Our holiday home offers comfort, peace and fresh air. What’s left is good food… and good wine. Here are a few tips:
- For everyday essentials, there is a small grocery shop in Ercé where you can buy basic food items, household products and a nice selection of local cheeses (our shopkeeper will be happy to advise you). You will also find tobacco, books about the region, newspapers, postcards and a few local souvenirs. The cherry on top: after shopping, you can sit on the terrace and have a drink. We count on you to support this last little business in our lovely village.
- You will find a local bakery (excellent bread and the best “croustades” in the area) as well as a very good butcher in Oust (6 km from the house).
- For other small shops, you will need to go to Seix (8 km).
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- Every Saturday morning: the Saint-Girons market (20 km). It takes place by the river under the plane trees. You’ll discover farm products and local crafts from the surrounding mountains — and a wonderfully mixed crowd: Ariège mountain people in dark jackets and waistcoats, hippies with their dogs and flamboyant outfits, and tourists from all over the world.
- For household supplies and supermarket shopping: on the outskirts of Saint-Girons you will find several large supermarkets.
Before heading home, we recommend a visit to the Victor Hugo Market in Toulouse: it’s the heart of regional gastronomy. It’s right in the city centre and everyone knows it. You can park on the car park above the market.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 06:00 to 13:30.
Around the market, we especially recommend 4 great spots (open all day):
- At Xavier: one of the best cheesemongers in France — a true “cheese heaven”. Just opposite the market: 6 Place Victor-Hugo.
- Maison Pillon: outstanding French pastries. One shop is at 2 Rue d’Austerlitz (100 m from Xavier).
- Nicolas: excellent wine selection and great bottles — right next to Xavier.
- The market restaurants: several counters and tables where you can taste fresh produce and South-West specialties on site.
