Haute Life Magazine

While living abroad, I wrote for Haute Life Magazine, an English-language lifestyle magazine based in Toulouse, France. All images are my own.

Discovering Toulouse’s Coffee Culture

There are few greater joys than drinking a really good cup of coffee. All cultures are different, and that extends to coffee culture. Coming from Seattle, a good cup of coffee was never hard to find. Actually, the hardest thing to find was a seat. But when you find that place with just the right ambiance, in the right location, at the right price, there is no greater feeling.

La Fiancée

Location: 54 Rue Peyrolières, 31000 Toulouse

This is my personal favorite spot in Toulouse. They clearly take pride in making a good cup of coffee and their food is incredible and made in-house. Choose between their selection of coffee and cakes or take advantage of their delicious brunch menu. Their brunch is offered “a la carte” daily and they offer a set brunch menu on the week-ends. It’s no surprise they are often full, so I would recommend reserving a table in advance if you plan to go for a weekend brunch. You really can’t go wrong here. My “tried and true” combination is a latte with the carrot cake. A final point in its favor: the entire staff is bilingual.

Flower's Café

Location: 6 Place Roger Salengro, 31000 Toulouse

While they serve full meals, Flower's Café is known, primarily, for their desserts, and for good reason. I have (proudly) tried almost every dessert on their menu and still can’t choose a favorite. I would recommend either the berry crumble (crumble aux fruits rouges) with an espresso, or the chocolate caramel cake (la tarte chocolat caramel au lait) and a café à la vanille (an espresso with vanilla). The café is situated in the center of town and has plenty of seating, both on the heated outdoor terrace on the square, or upstairs in their adorable dining room. You will probably need to wait in line if you go for lunch or afternoon coffee, but the line moves fast, and it’s worth the wait.

Sweet Home Café

Location: 54 Rue Peyrolières, 31000 Toulouse

If you enjoy getting your work done at coffee shops, this spot is for you. The tables are big and good for laying out your study materials, the chairs are comfortable, and the coffee is straight-forward. The shop sits in a large space and has plenty of upstairs and downstairs seating. If you aren't planning on cramming for your exams, you can play one of the board games the shop offers to its customers. Their novelty is the Crème Brulée Latté, which is exactly what it sounds like (and yes, just as good). If you go, make sure to look out for our magazine!

La Brûlerie des Filatiers

Location: 28 Rue des Filatiers, 31000 Toulouse

This is a recent discovery right in the heart of Les Carmes, and I am so sad I didn't find it sooner. the shop is largely taken up by the roastery, where you can buy your fresh house-roasted coffee beans. The coffee shop is dedicated to serving home-brewed coffee, and they have 4- stools around the coffee counter for tastings. But what it lacks in floor space, it makes up for in flavor. They have a monthly brew that you can try, and their home blend is updated yearly. If it’s straight-up good coffee you are looking for, look no further than “la Brûlerie des Filatiers”.

Les Gourmands de Saint-Sernin

21 Place Saint-Sernin 31000 Toulouse

Located right next to Saint-Sernin, the ambiance at this café can’t be beat. The leather chairs and wooden tables give this spot an extra dose of cozy, but on a nice day, enjoy your tea in their outdoor seating with awesome views of the Basilica. They pride themselves on their selection of teas and desserts, but they offer a wide range of good lunch food too. It isn’t uncommon to see students working on homework together, or just meeting up here as it’s close to the university and is really well-priced. It is worth spending time in this charming café.

The French know how to enjoy their coffee breaks, so no matter where you go, make sure you go the French way and savor it. Enjoy!