Toulouse, France: A Few Businesses Worth Crossing an Ocean For

Hello friends!

Checking in after two very long days of travel home from Toulouse, France. The jet lag is definitely real, but I'm doing my best to power through and save sleep for bedtime instead of giving in to an afternoon nap.

I had such an inspiring, beautiful week in the south of France, and I wanted to share some of the people, places, and small businesses I discovered along the way. There were so many that left a lasting impression, and I can't wait to introduce you to them.

Madame Voyage

I have to begin with Madame Voyage.

If you've ever dreamed of traveling to France in a way that feels personal, immersive, and deeply connected to the culture, this is the company I'd recommend without hesitation.

Anissa & Coco of Madame Voyage

Founded by Coco and Anissa, Madame Voyage creates boutique retreats centered around pottery, cooking, language, and authentic French living. Rather than simply showing you the tourist highlights, they introduce you to the rhythms of everyday France—the villages, artisans, markets, meals, and traditions that make the country so special. They've even expanded their retreats into Bali, bringing the same thoughtful approach to a new destination.

What impressed me most, though, wasn't just the itinerary. It was the care.

We happened to arrive during one of Europe's most intense heat waves. Air conditioning isn't common in this part of France, yet Coco and Anissa found portable units so everyone could sleep comfortably. They stocked the house with bug spray, checked in on us constantly, and somehow anticipated needs before we even realized we had them. If you have ever traveled, the best kind of meal you can have is from a native home cook. We were beyond fortunate to have Anissa’s Maman cooking 3 meals a day and putting together the most amazing Apertif charcuterie boards every night before dinner. You could taste the love in each meal and truly nothing compares to a home cooked meal.

When one guest's luggage was delayed by the airline for four days, they didn't hesitate. They went shopping for clothes and toiletries so she could simply enjoy the experience instead of worrying about what she'd lost.

By the end of the week it felt less like we'd attended a retreat and more like we'd been welcomed into someone's home. That's a rare gift.

Elizabeth Bell Ceramics

Libby Bell: Founder of Elizabeth Bell Ceramics

One of the greatest gifts of the week was meeting our pottery instructor, Elizabeth Bell.

There are teachers who simply demonstrate a skill, and then there are teachers who genuinely change the way you think about your craft. Elizabeth is the latter.

She is incredibly talented, but what makes her exceptional is how generous she is with her knowledge. Whether you had touched clay for the first time or had years of experience behind the wheel, she met everyone exactly where they were. She encouraged experimentation, celebrated small victories, and somehow made every person in the room feel capable.

By the end of the week, I felt like I'd gained not only new pottery skills but a new friend.

Elizabeth creates beautiful wheel-thrown stoneware from her studio inside the historic Fyansford Paper Mills in Geelong, Australia, where she also teaches pottery classes for every experience level. It's one of those studios that feels full of creativity the moment you walk through the door.

Australia has officially moved much higher on my travel list because I already know one stop I'll be making.

If you're ever in Geelong, I highly recommend visiting her studio and shop. She does offer international shipping on some pieces, though I'd recommend reaching out first if you're ordering from overseas.

Mathieu Hettema

Mathieu Hettema

One afternoon we traveled to Giroussens, a medieval village just outside Toulouse that has become one of France's best-known pottery communities. Home to workshops, galleries, and the Centre Céramique Contemporaine, it's the kind of place where clay has been part of everyday life for generations.

One of the studios we visited belonged to Mathieu Hettema.

When we arrived, he was in the middle of throwing 1,200 cups for a traveling theater company. He could have easily continued working, but instead he stopped what he was doing, welcomed us into his studio, and spent nearly an hour showing us his process.

What I'll remember most wasn't just the pottery—it was the stories.

Every mug, bowl, and vase seemed to have a history or an inspiration behind it. As he shared them, the work became more meaningful, and before long I think our group nearly cleaned out his little shop.

It was such a beautiful reminder that buying handmade isn't just purchasing an object—it's bringing home a piece of someone's life and imagination.

If you're ever exploring the Toulouse region, make time for Giroussens. Wander the pottery studios, visit the Museum of Ceramics, and if you're lucky enough to meet Mathieu, stay awhile. He's as memorable as the work he creates.

Domaine d'En Maury

For the week, we stayed at Domaine d'En Maury, an 18th-century manor tucked into the rolling countryside of the Tarn region.

Beautifully restored while maintaining its historic character, the estate offers spacious gathering rooms, thirteen bedrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and peaceful views in every direction. It's the kind of place where conversations linger around long tables and mornings begin slowly with coffee overlooking the countryside.

If you're planning a retreat, family reunion, creative workshop, or even a wedding, this is an extraordinary place to gather.

Mama Shelter Toulouse

Before the retreat began, I spent a night at Mama Shelter Toulouse.

If you've stayed at one before, you already know the vibe: playful, modern, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable all at once. If you haven't, imagine a boutique hotel that somehow manages to feel cool without trying too hard.

The rooms were spotless, the staff were wonderful, and the location made it incredibly easy to explore Toulouse on foot.

I'd happily stay there again.

Zig Zag

On our final evening, a few of us who were still in Toulouse gathered for one last dinner at Zig Zag.

It was exactly what you hope for on your last night in a city—great food, excellent cocktails, a lively atmosphere, and incredibly friendly staff. We lingered over dinner, reminiscing about the week and laughing until it was time to say goodbye.

Those are the meals that stay with you long after the vacation ends.

Oriane Mezza

Oriane Mezza

Last, but certainly not least, I have to tell you about Oriane Mezza.

Oriane was one of our guides throughout the week with Madame Voyage, and I truly don't think the trip would have been the same without her.

She has one of those rare personalities that instantly makes you feel comfortable. She is full of joy, laughter, curiosity, and kindness, and her love for France is absolutely contagious. Whether she was sharing the history of a village, translating a conversation, recommending a local café, or simply laughing with us over dinner, she brought such a wonderful energy to every moment.

By the end of the week, she felt less like a guide and more like a friend.

Oriane is originally from Marseille and now shares her love of the region by leading private tours there. I can only imagine how magical it would be to experience Marseille through her eyes. She has a way of making you slow down, notice the little things, and appreciate the beauty that's often right in front of you.

If you ever find yourself planning a trip to southern France—especially Marseille—I couldn't recommend her more. She truly is one of those bright lights you feel grateful to have crossed paths with.

Until Next Time...

Before this trip, Toulouse wasn't a city I'd heard many people talk about.

Now I can't stop recommending it.

The pink buildings glowing in the evening light, bustling outdoor markets, cafés spilling onto sidewalks, artists opening the doors to their studios, and the slower rhythm of life all combined to create one of the most memorable trips I've taken.

If you're planning a trip to France, consider venturing beyond Paris. Add Toulouse to your itinerary, rent a car for a few days, explore the surrounding villages, and give yourself time to wander.

I have a feeling you'll fall in love with it, too.