The square where it feels good to come and eat at any time of day : La place Saint-Georges !!! .
- Franck BRUGUIERE
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 27
In this post, I 'm going to introduce you to Place Saint-Georges in Toulouse.
It is interesting on two levels !!! .
At first of all, it has a remarkable architectural past, rich in history.
And above all, it's the place in Toulouse where people love to come for a drink or a meal on a terrace when the weather is nice .
A little istory :
It was built in the shape of a pentagon.
Throughout its history, the square has changed names many times.
Originally, it was named " Saint-Georges " because there was a chapel dedicated to him at its center.
In 1808, the square was demolished, and during the French Revolution, it was renamed " CALAS " .
Indeed, the man who bore that name was sentenced to death following a criminal case that gained national attention.
He was executed on this very square.
It was the city council that, in 1941, restored the name " Place Saint-Georges " .
Today, one of its main assets it that it has only a single traffic lane.
In fact, the south and north sides ae completely pedestrian, making the square calm and shaded.
The History of Place Saint-Goerges Trough the Centuries :
Middle Ages :
In the 13th.century, there was indeed a chapel named " Saint-Georges ", which was later destroyed.
Even at that time, the square was already one fo the Toulouse's major commercial hubs, as a large wine market was held around nearly its entire perimeter.
This explains why most of the houses belonged to innkeepers, tavern owners, bakers, and a few members of the bourgeoisie.
The Modrn Period :
It was a gathering place for major public events, especially popular during the Carnival season leading up to Lent.
In the 17th. century, it became the site for punishments and public executions.
A stone scaffold was built for this purpose.
In the 19th. century, the square became more popular and working-class fewer bourgeois residents.
In the 18th. century, construction work was carried out that gave the square its current shape.
Throughout that century, its commercial role grew stronger, as many different markets were held there over time.
It was during the French Revolution that the square lost all of its religious function.
What not to miss at Place Saint-Georges :
The " Lafage " mansion :
The plans were drawn up in 1747 to make it the residence of a bourgeois named " Henri-Joseph Lafage ".
This classical architecture is characteristic of the first half of the 18th. century.
The façade facing the square is grand and impressive.
It features 13 bays across two stories, crowned by a triangular pediment above the ground floor.
The façade is adorned with sculpted statues representing the gods Apollo, Neptune, and mars.
The other buildings reflect the architectural history of Toulouse, forming a kind of patchwork :
There are buildings typical of Toulouse architecture made of terracotta bricks.
These expensive-to-built buildings were reserved for bourgeois families.
Many half-timbered-buildings, constructed using wooden framework, date back to the Middle Ages.
They were intended for the middle classes, as their construction was less expensive.
The problem was that they were often threatened by violent fires.
This building fully embodies the Art Deco style and is located on the square.
Indeed, one can notice large bay windows, balconies with wrought iron railings, and rounded shaped.
It is also built with mix of stone and brick.
" Jean-Calas square " :
This is where you'll a brand-new playground for children, inaugurated in 2021, featuring in 12-meterhigh dragon.
Indeed, the atmosphere of the square is very family-friendly.
The good restaurants and bars recommended by the Toulouse blog :
The three establishments named " Monsieur Georges " :
The original restaurant :
It is the one that has been on the square since the very beginning, for many years.
You can eat all kinds of dishes there, local or not, either inside or on the beautiful shaded terrace.
The quality-price ratio is good, and the portions are generous.
The staff, for their part, are very professional.
At the left corner, you will find a quality fast-food option.
To the right of the main restaurants is " Monsieur Georges Rôtisserie " , where you can enjoy grilled meats with plenty of chicken on the menu.
Of course, you can come and have a drink at any time of the day on one of the beautiful terraces of these establishments !!! .
The restaurant " by Émile " :
This restaurant is simply excellent.
If you want to treat yourself, go dine at this high-quality, refined establishment with very professional staff.
On the menu, you 'll find only dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the nearby "Carmes " covered market.
Do you want to eat the famous Cassoulet ....This place serves one of the best in Toulouse.
In summer, a small terrace is there to welcome you.
The Café/restaurant named FRIDA :
It was taken over recently and features clean, carefully designed decor.
The staff is very friendly and attentive, and there's a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy fresh, quality cuisine at a reasonable price.
The Bar/Restaurant named " The WALLACE " :
It 's a true Toulouse institution, visited by many generations of locals.
You can enjoy a meal or a drink on the establishment's beautiful and spacious terrace.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes livelier....a heads-up for the dancers and partygoers !!! .
The tearoom named " Au Jardin des Thés " :
This tearoom is a tearoom not to be missed.
The cakes are excellent and generously portioned.
You can enjoy them on a very beautiful terrace.
I highly recommend this establishment !!! .
That's all for today my friends .
Now you know where to go in Toulouse to have a drink or a meal in a peaceful, history-filled setting !!! .
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Greetings , Franck.
Adresse : Place Saint-Goerges 31 000 Toulouse.
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