Capitole: The Beating Heart of Toulouse

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/day ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byahn. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh meh-duh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh share]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh truv]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohnd ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The Capitole de Toulouse, originally built in the 12th century, was intended as a forum for the local council. Its location served as a central point for governance in the city, reflecting the importance of Toulouse as a political and economic hub in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

The Capitole underwent significant renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming it into a neoclassical masterpiece. The grand façade, adorned with columns and sculptures, exemplifies the architectural trends of the period and highlights the city's ambition to project power and culture.

During the 19th century, the Capitole became a focal point for cultural events, including theatrical performances and concerts. The establishment of the Théâtre du Capitole in 1861 further solidified the area as a cultural epicenter, showcasing operas and ballets and attracting renowned artists.

The Capitole played a critical role during the French Revolution, serving as a site for revolutionary meetings and discussions. It became a symbol of civic pride and resistance against the monarchy, embodying the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality for the citizens of Toulouse.

Today, the Capitole remains the seat of the municipal government and is a vibrant public square bustling with markets, festivals, and community events. It stands as a testament to Toulouse's rich history, symbolizing the city's enduring spirit and commitment to civic engagement and cultural heritage.

Capitole is conveniently located in the heart of Toulouse. If you are arriving by train, the Toulouse-Matabiau train station is just a short 15-minute walk away. From the station, you can also take Metro Line A towards Basso Cambo and alight at Capitole station. The area is easily accessible via bus, with several lines (including Line 14 and 23) stopping at or near the Place du Capitole. For those flying in, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is approximately 10 km away, and you can take the Airport Shuttle, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Capitole is a pedestrian-friendly area with many attractions within walking distance. The Toulouse Metro system is efficient, with Line A and Line B connecting various parts of the city. Bus services are also available, and you can check local schedules for routes that service the Capitole area. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from the local VeloToulouse bike-sharing service, which has stations scattered throughout the neighbourhood. Additionally, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available for longer distances.

Capitole is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in busy tourist spots. Always remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. The local police station is located nearby, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Toulouse for medical emergencies. Travel insurance that covers health issues is highly recommended. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are available, often marked with a green cross, and staff can assist in English.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when visiting restaurants and cultural sites; casual attire is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering churches, dress modestly and cover your shoulders. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly and disabled passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening); don't assume familiarity too quickly. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as cassoulet and enjoy café culture; don't linger too long at tables in busy restaurants during peak hours.

To experience Capitole like a local, start your day with a coffee and pastry at one of the cafés surrounding Place du Capitole. Visit the Capitole de Toulouse building for a glimpse of its stunning architecture and consider taking a guided tour. Explore the narrow streets and discover local boutiques and artisan shops. Join locals for the 'apéro' (pre-dinner drinks) in the early evening at a bar or bistro. Don't miss out on the weekly markets for fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals, as they are often eager to share recommendations and stories about their city.