Getting to know a new city is a little like going on a first date. Take a few wrong turns and what could have been love at first sight instead becomes the road you wish you had not taken. I love Toulouse. My previous experience with French cities has led me to develop what I call the crotte-count.
But city crews were very vigilant in sweeping up the dog-doo and other urban detritus, so I gave it a crotte-count of 5. In Marseille, however, the poop was partout and it became a challenge not to sploosh in it every time you took a walk.
Score 10 for Marseille. In Toulouse, however, not only is it a rare occurrence to see puppy patties, but there are public stands all over the place that offer free bags to scoop the poop and toss it in the trash.
So on a crotte-count of 1 to 10 β which in my mind is a reflection of how much citizens care about their neighbours and their city β Toulouse is number 1 for limiting number 2, dog doo.
That was a good first sign. Another was the emphasis here on ecologically responsible modes of transport. Bikes are everywhere, especially as delivery vehicles for everything from parcels to pizza.
