This is CBS Eye on the World.

Here's John Batchelor.

On the road with Simon Constable in Paradise in the south of France, writing for the Wall Street Journal and other distinguished publications.

Now in Toulouse, France, for

Christmas shopping and also to admire the grounds of the Basilica of St. Sarnin behind him,

dating to the 11th century A.D., Christian Toulouse, and grounds around him dating to the 5th century

a.D. the original basilica,

wherein was, or under which was buried, the first bishop of Toulouse.

This is Christianity, stepping in place of the departing Roman Empire.

Simon, a very good day to you in the south of France.

Now, it is wintry here in New

England. How is it with you in Paradise? Good day, Simon. Good day, John, and you can hear the

bells in the background there of the Basilica. It was chilly this morning, Chile, to say the

least. It was 36 Fahrenheit when I woke up, and now it's around 48, and

we're expecting a similar day tomorrow. So pretty nippy, but the sky is stunningly blue,

and it's absolutely lovely to see that, very little wind, so it's almost still wherever you

stand. You've traveled to Toulouse because you're becoming an officianto.

The city is very well laid out.

It's never known the wars of the rest of Europe.

And you're there for Christmas shopping.

How is the ambiance of Toulouse?

Are the restaurants welcoming?

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