The quays of Toulouse ( Part 3 )!.
- Franck BRUGUIERE
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION :
Today, I'm presenting to you the final part of the Toulouse quays that I worked on yet.
Indeed, it consists of four of the Pink City's most iconic landmarks :
Place Saint-Pierre.
The Church Saint-Pierre des Cuisines.
The Saint-Pierre bridge.
The lock on the " Canal de Brienne ", along with its lock keeper's house.
So, Shall we set off to discover them together.....
The Saint-Pierre Square :
In the Middle Ages, this splendid of Toulouse extended beyond the city walls.
This place was strategic , as the two banks of the Garonne were connected here by a bridge.
This square in architecturally unfinished and dates back to the 18th. century development of the Toulouse quays.
Throughout history, this square in the Pink City has always been very lively.
Indeed, it has long been a popular meeting place for the city's students and sport enthusiasts !.
I myself attended many parties on this lively square, which is animated by numerous music bars with large terraces.
In 2015, the city of Toulouse redeveloped the entire square.
It can be said that the result is very positive.
More trees, more shade, fewer cars, and above all a cycle lane that allows people to ride safely along the entire length of the Toulouse quays !.
The " Saint-Pierre " Bridge :
For me, this bridge is the second most emblematic bridge in Toulouse, particularly because of its history.
Indeed, this bridge has always connected the two banks of the Garonne ( The historic right bank and the more popular left bank of the city ).
These two areas were, at the time, known as the provinces of " Languedoc and Gascogne " !.
For a long time, a toll was installed on this bridge to enter Toulouse.
There were two small houses, called " Guérites/Guard Huts), where you had to pay to enter the Pink City.
In the mid-19th. century was made of wood.
Severely damaged by the historic floods of the Garonne in 1875, it was replaced by a magnificent suspension bridge in the Eiffel Style.
In 1980, it was replaced by the current, more modern bridge.
Today, it is mainly used by pedestrians and cyclists.
The Saint-Pierre des Cuisines " Church :
This church is quite simply the oldest church in the south of France ! .
It was built on an ancient Gallo-Roman necropolis.
For a long time, it served as a military depot.
However, during its history, it witnessed a major event.
In 1189, following a communal uprising, " Count Raymond V " recognized the city's privileges.
He entrusted the city's administration to notable citizens of Toulouse from the eight districts that made up the Pink City at the time.
These notables were known as the " Capitouls " !.
Today, this beautiful church is a magnificent 400 seat auditorium where various concerts are held !.
The lock on the " Canal lateral du Midi " and its lock keeper's house :
-The lock :
The " Canal du Midi " crosses Toulouse via two canals.
The lateral canal we are referring to here is the one that provides access to the Garonne.
It dates back to the 18th. century and is a so-called double lock.
It has been listed as a historic monument since 1998.
This years, has been an important one, as the entire historically significant site has undergone a splendid renovation !.
-The lock house :
It is 240 years old ! .
Indeed, it dates back to the 18th. century development of the Toulouse quays.
Its architecture is magnificent, and it remained unused for more than 50 years.
It was in 2014 that a association took an interest in this magnificent historic site.
On a 500 meters area, they established a 300-seat performance venue, a café-restaurant, a patio, and creative spaces.
Today, this place is called " Flash Back Café " .
What a remarkable transformation !.
Every two weeks, the menu changes.
You can also choose vegetarian or vegan options, all made with fresh produce.
In the evening, the dishes are mainly served in the form of " Tapas " !.
-The others points of interest at this historic site :
The Toulouse School of Economics :
It was founded in 2007 and brings together 2 500 students of all nationalities and 150 faculty members.
It features highly remarkable architecture, typical of Toulouse's terracotta birck style.
-The Middle Ages retaining wall :
Indeed, the wall located between the Toulouse School of Economics and the Saint-Pierre lock dates back of that period.
It has been beautifully highlighted and fully restored !.
-The pathways leading to the historic site of " Bazacle "
It dates back ti the 18th. century development of the Garonne riverbanks.
It is made up of many beautiful buildings in terracotta bricks, typical of the architecture of the Pink City.
Walking or cycling here is truly enchanting ! .
The historic site of " Bazacle " :
It was the first hydroelectric power plant built in Toulouse.
Before that, electricity was produced using the power of water.
That is why there were mills on the Garonne in Toulouse.
Today, it is a place of discovering and culture.
In the summer, there is a lovely riverside guinguette that I highly recommend.
NB : Check out the blog post that presents this very interesting site !.
That's, my friends all for today.
If one day you come to visit Toulouse, if you walk along the city's quays, you will be amazed!.
Welcome in Toulouse.
The Toulouse blog.
Best regards, Franck.
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