Christmas gifts from Toulouse and its region

Are you looking for gift ideas from Toulouse? Between the Pyrenees, Haute-Garonne and Ariège, the Toulouse region offers many local products, unique craftsmanship and unusual activities to share with family or friends. The holidays are fast approaching... It's time to think about your loved ones and prepare for the Christmas festivities. So, if you're lacking in inspiration, we've toured the shops of the " pink city " in search of 100% Toulouse specialties. Here is our selection of Christmas gift ideas and activities, typical of Toulouse and its region.

Intro photo © Lucie Liz / Unsplash

sponsored content

The Toulouse violet, in all its forms

In Toulouse and Haute-Garonne, you will often come across products made from violets, but why? It's a romantic story... it is said that a violet flower would have arrived in Toulouse thanks to a soldier who would have offered it to his beloved, back from a mission in Parma... since then, the violet has been the one of the symbols of the pink city. Today, it is a product declined and used in the kitchen, from large restaurants to small tea rooms. It is a flower that was very fashionable in perfumery, in confectionery (coated with crystallized sugar), in decoration, to make liqueur, jelly... and also simply for its color. The Toulouse violet is very fragrant. You will have understood it, it is a gift, an emblematic souvenir to offer! We recommend that you, while in Toulouse, take a walk in the very beautiful shop of Treasures of Violette!

Photos © Les Trésors de Violette

Pastel blue, from Toulouse

Pastel blue (which has nothing to do with crayons) is dyers' pastel, coming from a (curiously yellow) plant Isatis tinctoria . It is a perennial known since Antiquity, which has medicinal properties and was used as a dye. It takes 2 years to manufacture the pigments of pastel blue. It all starts with the leaves that we harvest, grind and then dry the dough obtained in a ball. We will powder and cook everything to start the oxidation process which produces this characteristic indigo blue color. After further handling, this pigment can be used to tint clothes, objects, for the manufacture of decorative elements and artistic supplies. In Lauragais, that is to say between Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne, pastel merchants made their fortunes and it is this commercial activity that is the basis of the region's prosperity! Offer objects tinted with pastel blue, which is deep, soft and above all 100% natural and vegetal.

Photo: pastel blue © Guide Toulouse Pyrénées

Do you like shopping? Find your Christmas gifts easily thanks to our article: we give you our tips and the best places to go shopping in Toulouse.

A spa stay near Toulouse

The pure springs of the Pyrenees mountains form an idyllic environment to enjoy the benefits of the waters, very popular with lovers of well-being and treatment cures. At the foot of the Pyrenees, many spas are at your disposal, offer a day of relaxation to share with friends or family, for Christmas! Between treatments and games at the pool, you can please the whole family. The Argelès-Gazostou thermal baths in Ax-les-Thermes are very famous. In the Hautes-Pyrénées, thalassotherapy centers are located at the foot of the ski slopes, as in Saint-Lary-Soulan. Hammam and sauna, swimming pool and sensory showers, massages and treatments, gym and relaxation area… All you have to do is choose the atmosphere that will charm them, at one of our service providers in the Toulouse region.

Read our article on thermal baths, spas and spas in the Pyrenees.

Photo © Les Thermes d'Argelès-Gazost & Photo © Balnéa in Loudenvielle

escape game in toulouse

Offer a moment of adventure, action, Escapes Games have their fans and the wind in their sails! In Toulouse and in the region, there are many Escapes Games. Each one has its story, its different gameplay depending on the objects, the environment... Please the brainstorming enthusiasts, who like to rack their brains and/or let themselves be locked up! Perfect for teens and big kids that we all are!

Discover the Escape Games of Toulouse and the region

A cultural visit to the Aeronautical Museum of Toulouse

The Toulouse region has a very rich and unusual heritage on the subject of aeronautics. Whether you are interested in the history of airmail, the conquest of space, or the most spectacular machines of civil aviation, there is something for everyone! In addition, offering admission to a museum is an original, interesting gift that allows you to discuss a subject that is close to your heart. To help you choose, we have made an overview of the aeronautical museums of Toulouse.

Do you like tours? We suggest castles to visit within 30 minutes of Toulouse.

sponsored content

A day at Gulli Parc with the children

To change toys, offer a good time to share with your children, the Gulli Parc is a paradise for the youngest. Here, it is forbidden for people over 12 years old! Adventure course, construction site area, Playmobil space... This is a gift that children will love.

All the good leisure ideas for children in Haute-Garonne , it's here!

Photos: © Gulli Parc

sponsored content

We hope to have given you some good ideas to please the whole family and your friends, and we only have to wish you a happy end of year celebrations.

Did you like this report? Find more on the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide Blog. We are on social networks, find the Facebook page of the Guide Toulouse Pyrénées and the Instagram account @guidetoulousepyrenees

Back to "Party Time"