Carmes: The Heartbeat 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 / duh ryuhn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byehn. ay twah]
• 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 la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, 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-ay, 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-peh-lay lah plees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

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

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

The Carmes neighbourhood, named after the Carmelite monks who established a convent here in the 13th century, has its origins intertwined with the medieval expansion of Toulouse. The area was originally a rural landscape before being developed into a vibrant urban district, reflecting the growing importance of religious institutions in the city.

In the 13th century, the Carmelite convent not only served as a spiritual center but also as a cultural hub. The convent's presence attracted scholars and artists, contributing to the intellectual life of Toulouse. The architecture of the convent, with its Gothic elements, became a significant landmark in the neighbourhood.

During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the Carmelite convent was confiscated and repurposed, marking a shift in the neighbourhood's character. Many religious sites faced destruction or abandonment, which led to a secularization of the area. The convent's former grandeur gave way to more utilitarian structures during this tumultuous period.

The 19th century saw significant urban development in Carmes, characterized by the construction of new residential buildings and commercial spaces. The neighbourhood became a lively marketplace, known for its diverse shops and local produce, reflecting the economic growth of Toulouse during this era.

In recent decades, Carmes has undergone a cultural renaissance. The restoration of historical buildings and the establishment of cafés, boutiques, and art galleries have revitalized the neighbourhood. This resurgence has made Carmes a popular destination for both locals and tourists, showcasing the blend of historical charm and contemporary culture in Toulouse.

Carmes is conveniently located in the heart of Toulouse, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. You can reach Carmes via the metro by taking Line A to the Carmes station. Several bus lines, including Line 14 and Line 70, also service the area. If you're coming from the Toulouse-Matabiau train station, you can take a short taxi ride or catch the metro to get to Carmes quickly.

Carmes is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is the best way to explore its charming streets and alleys. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transport, including the metro and buses. You can also rent bicycles through the VélôToulouse bike-sharing program, which has stations throughout the city. Taxis and rideshare services are available for longer distances.

Carmes is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but it's advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded areas. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, particularly near tourist attractions. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and be cautious around the Place du Salin, which has reported higher instances of pickpocketing.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and modestly, especially when dining out or visiting religious sites. Don’t wear overly casual attire like beachwear. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly or disabled. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don’t use first names unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like cassoulet and pastries. Don’t leave food on your plate, as it can be seen as wasteful.

To experience Carmes like a local, visit the weekly market at Place des Carmes for fresh produce and local delicacies. Try to engage with shopkeepers and locals; they often have great stories and recommendations. Consider visiting the historical sites during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Don’t miss the hidden courtyards and small art galleries that showcase local talent.