In the heart of downtown Toulouse, this unusual 2 000m2 venue is dedicated to hydraulic engineering, historical heritage, and also to the biodiversity of the Garonne River.
A little history :
It is a strategic passage used long before the Roman era.
The hydraulic plant is still operational, having been is use for over a century.
This building marked the beginning of the city's modernization thanks to electrical power.
The " Quai du Bazacle " is an area of shallow rocky waters used since ancient times as a passage during low tide.
In 1217, during the Albigensian Crusade, it allowed Count Raymond VI to enter the city occupied by " Simon de Monfort " .
In the 9th. century flaating mills were installed of the Garonne.
In 1190, it was replaced by a land-based mill installed on the river bank.
From that moment on, a red joint-stock company was born.
In the 18th. century, the Bazacle mills were an example of technical modernity famous throughout Europe.
In 1889, to illuminate the street of Toulouse, EDF operated a real power plant starting from 1946.
The architecture of the Bazacle building :
This hydraulic architecture can be described as quite remarkable.
In the underground chambers where the turbines are located a porthole allows observation of fish using the fish ladder built in 1989.
Salmon sea trout and other fish can thus, coming from the ocean, find their native river to spawn and lay their eggs.
The power plant consists of 7 hydroelectric units and 21 gates with a total capacity of 3 000 KW.
On average, it provides electricity for 10 000 inhabitants.
What this unusual place, the Bazacle offers you :
It offer you three distinct things.
The possibility to gather for events :
The Bazacle offers you the possibility with two meeting rooms and an equipped amphitheater available for rent, to organize events.
It is an exhibition venue :
In addition, on specific dates that you can check on the Bazacle website, guided tours of the hydroelectric plant are organized.
A educational trail dedicated to low-carbon renewable energies, with a focus on hydroelectric energy , will be offered.
Biodiversity is also presented in an interactive way.
Visitors can even explore an aquarium with salmon.
Temporary exhibition :
There have been numerous temporary exhibition, and currently , you can discover an exhibition about Marilyn Monroe titled : " Marylin Monroe : the secret of America " .
However, you will have access to the facilities of this hydroelectric plant.
It's a first in a French metropolis .
To chronologically trace her story, over 200 rare photos and original items belonging to the star are exhibited.
Amazing anecdotes about the life of the star from Hollywood will be revealed to you.
Two other globally admired ladies with also have their exhibitions in 2025.
The first great lady known worldwide is Jackie Kennedy.
She will exhibited starting in November 2024.
The second great lady undeniably known worldwide who will be exhibited in 2025 in Diana Spencer.
The Guinguette : " La TURBINE " :
The highlight in the large panoramic terrace overlooking the Garonne River with stunning of Toulouse.
In the summer, it is occupied by a Guinguette named ' La TRUBINE ", which I have already mentioned in a previous post.
Having tried it, either for a drink or a meal, I highly recommend this magical place.
However, place remember to book well in advance as it tends to get very crowded for dinner.
BONUS PHOTOS :
BONUS PHOTOS : MARYLIN MONROE AND THE SECRET PF AMERICA :
BONUS VIDEO: HYDROELECTIRC PLANT :
Here my friends, that's all for today.
I hope this truly unusual place sparks your curiosity and that you will go visit it.
Enjoy reading about it.
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Greetings , Franck.
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