2025—and trust me, it's earned it. From its pink-brick charm to its laid-back canalside vibes, 'La Ville Rose' is where culture and cool collide. It's also easier than ever to get to Toulouse. No more stop overs in Paris as the first non-stop direct flight from North America to Toulouse on AirCanada from Montreal, Canada recently launched. This year, the city's musical soul is on full display. As a newly designated UNESCO City of Music, Toulouse hits all the right notes—especially in June, when the legendary Rio Loco festival brings global rhythms to the banks of the Garonne. It's world music meets world party. Summer keeps the tempo high with Tangopostale's sultry tango dance vibes and the ultra-chill Siestes Électroniques electronic fest in the Compans-Caffarelli Garden. Add in museum reopenings (hello, Musée des Augustins in late 2025), Gothic grandeur, and a thriving food scene—16 restaurants with Michelin distinction—, and you've got a trip worth booking yesterday. And when you're ready to roam, the dreamy Occitanie region is right on your doorstep—think Albi's Toulouse-Lautrec vibes, fairy-tale villages like Cordes-sur-Ciel, Carcassonne—the oldest medieval fortress in Europe dating back to the Roman era and namesake for the crazy popular Carcassonne board game—and vineyard-dotted countryside perfect for lazy day trips. You can even captain your own houseboat with Le Boat—think AirBnB of houseboats worldwide—and tour the countryside via Canal Du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canal du Midi When it comes to edible souvenirs, American expat Jessica Hammer of Taste of Toulouse is a connoisseur of the authentic, the unexpected, and of course—delicious. With her deep local knowledge, she's your secret weapon for shopping like a savvy gourmand in the pink city. So next time you head to Toulouse, bring an empty suitcase and a curious palate. Your taste buds (and lucky friends back home) will thank you. Here are the best food souvenirs in Toulouse and the broader Occitanie region: One of B. Authié's specialties, a Paris-Brest filled with violet cream and topped with sugared ... More violets. Toulouse is famously fragrant with violets, and Hammer's favorite way to bottle that floral magic? Crystallized violets—'real flower petals crystallized in sugar syrup.' They're not just pretty and packable; she drops them in sparkling wine for a delicate purple hue. 'So pretty,' she sighs. Her go-to source is Pâtisserie B. Authié, but these sugar-dusted blossoms pop up everywhere from pastry shops to airport kiosks. La Maison de a Violette, a gift shop in a barge for all things violet. For the full violet experience, she recommends a pilgrimage to La Maison de la Violette, a 'floating' shop—or barge on the canal—devoted to all things purple and petaled. 'The owner, Hélène, has dedicated her life's work to promoting violet products—not just food, but also perfumes and bath items.' Sold at Fromagerie Xavier, Pave Toulousain cheese or brick cheese is a specialty cheese from ... More Toulouse. It's a great Toulouse food souvenir to bring home because it comes in a box. When asked what cheese to bring home, Hammer doesn't hesitate… Pavé Toulousain: Created by the famed François Bourgon of Fromagerie Xavier, this cube-shaped cheese is a loving nod to Toulouse's iconic brick architecture. 'It personifies Toulouse's mix of tradition and innovation,' Hammer says, noting it travels well and comes in a stylish wooden box.. Mont d'Or: Available from October through March, this creamy cheese from the Jura region, just a few hours from Toulouse, comes in its own wooden box. It's perfect for baking into a fondue-like dish. While soft cheeses can be tricky to transport, Mont d'Or's packaging makes it a feasible option. If you bring it home, try David Lebovitz's—the most famous American food writer that lives in Paris—Mont d'Or fondue recipe! Fénétra is an apricot and lemon 'travel cake'—a traditional baked good from Toulouse, France. While baguettes may tempt you, they're better left behind. Instead, Hammer loves gâteaux de voyage—'travel cakes' meant to journey. The standout cake to bring home from Toulouse? Fénétra, a local tart filled with apricot jam and candied lemon peel, topped with almond meringue takes the cake. A highlight for a spirit lover, reserve a armagnac tasting and tour at the high-design tasting room ... More at Chateau Arton in France's Gascony region. Oenologist Fabrice Saramon leads the tasting here. For something truly unique, try a bottle of Armagnac—Toulouse's more rugged cousin to Cognac and France's oldest brandy, more than 700 years old. If you have time in your schedule, visit Château Arton— a certified organic vineyard producing award-winning Armagnac for a tasting. Located in the beautiful countryside in a town called in Lectoure, Château Arton was the first Armagnac to receive the Prix d'Excellence‚ like the Oscars for French food. Make sure to ask about the magic mold that works in happy partnership with the spirit as it ages. Papilles' bottled cocktails are a super hip gift to bring home for the craft cocktail lover on your ... More list. This one especially screams the region. Gin fans should hunt down Le Point G, flavored with violet and spirulina—a cheeky French nod to the G-spot. Don't miss the Rainbow canned cocktail, a pack-friendly tribute to artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's original 19th-century recipe. Crafted by Alexis Taoufiq, a "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" and award-winning mixologist, this ready-to-drink cocktail is artful, aromatic, and effortlessly chic. Pick up a few at Papilles, his boutique bottle shop in Toulouse and also in the nearby town of Albi. Violet liqueurs, found at the airport, are great to bring home too. Grocery store food souvenirs are all the rage, right? Hammer is gleefully obsessed with 'goat cheese with Espelette pepper' flavored chips. Feeling brave? Try anise-flavored potato chips as well. Although Castelnaudary is most credited as the home of cassoulet, Toulouse hosts the annual World ... More Championships of Cassoulet annually. 'You don't find chocolate shops like this back home,' says the American expat, now food tour guide. She admits it was very hard to choose favorites—'there are so many great chocolate shops in Toulouse, France'—but ultimately highlighted Criollo, Bello & Angeli, and Cacaofages for their exceptional chocolats enrobés (covered chocolates). Whether you're craving bars or bonbons, these elegant, easy-to-pack treats make perfect gourmet gifts. Of course, no conversation about Toulouse food is complete without cassoulet, the region's slow-cooked, bean-and-meat pride. Hammer's top pick? Last year, she put her palate to the test at Le Genty Magre, a local cassoulet competition she likens to 'a chili cook-off contest but for cassoulet.' Among five entries, her standout favorite was the one from Émile's, which also clinched the audience choice award. Another go-to she recommends is La Colombière, a beloved family-owned spot serving up a fan-favorite cassoulet year after year. Where to find the best canned cassoulet in Toulouse: Maison Garcia in Victor Hugo market. However, for cassoulet to bring home? Maison Garcia, which she swears is 'the real deal' when paired with a baguette. Find Maison Garcia canned cassoulet and other incredible meat-based products, like the most rare Spanish jamón ibérico, at the incredible Victor Hugo market. 'For gifts, I don't really recommend going to grocery stores in France— the good stuff is at épiceries or specialty food stores,' says Hammer. Her go-to? Cafe Bacquie, a speciality shop across the street from Victor Hugo Market. 'They have great gifts like preserves, salts, mustards, even chocolate.' Jessica Hammer prepares an incredible wine-paired tasting of Victor Hugo Market delights on a Taste ... More of Toulouse tour. In addition to taking Jessica's in depth (and delicious!) Taste of Toulouse food tour, here are the best things to do in Toulouse: Book a ride on Minotaur, Halle de La Machine's most famous machine. Toulouse, France Get ready for your jaw to be on the floor at Halle de La Machine—the entrie time. This performance theater-meets-Tinkertown museum is a marvel—perfect for any age. Engineering at its best using upcycled parts to create otherworldly animals, tectonic shows, and interactive art using fire, automation, sound and actors. If you have time and love theatrical dining, book a 'Lunch of Little Machines' where performers (ie. your servers) partner with machines to deliver the most entertaining culinary adventure. And don't miss the The Manège Carré Sénart across the street—it's like no other merry-go-round you've ever seen before. Cité de l'Espace is where space nerds and starry-eyed dreamers unite! Touch real moon rocks, walk through a life-size Mir space station, and even try your hand at astronaut training. It's part science museum, part intergalactic playground—perfect for kids, grown-ups, and anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and said, 'What if?' At her boutique AHPY, Annette Hardouin is reviving the ancient art of dyeing with pastel (Isatis ... More tinctoria) one workshop at a time. Toulouse, France Step into a world where history and fashion intertwine at AHPY Créations Bleu de Pastel boutique in Toulouse. Led by master artisan Annette Hardouin, this workshop revives the ancient art of dyeing with pastel (Isatis tinctoria), the plant that once brought immense wealth to the region during the Renaissance. You'll learn the meticulous process of transforming natural fabrics into stunning shades of blue using time-honored techniques. A pastel dyed scarf sold at the AHPY shop is also a winning Toulousian souvenir. Packing This French Food Could Get Your Global Entry Privilege Revoked I Knew About Toulouse-Lautrec's Infatuation For Women, Not Dandies Headed to Albi? What You Need to Know Why You Should Visit the Eastern Pyrenees of France
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Toulouse Ready to Let Aboukhlal Leave
Toulouse have opened the door for Zakaria Aboukhlal to leave the club this summer, with several European sides showing interest. The Moroccan international is under contract until June 2026, but club president Damien Comolli confirmed in a press conference that they're open to offers. 'We're leaving the door open for Zakaria Aboukhlal,' he said. According to French outlet Actu , Aboukhlal is on a shortlist of players likely to leave as part of a summer shake-up at Toulouse. He's already attracted interest from Wolves, who see him as a key target to strengthen their attack. Southampton have also shown interest, though they haven't made a formal offer yet. Rennes are also said to be in the mix as they look to build for next season. The 24-year-old had a solid campaign with Toulouse, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists in 27 matches across all competitions. With the transfer window just around the corner, a move looks increasingly likely for one of Morocco's top attacking talents. Tags: ligue 1ToulouseZakaria Aboukhlal
Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Times
French Ulez to be scrapped in victory for hard-right
Low-emission zones in Paris and other cities are to be scrapped after a parliamentary vote responding to a popular backlash against environmental restrictions in France. Marine Le Pen, leader of the hard-right National Rally, and the radical left France Unbowed both claimed victory after joining forces, along with conservatives, to abolish a six-year-old law that has barred higher polluting vehicles from city centres. The victory, by 98 votes to 51, came hours after a defeat for environmental campaigners as a court decided to allow work to restart on the highly contested A69 motorway in southwestern France. In February a court ordered a halt to construction after two years of environmental protests and objections from farmers and rural residents in the path of the 38-mile motorway between Toulouse and Castres. Backed by 80 per cent of the public, according to polls, the opponents of the urban 'Zones à faibles émissions' — equivalent to Britain's Ulez — argued that they discriminate against poorer car owners. The zones, which require all vehicles to display windscreen stickers with their emission class, ban diesel cars built before 2006 and more modern vehicles in periods of high air pollution. Fines of €68 are imposed on drivers in zones prohibited to their vehicles, although they are often not enforced. 'This is a defeat for the punitive environmental campaigners, the ones who are constantly hammering the French people to no effect,' Le Pen said. France Unbowed saluted 'a triumph against an unjust regulation'. • Marine Le Pen: I am the Martin Luther King Jr of France The conservative Republicans, who are part of the coalition government, defended their opposition to the zones. 'Everyone is in favour of improving air quality. But we think that it can't be done at the price of social exclusion,' Ian Boucard, a party MP, told parliament. The vote was a blow to President Macron's wing in the conservative-centrist government, which campaigned to keep the law that he introduced in 2019 to curb fine particles and other pollutants in Paris, Marseilles, Lyons and a dozen other cities. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the environment minister, deplored the vote and the rejection of a compromise she backed to maintain the zones in Paris and Marseilles. 'Air pollution causes 40,000 premature deaths a year and the low-pollution zones helped reduce these,' she said. Motoring organisations, meanwhile, cheered the government's defeat of a system that opponents argue creates a social divide, limiting access to urban centres for low-income drivers. Scrapping the scheme means the government will have to reimburse part of the €3.3 billion in EU funds that have been spent on it this year. Macron's centrist bloc and the centre-left Socialist parties joined environmental groups in deploring what they see as part of a populist-led rejection of progress towards combating climate change. Farmers blocked highways and rallied outside parliament this week, demanding that restrictions on pesticides and water use be eased. A bill to do this was eventually defeated on Wednesday. • Air pollution linked to acute mental illness The government welcomed the court ruling on the A69 motorway, whose sites were the scene of violent protests for two years until February. Police arrested hundreds, including protesters dragged out of trees that were due to be felled. That month a court accepted opponents' arguments that the motorway should be stopped pending a full trial on their claim that it would inflict unjustified destruction of nature and disrupt the lives of residents in towns and villages in its path. Philippe Tabarot, the transport minister, called the latest ruling 'a real relief' because the court had accepted that there was a strong economic and social argument in favour of the motorway, he said. The Toulouse Administrative Court of Appeal issued a stay on the February halt and allowed work to resume on the €450 million project pending a full appeal trial within the next 12 months. Atosca, the firm building the toll motorway, is to restart its earth-moving and construction in June and intends to complete the already half-built road next year. Environmental campaigners said they were stunned by the court reversal and called for protests to resume. Julie Rover, a lawyer for opponents of the A69, said it made no sense to complete the motorway now, laying down miles of asphalt across the countryside. 'There's a risk now that in eight or ten months the court will confirm its cancellation,' she said.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Airbus warns airlines that delays will last three years, sources say
Airbus is warning airlines that delays in deliveries will persist for another three years as it works through a backlog of supply chain problems, industry sources said. The cautious tone on deliveries was reinforced at a recent customer gathering in Toulouse and increases pressure on Airbus to demonstrate progress towards a goal of increasing production of its main model to 75 jets a month, they added. "Airbus is talking about delays to aircraft in both 2027 and 2028," a senior airline executive said, adding the delays were being communicated in piecemeal fashion every few months. Another source said aircraft due for delivery later this decade had already been pencilled in for a six-month delay. "There is no real sign of improvement," said a third person following a recent customer presentation. "We are working together with suppliers to mitigate the impact of the current situation on our customers," an Airbus spokesperson said. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
SEALSQ CORP Announces Signature of Share Purchase Agreement to Acquire 100% of IC'ALPS
Geneva, Switzerland, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ('SEALSQ'), a leading developer and provider of Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software solutions, today announced the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement ('SPA') with the shareholders of IC'ALPS SAS (the 'Sellers') 1, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit ('ASIC') design and supply specialist based in Grenoble, France ('IC'ALPS'), for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of IC'ALPS ('the Acquisition'). The SPA is the result of a period of exclusive negotiations between SEALSQ CORP and the Sellers, announced on February 27, 2025. The main terms and conditions of the SPA announced by SEALSQ on May 22, 2025 remain applicable. This proposed strategic Acquisition (now solely subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions) is expected to reinforce SEALSQ's commitment to advancing its ASIC development to meet the growing demand in the sector and would add approximately 100 highly skilled staff based out of IC'ALPS' current centers in Grenoble and Toulouse. The Acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to satisfying the conditions to closing, including the necessary regulatory approval by the French Ministry of the Economy. About IC'ALPS: IC'ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 100+ engineers' areas of expertise include analog, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, Intel Foundry, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, IA, mil-aero, and digital identity & security sectors. IC'ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria certified, IATF16949-ready, member of TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), Intel Foundry Accelerator Design Services Alliance and Value Chain Alliance (DSA & VCA), ams Osram Preferred Partner and X-FAB's partner network. More information: and About SEALSQ: SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable. SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries. For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the actual adjustments that arise upon conversion of the financial information of IC'ALPS to US GAAP in relation to net sales, operating expenses and income tax income in the income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, in comparison with the French GAAP ; the entering into of definitive documents, the authorization by French regulatory authorities and the successful closing of the Acquisition; and SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC. SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Press and Investor Contacts 1 The Sellers are Doliam SA, Mrs. Lucille Engels and Mr. Jean-Luc Triouleyre.
