Toulouse

French reading practice with side-by-side translation

Toulouse et sa Place du Capitole Toulouse and its Place du Capitole
La Place du Capitole est vraiment le cœur de Toulouse. Assez grande, elle est presque toujours pleine de piétons et, souvent, d’éventaires : il y a un marché biologique le mardi et le samedi, et des exposants de vêtements, de livres d’occasion, etc., tous les jours sauf dimanche. De surcroît, il y a de temps en temps un festival quelconque. Bref, il y a toujours du monde.
Translation

Place du Capitole is truly the heart of Toulouse. It’s fairly large and is almost always full of pedestrians and often stalls as well: there is an organic market Tuesday and Saturday, and sellers of clothes, used books, etc., every day except Sunday. In addition, once in a while there is some kind of festival. So there are always people.

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Le Capitole, qui comprend l’hôtel de ville et le Théâtre du Capitole (l’opéra), définit le côté est de la Place, tandis que les trois autres côtés sont bordés de commerces : un kiosque, une librairie, des boutiques et deux hôtels de grand luxe. Il y a aussi – bien sûr – trois ou quatre cafés en face du Capitole. C’est génial parce qu’il y a beaucoup de tables dehors on peut se relaxer en buvant un petit café, et quand il fait beau, c’est le meilleur endroit pour profiter du soleil et pour regarder le monde à la fois. Même quand il fait froid, c’est un coin idéal pour prendre un café le matin.
Translation

The Capitole building, which houses the town hall and the opera house, defines the east side of the Place, while the other three sides are lined with businesses: a newsstand, a bookstore, shops, and two luxury hotels. There are also – of course – three or four cafés across from the Capitole building. It’s great because there are a lot of tables outside where you can relax while drinking a coffee, and when the weather is nice, it’s the best place to enjoy the sun and people watch at the same time. Even when it’s cold, it’s a perfect place to have coffee in the morning.

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J’ai lu quelque part que la Place du Capitole est l’une des plus belles d’Europe. Je ne sais pas si je suis d’accord avec cela, mais c’est vrai qu’elle a un certain charme. Si vous avez l’intention de visiter Toulouse, je vous conseille de trouver un hôtel près de (mais pas forcément dans) la Place du Capitole.

Translation

I read somewhere that the Place du Capitole is one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. I don’t know if I agree with that, but it does have a certain charm. If you are planning to visit Toulouse, I recommend that you find a hotel near (though not necessarily in) the Place du Capitole.

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 Reading comprehension

Expressions

Vocabulary

Grammar

Place du Capitole Toulouse
Place du Capitole © LKL

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2 Responses

  1. Alan Ramsay 26 July 2014 / 1:46

    In 2013 we exchanged a house with a family in Toulouse and really enjoyed our stay. The transport system is superb as are the various cultural venues.

  2. Andrea 25 July 2014 / 15:47

    I love Toulouse! I’ve been here for two weeks and have to leave tomorrow. There is so much to see and do here, and it’s so easy to get around. Thanks for posting this article.

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