– Anna Robinette
This time of year is filled with traditions. One of the many traditions in Toulouse that the American students have enjoyed this month has been the Christmas Market.
The Christmas Market has its origins in Germany and Austria as early as 1294, but many European countries have also adopted this tradition as a way to celebrate the four weeks of Advent and preparation for the holidays.
Set up in the heart of Toulouse, le Marché de Noël is an arrangement of more than one hundred little bungalows at Place Capitole. Open November 27 through December 27, the market is almost always bustling. Even if you’re not looking to do any shopping, the market is a place to walk around, admire the Christmas lights and decorations, and socialize with friends and family. Like many holiday traditions, le Marché de Noël radiates a magical, cozy, homey-feeling.
Christmas Market lights
If you are browsing for some stocking stuffers, many vendors offer a variety of gifts (jewelry, scarves and hats, soap, games, souvenirs, and other knick-knacks), some of which include hand-made products made by local artisans.
However, the market also has many food vendors. I think this is what charmed the American students the most.
Among the food vendors, you have the traditional gastronomy: Toulouse-produced honey, cheese, chocolate, pastries, foie-gras, etc., that you can take home with you. And you have several restaurants that sell dishes that are hot and ready to eat with your friends and family at the market. I’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite dishes below.
Saucisse Paysanne (Sausage Sandwich)
Sausage is a very traditional food found in Toulouse. At this particular vendor, you can order a grilled sausage-baguette-sandwich with onions and peppers. If you’re feeling adventurous, the chefs also offer a sausage made from the cow’s liver.
A saucisse paysanne vendor
Aligot
This dish is crowd-pleaser. Imagine mashed-potatoes whipped together with a lot of cheese. What you get is a stringing, cheesy, starchy heaven. I petition to bring the Aligot tradition to the US.
Hmmm yum !
Tartiflette
The tartiflette is also a potato dish: a layered casserole with potatoes, onions, crème fresh, and lots and lots of cheese.
Vin Chaud
Warm wine is a popular tradition all over Europe. It’s a red wine that has been stewed with Christmas spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc.
The market also has several, not-so-traditional food vendors. These include: hamburgers, churros, and even some Nepalese and Tibetan dishes.
So moms and dads, there is no need to worry: we’ve been very well fed this holiday season.
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