“LA MAISON del la VIOLET"

" LA MAISON de la VIOLET "

"I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, 
Where oxlips and nodding violet grows"
(Midsummer Night's Dream)
"Shakespeare"

Napoleon introduced the violets to France but it wasn't until the mid 19th century that this humble flower with it's delightful fragrance became the symbol of  Toulouse... to be nicknamed the "City of Violets" 

I love violets but do struggle to keep them alive during the winter doldrums ... Saddly...They  seem to be a temperamental little species in captivity.

Parme Violets have thirty petals with a white center that is particularly perfumed. If you are
 looking for a sweet Valentine's Day gift, choose violets.

In the language of flowers, Violets represent peace, sweetness, modesty, and shyness, so it is no surprise that violets are often offered as tokens of affection, to declare love in a discreet way. 

Mid -Winter is not violet time in Toulouse 
however
I love a challenge !!! 

So I went on a shopping SPREE!!!

and found

                  "La Maison de la Violet". 
It is an authentic 1930's barge that has been rejuvenated into a charming Violet Shoppe. (Photo via a tourist ) It is moored on the Canal du Midi.

The galley is filled with violet products while the deck is a tearoom that overflows with fresh, perky violets that are FOR SALE in the Springtime. 

                                           HOW DELIGHTFUL !!!!

   GUESS WHAT I FOUND?

"VIOLET TEA"

and 

"Violet Sugar"

I take mine black but you're welcome to a little "sweetening".

I found this dainty cup and saucer at the antique market...It is so delicate and sweetly handpainted. I keep imagining Edwardian ladies in white dresses at an outdoor tea party.

The set has no markings so I'm guessing that it could be from the 1850's.

There,  now try your tea !! 

           The Noir a la Violette has a very mild flavor,infact it is not overly scented nor flowery at all.

                  Shall we continue shopping ?

Sometimes half the fun is taking inventory                                               of the myriad of items on display. Did you know that violets can be drunk as liquor, eaten in salads or even crystallized to dissolve in champagne .... I would love to try that !!!

On "La Maison de la Violet" there are so many items to chose from...

Perfume, essential oils, soap,jams, jellies, honey, syrup, vinegar, cookies and haute couture accessories to name a few.

Since it was teatime, I was selective.

Tea

Sugar

Candles
Dolls
Scented sachets

Napkins

CANDY

and last but not least

 CHOCOLATE

There were litterly thousands of shopping venues in Toulouse, but they all looked far too grand and expensive.

When I am traveling, "my cup of tea" is to research and find unique little shops like, 

" La Maison de la Violet".  

PLUS, Kim and I met the owner... She is just as cute and sweet as her little shop, isn't she!!

This is a memory worth keeping.

    NOW ... Please do relax and finish your tea.

You must be exhausted after all that walking and shopping.

"The Violet"

( Jane Taylor)

1783-1824

Down in a green and shady bed,

A modest Violet grew,

Its stock was bent, it hung its head,

As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,

Its colors bright and fair;

It might have graced a rosy bower,

Instead of hiding there.

Yet there it was content to bloom,

In modest tints arrayed;

And there diffused its sweet perfume,

Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go,

This pretty flower to see;

That I may also learn to grow,

In sweet humility.

ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!