Unearthing the Violet: Toulouse’s Authentic and Timeless Souvenir
If you're planning a trip to the charming city of Toulouse, one thing is certain, you can't return home without the essence of the city captured in its authentic souvenir - the beloved violet. This flower, symbolic of the city, paints a story of history, love, and tradition that leaves an indelible imprint on everyone who visits.
Glistening with a sugary sheen, the candied violet petals from Toulouse are a delectable sight, their vivid purple hue hinting at the unique, sweet floral taste they promise.
The Violet - A Blossom of Love and Modesty
Let's delve into the enchanting history of this seemingly delicate flower, which, like many great things, arrived in Toulouse through a tale of love. As urban legend has it, an officer in the army of Napoleon III brought a violet back for his fiancée from a military campaign in Parma, Italy. This blooming love token eventually blossomed into a significant industry and symbol of la Ville Rose.
In the language of flowers, the violet signifies modesty and decency. Its heart-shaped petals embody a secret message of love when offered as a bouquet. So, it isn’t surprising that the phrase "Love is a bouquet of violets" resonates profoundly with the people of Toulouse.
Vendors selling violets in the beginning of the 20th century at the Marché des Violettes.
The Multitude of the Violet
There are more than 300 species of violet, but the Toulouse violet stands out. It is a double violet, with a fascinating display of 30 to 50 petals, and can be found in almost 100 varieties from different countries at the Conservatoire National de la Violette.
The growing process of this captivating flower is quite intriguing. This seedless plant is reproduced by cuttings and nurtured under glass. Although it only blooms for a few months each year (from October to March), you can find this delightful flower year-round in various forms such as fragrances, cosmetics, textiles, and an assortment of delicious treats.
A bush of Toulouse violets, with deep purple petals unfolding in a heart shape, showcasing its delicate beauty.
A Bouquet of Culinary Delights
Let's take a moment to appreciate the violet’s culinary versatility. From the sugared violet petals, perfect as cake toppings or enjoyed as they come, to the sublime violet liqueur, this little flower's gastronomic appeal is boundless. The violet liqueur, with a secret recipe guarded closely by the Serre family (Toulouse distillers since 1841), is best served cold as a digestif or in a cocktail. There's also a range of preserves, mustards, and teas infused with violets to take your culinary experience to new heights.
A guest of our Toulouse Traditional Food Tour tasting the brioche with chestnut and violets from Maison Pillon.
The Subtle Scent of Violet
The Toulouse violet has an ethereal fragrance that is both elegant and subtle, as it swiftly sends your olfactory receptors into a gentle slumber. As a result, you can't smell its scent for long, adding to its alluring mystique. You can take home this beautiful scent in the form of candles, potpourri, soaps, and perfumes. One must-have item is the "Violettes de Toulouse" from Maison Berdoues, a world-renowned fragrance since 1936.
Additionally, the "Jardin Confidentiel" cosmetic line uses violets in its natural beauty formulas, offering face and body care, and anti-ageing treatments. You can find these at La Maison de la Violette.
Celebrating the Violet
Toulouse honors this modest bloom each year on the first weekend of February with the "Fête de la Violette." This vibrant festival features potting workshops, exhibitions, and various activities that engage both young and old.
So next time you’re in Toulouse, or planning a visit, remember to pack a piece of Toulouse with you. Whether you decide to indulge in a violet-infused treat or bring home the alluring fragrance, one thing is sure - the authentic souvenir from Toulouse is always, undeniably, the violet.
