The magnificent " DAHU " mansion in the city center of Toulouse!. INTRODUCTION : The amazing photo of the " Dahu " mansion located in the city center of the Pink City !. This mansion and its outbuildings have charged owners many times throughout history, resulting in continuous changes to its architecture. This private mansion in the center of Toulouse is characterized by a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. It features façade made of terracotta brick, typical of Toulouse, as well as numerous sculpted elements, including many lions !. If we were to set off together it .... HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE : -The building : The construction of this beautiful mansion tock place between 1460 and 1470 for " Pierre Dahu " , a " Capitouls " it's an administrator of Toulouse. At that time, the mansion had a rectangular shape. The walls visible on the façade were already part of the mansion. A t the top of the façades, " mâchicoulis " were added, serving a more decorative than defensive purpose !. It was modified in 1532 by " GUILLAUME de TOURNOER ", President of the Parlement of Toulouse. It was during the construction of the " Ozenne Street " in 1910 that the western façade was restored, and two large Gothic windows, which has disappeared in the 18th. century, were recreated. -The tower : The amazing tower of the " DAHU " mansion in the heart of Toulouse !. It was built in two stages !. -At 16th. century : The first renovation of the tower began in 1532. On the western side, the doorway is enhanced by a sculpted stone ensemble extending over four levels. Among the many decorative elements are : " sculpted lions, Corinthian and Ionic capitals, pilasters, and a funerary urn " !. The coat of arms of the family who owned the property can be seen on the façade of the tower. -After the 16th. century : The first alteration took place in the mid-17th. century, when the tower was completed and the tower was completed and the turret was built. At the foot of this magnificent tower is a small doorway leading to a staircase, it the basement, you can discover two cellars !. One of the cellars is Renaissance in style. It features splendid vaulted ceilings supported by a central pillar. Built at the same time as the tower, it replaced the floor of the Gothic house. The curved staircase is the largest Renaissance style staircase in Toulouse !. On the top floor, there are two rooms . In the first, you can admire a ceiling with beams decorated with painted motifs. The side turret ends in a narrow room with four windows. The magnificent mansion of the downtown of Toulouse has been listed as a historic monument since 1925 !. Well, my friends, that's all for today. I hope you've enjoyed the fascinating history of this magnificent mansion in Toulouse. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Best regards, Franck. Adress : 9 Ozenne Street 31 000 Toulouse. BONUS PHOTO : BONUS VIDEO : This video showing to you a magnificent mansion of the city center of Toulouse.

INTRODUCTION : Today, I'm going to talk to you about a rather uncommon topic that is not often discussed: Stained glass!. We are most accustomed to seeing it in churches, but as we will discover together , it can also be found in many other places. Finally, we will see that throughout history, some master glassmakers from Toulouse were renowned worldwide for their craftsmanship. What if we set off together to discover these magnificent stained-glass window..... HISTORY OF THE STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS : A stained-glass window is defined as a technique involving a composition made up of several pieces of glass held together by a network of lead cames. -Origin : The first stained-glass windows appeared around 1100 in " Augsburg ", " Germany " !. However, the use of lead in stained glass became rare only during the Middle Ages. With the restoration of the monarchy in France in the 19th. century, stained glass briefly regained popularity. Indeed, it was necessary to restore religious buildings that had been damaged during the French Revolution. With the rise of Catholic faith and the restoration of many stained-glass windows, France had at that time to fewer than seven hundred churches!. In the 20th. century, the famous French author " Victor Hugo" writings a book to raise awareness of " Notre Dame de Paris " and another about " Shakespeare's life, contributed to bringing stained-glass back into fashion il all its form!. However, the major change in this century was the advent of the Industrial Age. Master glassmakers established proper workshops and companies, and production became increasingly mass-oriented. Indeed, stained-glass windows were mass-produced, often using the same designs, and were even sold trough catalogues!. THE MASTER GLASSMAKER OF TOULOUSE RENOWNED WORLDWIDE : In the 20th. century, about fifteen master glassmakers were based in the bourgeoisie districts of the Pink City. It is in the areas of Toulouse where wealthy families lived that the most stained-glass windows can be found they could afford them. As we have seen, all over world many buildings, especially religious ones, needed restoration. At that time, people turned to the world-renowned expertise of master glassmakers from southwestern France, and from Toulouse in particular!. A highly renowned Toulouse-based workshop was often called upon : The Geta workshops. This company was founded by " Louis Victor Gesta ", a native of Toulouse who studied at the city's " School of Fine arts and later at the Paris Manufacture " . He opened his own workshop in Toulouse in 1852 and went on to become the largest in France. His stained-glass works can be seen troughout France and even abroad!. The appearance of BOW-WINDOWS or " ORIEL " IN FRENCH : A bow window set into a façade, extending over or more floors and supported by one or more brackets. Sometimes, it is closed on the inside by a door or left open. They appeared in the 15th. century England with the development of the " Neoclassical " architectural style, and in the 19th. century with " Victorian " style. In Germany, it emerged with " Renaissance " architecture. In Toulouse, with the return of Art Nouveau to fashion, bow windows developed !. It was especially between 1890 and 1920, with the revival of Art Nouveau and the " Belle Époque ", that bow windows developed in Toulouse. Only wealthy bourgeoisie families could afford bow windows. That is why, in Toulouse as elsewhere, they are mainly found in the city's affluent districts. Indeed, on Sundays, these families would leave their city apartments to go to the outskirts, which at the time were considered the countryside !. There are three of them in Toulouse : " les châlets ", Les Alées de Barcelonne ", and " Le Busca " . The finest architectural example from this period in Toulouse is the " Georges Labit Museum ", located on the banks of the " Canal du Midi " . This building is a masterpiece of " Neo-Moorish " architecture. In a city as Hispano-influenced as Toulouse, what could be more natural than finding such a building!. Many of these bow windows in Toulouse are found on the façades of the "Art Nouveau" buildings. They are characterized by woodwork with organic, flowing curves. Examples of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and houses in Toulouse : -Magnificent neighborhood house know as the " Maison Henri Dalet ", locatd at 18, Allée Frédéric Mistral 31 000 Toulouse ( 1900/1902 ): This house is distinguished by a splendid glazed terracotta decoration in its inner courtyard, designed by the architect " Virebent " !. -The building : -THe Inner Courtyard : -The decorations on this property : -The house Art Nouveau style 19 Frédéric Mistral street 31 000 Toulouse ( 1908 ) : The architect of this magnificent property of Toulouse was " Joseph Gilet ". The owner of this property was the creator of the beautiful Art-Mauresque style Museum near Canal du Midi, called " Musée Georges Labit " . -A building Art Nouveau style 5, Ozenne street 31 000 Toulouse by " Joseph Gilet " : -The building located , 13 "OZENNE " street 31 000 TOULOUSE : -The building located 33, OZENNE street 31 000 TOULOUSE : The building called " Grand Hôtel de Tivollier " , 31 Metz street 31 000 TOULOUSE : The architecture of this magnificent building was designed by " Barthélémy Guilard ". With its generous proportions and grand volumes, the building was once a hotel with 150 rooms and around fifty private salons. Its façade is made of white stone, and in the entrance hall, you can admire its magnificent Art Nouveau canopy. The building located, 46 Metz street 31 000 TOULOUSE : The architecture of this magnificent building was designed by the architect " Galan " . Here, the traditional Toulouse architecture of brick and stone, inspired by the 17th. century, is beautifully revived. -Splendid house in a Toulouse neighborhood, located at 43, Allée des Demoiselles, known as the " Tourelle House " , dating from around 1900 !. This house is distinguished by its turret, giving it the appearance of a small castel. It features richly details Art Nouveau ornamentation. The building was once a former chaplaincy belonging to the Archdiocese of Toulouse. During the Second World War, it housed a German resistance fighter named " Markus Heineken " . CONCLUSION : As we have seen, this list of Art nouveau buildings and houses in Toulouse is by no means exhaustive. There are, of course, many more to be discovered throughout the Pink City. Well, my friends, this is all of today. If you ever come to visit Toulouse, be sure to explore this remarkable and exceptional architectural heritage. You won't be disappointed !. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Best regards, Franck. VIDEO BONUS CONTENT : Video showing the magnificent terracotta decoration of this beautiful residence in the heart of Toulouse. A beautiful façade on this building in the heart of Toulouse, featuring what is known as Medieval Art Nouveau architecture !.

INTRODUCTON : This magnificent design is located above the ceiling in the mail entrance of this beautiful building in the city center of Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse has given us a gift. Indeed, were going to talk about a building, that is certainly worth discovering, but which is difficult to visit because it is often closed. Let us set off together to discover it ! . HISTORY : It is difficult to determine the exact year in which this building was constructed. Certain architectural features may lead us to believe that is dates from before the 19th. century...However, nothing is certain.... What is sure is that it is located along the most important axis of the Pink City. This is the north-south axis, which " Saint-Saturnin" , who during Roman times, was tied to a bull until his death. ARCHITECTURE : We could say that this building has typical Toulouse architecture. Indeed, it is built of terracotta bricks. Im terms of architecture, we can notice the presence of magnificent arches made of terracotta bricks. It consists of a majestic brick façade a small inner courtyard. There are many of these courtyards in Toulouse because they are designed to keep things cool and protect residents from the noise of the city. The materials used are very varied. We find brick, wood, and many others. However, the great surprise of the place is the fresco on the entrance vaults and the painted panels above the entrance on the side of the inner courtyard. The FRESCO BY " LAURENCE SAUNHAC " : What is interesting is the contrast between mineral brick and this imaginary décor !. It was the artist " Laurence Saunhac ", who created this fresco in 1979, and it was her first work. The décor is bucolic, and the owner gave the artist complete freedom. The artist proposed tis fresco to the owner in order entrance the building. This work of art represents nature in the heart of the city. Indeed, one can observe abundant vegetation, with flowers and large birds taking into the sky !. This " trompe-l'oeil " ceiling opens into a beautiful blue sky, where numerous birds flying, evoking a sense os space and freedom. We could say that this fresco bears a strong resemblance to the decorative frescoes found in the style of the Italian Renaissance. That's all for today my friends. If one time, you happen to walk past this building in the center of Toulouse, check to see whether the door id open !. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Best regards, Franck. Adress : 48, Taur street 31 000 Toulouse. EXTRA VIDEO : This video showcases the magnificent trompe-l'oeil design at the entrance of the beautiful inner courtyard of this stunning Toulouse building.

Introduction : It was built in the 15th. century by " Hugues de Boysson" , a rich merchant who became a capitulum, enlarged in the 16th. century by " Jean de Cheverry ". As soon as you enter this " Ostal mansion ", you can hear the troubadour speacking in Occitan. Everything is classified as a historic monument of France. Which since 2006 has brought together numerous Occitan associations to bring our culture to life and to know it. The building : It is a magnificent residence, a mixture of 15th. century Gothic style and 16th. century Rennaissance style. In the first Courtayard, we immediately notice an imposing 24 meters high tower and an Occitan flag. On the groud floor, in 1463, the banker " Hugues Boysson" had a magnificent fireplace built. it's magisral and amazing in gothic stil. In the first courtyard, there is also a room covered with a flamboyant Gothic vault buit by " Jean de Cheverry " . Presence of the second courtyard, where summer shows are organized and where you can sit down to eat or have a drink. The windows : This mansion is characterized by its remarkable windows. In the second courtyard, there is the most beautiful Gothic window in the city. All around, we can see garland of delicately carved thistte. At the fall of the lintel, two figures sculped on the bases face each other. There is a dog indifferent to the other two scratches his ear. 1000 years ago, the rich owners of the houses " du Grand Veneur and du Grand Fauconnier " in Cordes sur Ciel decorated their facades with similar scenes. The bookstore that plays the mansion " La Tuta d' Oc ": It offers books in Occitan that talk about Occitan culture. Work of works by contempory or ancient author. Like for example ' Pierre Vidal " troubadour from Toulouse more than eight centuries ago. The Calendretas : In occitan means " little lack ", it is a secular bilingual School which offers education in Occitan from nursery school to college. In France, there are 60 schools including two in Toulouse and three colleges, including one in Toulouse. The schoolchildren are called " Calendrons ". The occitan language : At the corner of the street , a plaque like all of Toulouse gives the name of the street in French " Malcousinat " and in Occitan " Maicosinat " . At the beginning of the 20th. century, the courtryside and neighborhoods were popular with Occitan, while the Toulouse bourgeoisie sent their children to private schools to learn Frech. Occitan almost disappeared because the banning of dialects by the cetralis royal then republican will. It was in 1539, with the ordinance of " De Villers Cotterêts " that the French language entered in Toulouse. Occitan today : Romance language derived from Latin like French, help up quite well in literature until the century of " Godolin" . Some contempory Occitan poets still survive. It is taught at the university and still praticed in the " L' Ostal private mansion " especially in the numerous associations that they live in. We find Occitan in the accent of Toulouse people : we roll the " r " , the crets the " é " and the heights "o ". Occitan can be found on street signs in certain shops, in metro, advertisements and an regional television. The Parisian " pain au chocolat " is the " chocolatine " here . The Parisian plastic bag here is a " pocket " in French " la poche " . Today, Toulouse has become cosmopolotan with more than 500 000 inhabitants, in the center of the city and all the languages of the world are spocken. The restaurant : In this place steeped in history and very peaceful, you can also eat or simply have a drink. Indeed, the " a Taula " restaurant ( à table ) welcomes you every lunchtime, for a market menu from Tuesday to Saturday included. From 4 p. m., you can have a drink in the peaceful and calm interior courtyard of this mansion. And in the evning, from 7 p. m ., time for homemade Tapas accompanied by a small drink until 11 p.m. . In fine weather, you can eat in the courtyard of this magnificent mansion. But when winter comes, it is as interesting to come and eat in this magnificent room, while contemplating this splendid Gothic fireplace above which the Occitan flag of our region is proudly hung. Adress : 11 Malcousinat street 31 000 Toulouse. Phone : 07/69/47/85/86. BONUS PHOTOS : That's all for today my friends. I hope, you will enjoy discovering this magnificent mansion which is a guarantor of our Occitan culture. Adress : 11, rue de Malcousinat 31 000 Toulouse. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

Introduction: This is the museum of Fine Arts of Toulouse, it was opened in 1795. At that time, it gathered numerous collections of paintings and sculptures. the magnificent convent date back to 1310, and the premises were occupied by the Augustinian Hermits. During the French Revolution, the Augustinian monks lost their religious functions and the convent became a museum. The museum was etablished in 1795 and received numerous collections to be exhibited, making the second largest museum in France after the Louvre. The church: It is one of the jewels of the Gothic heritage in Toulouse. It comprises a nave with eight bays of ribbed vaults and side chapels. In 1975, the convent and the exhibition halls underwent renovation. The organ is magnificent, made in the classical German style and designed by " Jürgen Harend ", with decorative work by " Pierre Berlin ". It was inaugurated in 1981. The Fountain and cloister: The Fountain: The fountain is the small cloister, where a refreshment area is now located, is the work of " Robert Fachard ". It dates back to 1981 and is made of cut stone. It measures 2.50 meters in height, 1.20 meters in width, and 1.20 meters in depth. It is located in the small cloister of the Augustinians. The cloister: The cloister literally radiates in the sunlight. It is calm and conducive to relaxation. Iy is landscaped with with a botanical garden, flowers, aromatics plants, and fruit trees. The cloister dates back to the 14th century and features double columns. In this center, you can find the cross of Christ. The collections: The first works were brought by the revolutionaries. Works from the Royal Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Toulouse completed the collection. There are over 4 000 pieces in total. In 1800, Thank to " François Lucas ", the museum acquired Italian and Flemish artworks. Then in 1808, Napoleon entrusted the management of the museum to the city, and in 1812, the museum received 30 new paintings from Holland, Flanders, Italy and France starting from 1823, the Augustins museum underwent continuous works. In 1831, Urbain Vitry transformed the church into a gallery of paintings, which was called " the Temple of Arts ". Denis Darcy, from 1880 to 1901, constructed a new building on the Alsace Loraine Street side, completing the museum. The school of Fine Arts was relocated to " la Daurade " in 1892. From the neoclassicism to realism, French art mouvements encompass a wide range including classicism. The museum also houses numerous paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring renoved artists such as " Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec ". During the 16th century, Toulouse was a predominantly Catholic city, which attracted many Italien artists to come and work there. The artistic currents included Italian Primitives and Baroque. The statues: The museum has the largest collection in the world of 12th-century capitals and Romaesque sculptures. These artworks originate from notre Dame de la Daurade, Saint-Sernin and the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne. During the 19th century, there was a significant development in sculpture, with many of them having a funerary significance and being incorporated into urban projects. This is why the Augustins Museum has an extensive collection of sculptures. The Augustins today: Unfortunately, the Augustins museum is in need of renovations and will be closed until 2025. However, it is possible that it may reopen during the summer months for tourism. The Augustins Museum by night: It is illuminated by an ecological LED system in a very gentle way to highlight the main architectural elements of the building. BONUS INTERACTIVE: VIDEO This video shows you the splendid medieval cloister of the " Augustins "Museum in Toulouse, dating back of the Middle Ages . That all for today. I hope you will enjoy reading this post. Welcome in Toulouse. Greetings Franck. The Blog from Toulouse. Adress : 21, Rue de Metz 31 000 Toulouse.

As a Landscaper designer, I'm very excited to present this post to you. The Beginning: The project. In the 1980s, under the leadership of the major "Dominique Baudis ", who played a significant role is shaping modern-day Toulouse, the creation of this magnificent garden took place. More broadly, this garden is a part of a larger neighborhood known as "Compas Caffarelli ", which spans an area of 10 000 square meters and was built in the 1980s. The Japnese Graden: It's creation was decided in 1981, and its inauguration took place in 1983. It spans an area a of 7 000 square meters , and is inspired of the Gardens of Kyoto between the 14th. and the 16th. centuries. The there traditional themes can be found: The Lake, the mountains and the Island. Tere is also a Zen garden, typically Japanese, with three composents : Stone, water, and sand on which we draw patterns representing waves are the three composents of the Zen garden. This garden received several accolades and distinctions: It is recognized as a Remarkable Garden of France. In 1993, it received the National Flowering Award. We can say that there aren't manyJapanese gardens in the south of France, and that this is one of the most beautiful ones. In the Japanese garden in Toulouse, you will find a serene lake, a beautiful red Japanese bridge, and a tea house that also serves as a small exhibition space. As a Landscaper designer, I can tell you that it has reached its maturity and is a complete success. The types of plants you can find in a Japanese garden: The Japanese Garden in Toulouse showcases various botanical species from the Far East Asia. A type of grass: L'Hakonechloa macra The white-flowered Japanese anemone with white flowers. Hostas are a popular plant choice for stady areas in the Japaneses garden. The Sagine is a perennial grounddrover plant. Ferns. Japanese Iris of all colors. Bamboos. Astilbe plants, shade-loving required moist soil, with and pink flowers. Asian primroses, they have an erect bloom. Cherry and appel trees from Japan with beautiful flowering. Japanese maples. clound-pruned pine trees. Camellias and Azaleas. Pierris Japanica. Nandina. If you visit Toulouse in spring, you are going to be immersed in the land of the rising sun with cherry and apple trees in bloom. The statues and objects in stone: In the garden you will find a statue of Budhha, a lantern and a bust of Master " Taisen Deshimaru ". He was renowned Zen Buddhist teacher, who founded numerous Zen dojos in France during the 1970s. The Compans Caffarelli Garden: It is the second largest garden in Toulouse. This garden is a breath of fresh air for the entire neighborhood. It is very wooded, which palygrounds for your thirst. In addition, the garden also features a flowing stream, numerous statues and beautiful fountains. One the first photo, the statue represents " Carlos Gardel " , who is considered the most important figure of the 20th. century tango. It's located at the entrance of the garden on the boulevard. He was born in Toulouse on December 11, 1890. That's why it's not uncommon to see the people of Toulouse dancing tango outdoors in the city square. Every year, we have a tango festival in Toulouse. That's all for today. I hope you will enjoy reading this post. We talked a little bit about nature, it doesn't hurt!!!. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

INTRODUCTION : An amazing building located on the quays of Toulouse. 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. BONUS PHOTOS : BONUS VIDEOS : Video showing this magnificent renovated site of the Saint-Pierre " quays with its lock and lock keepers house !. This video showing the magnificent and elegant Saint-Pierre Bridge in Toulouse. This video showing the principal buildings of the site of Saint-Pierre quays in Toulouse.

INTRODUCTION : Everyone knows it : Toulouse and its region are where only airplanes are built !. Dont't worry, my friends, I'm just joking !. After all this time reading me, I hope you know that Toulouse is not just a transit city. Indeed, you can stay there, discover all the beautiful it has to offer, and take a day to visit all the wonderful tourist sites around Toulouse. Today, I begin by introducing to you the fabulous " Merville Castle ", located just 30 minutes from Toulouse. The history of the Site : Originally, " Merville" is believed to take its name from the Gallo-Roman villa known as the " Villa d'Ormer ". It survived until 14th. century, thanks to its agricultural economy. Later, the villa was completely destroyed during the passage of the English armies through southwestern France in the " Hundred Years "!. In the Middle Ages, in the village of " Merville ", there were two manor houses. The construction of the magnificent castle of " Merville " as we know it today did not begin until 1743!. It was Marquis " Henri-Augute de Chaluet-Rochemonteix ", the owner of the estate, who designed the plans for this fabulous building himself. Thus, under the " Ancient Régime ", the Toulouse notably gathered in these remarkable settings, and many elegant parties took place among gardens and castle. The construction work took fifteen years !. The Castle and the Park : The Castle : -Architecture : Its construction dates back to the 18th. century, it is typical of the Toulouse region, built from terracotta bricks, of which 300 000 were used!. The castle has been fully restored and is U-shared. The central building is fifty meters long and the features a magnificent triangular pediment at the top. Finally, on it left and right, two beautiful L-shaped building, each 92 meters long and 28 meters wide. These two L-shaped building give the whole structure sense of elegance. The terrace on the rear axis of the castle extends for about 100 meters in length and 10 meters in width. It is enclosed by a wrought-iron balustrade. After a remarkable vestibule, flanked by paintings depicting the ancestors of the current owners, one enters the " Chinese salon " . It is large octogonal drawing room opening widely onto the park. The room in entirely decorated with eighteen oil-painted wood panels. These panels depict, in very well-preserved pastel tones, scenes from everyday life. Inside the castle, the rooms are arranged in a row. The great surprise inside the castle is the magnificent collection of " Flemish " wall tapestries dating fron the reign of " François Ier. ". Finally, in the noble rooms of the castle, we can admire numerous paintings and sculptures from the 16th. to 19th. century depicting the successive generations of owners, all from the same lineage!. The Park : There is large, covering forty hectares !. It is characterized by numerous beautiful boxwood alleys designed by " Le Nôtre " , the creator of the gardens of " Versailles " . The project was so ambitious that it was only completed in our time. The main arrival to the castle through the park is magnificent, two large " umbrella pines " form an entrance to an impressive six-hundred-meters perpective, completed by an elegant basin with a water jet. Most of the " French-style gardens " spread out in front of the castle terrace. Very much in vogue in the 19th. century, under the influence of " English-style gardens ", flower beds began to appear. The great surprise this castle also offers is its maze: It also dates back to the eighteenth century and is the largest boxwood maze in Europe!. ( Six kilometers of boxwood hedges set beneath oak trees). It covers four hectares!. Since 2005, it has been open to the public, and it is a large open-air game. It will delight both children and adults. Goosebumps guaranteed !. The castle hosts events throughout its opening season. You already have an example in my photos : on that day, the castle had the feel of the " Venice Carnival " !. At Easter, a Catholics celebration, chocolate eggs are hidden and hundred in the castle's magnificent boxwood maze. It also hosts many different events, such as wedding. Toulouse offers its magnificent historic city center. However, just outside the Pink City, you cal also spend a day visiting remarkable historical sites. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Best regards, Franck. Please check the castle opening season schedule, including its magnificent maze8; Email : labyrinthe@chateau-merville.com Instagram/Facebook : labyrinthedemerville.com EXTRA PHOTOS : EXTRA VIDEOS : This video showing this magnificent castle near Toulouse and an event of the theme of the Venice Carnival. Magnificent video showing the main entrance of this beautiful and amazing castle near Toulouse. You can discover the very nice decors of the corridors and the different rooms of this castle.

Hello friends, this is Franck from the Toulouse Blog. Toaday, I'm going to introduce you to an iconic building in our city: " La Grave ". You can miss it with its splendid dome on the left bank of the Garonne, near Saint-Cyprien Bridge. The history: It consists of a part of the 14th century and building from the 17th century. It is named " La Grave ", because it was built on the gravel of the Garonne. In the 12th century, it was a hospital under the count Raymond IV. Its role was to welcome the poor, the undesirables, the beggars, the foundlings, the disabled, the prostitutes, and especially the plague-stricken. In the middle of 14th century, the Black Plague wrecked havoc in the city , many residents of Toulouse died, and this went on for 4 centuries. They were all housed in " La Grave " and therefore excluded from the city center. In the 19th century, during more glorious times, " La Grave" served as a maternity hospital and a birthing school. The dome: It is the omnipresent building in Toulouse. It stands out from all the church towers in the city. It is a green-gray dome that houses the " Saint-Joseph chapel of La Grave ". The fondations of " la Grave " are made of concrete, while the dome itself is constructed of wood and covered with copper. It features brick finishes and a metal covering. The dome weighs over 8 tons. La Salle engloutie: It is located under the North wing of the Saint-Joseph courtyard. It is 72 merters long with a volume almost equal to the " Salle des Illustres " in the Capitole. It consists of 8 rib vaults. It is uncertain when it was built but it could possibly be the former chapel dating back to the early 16th century. It is constructed with typical Toulouse-Style with terraccota bricks. The Saint-Joseph chapel: The first stone was laid in 1758 by the president of the parliament of Toulouse. The construction works were completed in 1845. You can find faux marble wall decorations, paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and furniture. Restored and painted floors, as well as fully restored wall decorations. One can admire numerous religious objects. " La Grave " today: It was reopened after renovation on saturday , septmber 17th 2022. Since it was become a cultural venue with primarily exhibitions. The venue is interactive, allowing visitors to discover the history in 12 stages. Touchscreen tablets will be provided to aid in the exploration. La Grave by night: It is illuminated by an ecological LED lighting system. The building is designed to be gentle highlighting the main architectural elements of the building. The exteriors of the La Grave: It consists of many buildings made of terraccota bricks. There are beautiful interior courtyards adorned with statues. A magnificent Canary Island date palm, Phoenix Canariensis, adds an exotic touch to the overall scenery. Sure that is it for today, my friends. I hope you enjoyed this post. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck. BONUS PHOTOS : BONUS PHOTOS : AFTER HE RENOVATION !: EXTRA VIDEOS : After renovation of the La Grave site, a amazing landscaped exterior surrounds this copper dome on the banks of the Garonne River in Toulouse. The new landscaping around the splendid La Grave site in Toulouse is truly very successful!.

INTRODUCTION : Today, we are going to talk about the second most iconic square in Toulouse : " Place Wilson " . Indeed, it is interesting on the several levels : for its beauty, its history and the fact that it is also very lively . What if we set off to discover it together ..... The history of the Wilson square : In 1900, it was called " Place Lafayette " and had a " Belle Époque " atmosphere . In 1916, it was renamed " Place Wilson" , after the President of the United States . At that time, it was already the cultural heart of the Pink City . It was built on the site of former ramparts of Toulouse known as the " Porte Villeneuve " . It was here, in 1562, that the Protestants fled Toulouse, pursued by Catholics . In 1816, the city's bourgeoisie and notable figures would meet in one of the ma ny cafés to plot a conspiracy . They were arrested by " Simon de Monfort and the Bishop of Toulouse " . It took on its semi-circular shape in the 18th. century. The pink-brick buildings, all identical, date from 1830. The façades of the buildings are in a classical style !!! . Moreover, its pleasant way of life, its greenery, and the layout of the buildings are reminiscent odf the " Insulae " of Rome ( giving it an Italian atmosphere with multi-storey buildings ) . At that time, the square was already very lively, with many of the best restaurants, hotels, and theaters , and especially large cafés with terraces . The Cafés there are luxurious, featuring elements such as copper, ceramics, and ceiling drapes. Classical music or variety music is played there . There were three major cafés : Le Grand café des Américains . La Café de la Comédie . L'Albrighi . But the great distinctive feature of this square was the presence of many theaters. Among them was the " Théâtre des Variétés " , a former " UGC " cinema located in a splendid Art Deco-style building on the esplanade next to " Place Wilson " . All kinds of performances were staged there, and the offer was as extensive as in Paris . As for cinema, films were projected outdoors, and people watched them from the upper floors of bars. The first shown in a cinema was screened in 10903 . " Place Wilson today : Nowadays, the square is still very lively , with many Cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops located here . At the center of this oval-shaped square is a circular garden . Here, children can be seen running after pigeons, Spanish refugees playing cards or chess. In 2025, the city redesigned this garden to make it more open and spacious !!! . -The Statue of Godolin, known as " Goudoulin " in Occitan : This statue which firms part of this magnificent fountain was placed at the center of the garden by the sculptor " Alexandre Falguière ". The fountain reflects the poetic and Occitan soul of the city . " Goudoulin " was an Occitan poet. He received a modest award from the Toulouse " Académie des jeux Floraux " , , which is, it should noted, the oldest literary academy in Europe, over seven hundred years old . He eventually lost his fame as French became dominant over Occitan . -Two other, more modest statues are also present in the garden , in the middle of the square : -Facing " Rue Saint-Antoine du T " is the statue of " Aranud Sylvestre ", a poet who sang of love and the author of works for the " Théâtre du Capitole " . -The last statue is that of " Ephraïm Mikhaël ", which stands on a pedestal featuring figures fighting a dragon . -The last cinema " the Gaumont " : In 1960, the square had thirty-two cinemas. Today, only the " Gaumont " remains , offering the largest cinema screen in Europe . -The Capoul Brasserie : At the time , it was a luxury brasserie, with beautiful parquet floors, wall lamps, and banquettes. Today, it is still very elegant. It was inaugurated in 1927 on " Place Wilson " . You can enjoy delicious meals or have a drink there at any time of the day . The establishment has a magnificent terrace overlooking the garden . -The small Japanese restaurant " TAKUMI " : A note for Japanese food lovers. This restaurant serves an excellent Japanese cheesecake that i recommend . -The Lebanese restaurant " Byblos " : I recommend this restaurant for lovers of Lebanese food . It also has a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy a drink at any time of day . -The restaurant " le Bon Vivre " : This restaurant serves cuisine made with fresh produce. I Highly recommend it . It also has a lovely outdoor terrace where you can have a drink at any time of day . That's all for today my friends. If you ever come to visit Toulouse, you will inevitably pass by this magnificent square , with its circular architecture and the lively atmosphere of our Pink City !!! . Welcome in Toulouse . The blog from Toulouse . Best regards, Franck . BONUS PHOTOS : BONUS VIDEOS : Video showing this lively and magnificent square of the city center of Toulouse. Video showing this magnificent square of the city center of Toulouse, which buildings constructed from terracotta bricks, typical of Toulouse architecture. Video showing the magnificent central fountain with white stone in tis beautiful square of the city center of Toulouse.

Today we are going to talk about nature. It is normal we are in spring. The flowering times some many flowers and trees exploses, which the spring arrive. This phenomenon is signaling the season change. Before starding, I'm going a revelation about me, i was a landscaper for 8 years. I love nature, trees, Flowers ans animals. Wihtout greenery, I'm very sad. The other day when the sun was shining, I went for a troll in the neighbourhood called " Le Jardin des Plantes ". It is the largest garden from Toulouse. In fact, the garden is the meeting of three gardens. You can go from one garden to the other by walkways. I entered the park through the beautiful Roman gate with its marble columns and its inscription " Jardin des Plantes ". I'm going to teel you about this district later, because there is many things to discover. On the first photo, you can see a magnificent wisteria climblig on a beautiful and typical Toulouse residence. On the second photo, we are in a suburban area of Toulouse and we can see wisteria with a magnificent Judas tree . I love this tree which it is covered with a cascade of purple flowers. The common point of these two plants is that theirs flowers appear in spring before leaves. These colors don't remind you anything: Toulouse, the pink city. There are numerous flowerbeds full of heathers which prefer a spot in the shadow and which tell us that spring is on its way. As you can see in the picture, it was a real explosion of colours . There were colourful azaleas, blooming camellias and magnificent rhododendrons. And finaly, I took a picture of a bush which I like a lot, the so-called Photinia. It tells us that spring is on its was because it's full of white blossoms and it adorns itself with red leaves. That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed our little walk together with me and I'm glad that we could talk about nature which we shouldn't forget and cherish. That's all for today, my friends. I hope that's you enjoy to talk about nature. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

The little train: It's a big classic, but it's practical to get a first impression of the city before embarking on its visit. It was 100% environmentally friendly with its electric power. It departs from the Place du Capitole. There are two possible routes that are commented in 10 languages. Website: www.petittraintoulouse.com The mini bus: It's also a big classic. It departs in front of the post office located behind the Capitole at 9 rue Lafayette 31 000 Toulouse. Duration of the tour is 1h10 and it's available in 8 languages. Website: info@toulouse-welcome.com The boats: You can also opt for a boat ride to get a first glimpse of Toulouse. Moreover, seeing Toulouse from the river is wonderful and you don't have the same perception as on land. Tours are offered to you on the " Canal du Midi " or the " Garonne ". Website:WWW.BATEAUX-TOULOUSAINS.COM Contact: CONTACT@BATEAUXTOULOUSAINS.COM The ' tuk-tuk ": One of the most fanciful and original ways to get a first glimpse of Toulouse. Departures are made behind the Capitole. Several tours are offered. They are 100% electric. Website: www.visiterama.com " Les Caboteurs ": Small electric boats. Get a first glimpse of Toulouse by renting a small electric boat on the Garonne river. You don't need a license to operate these boats. Departure is from the " Port Viguerie " on the left bank of the Garonne. Numerous packages are available. Website: www.lescaboteurs.com Contact: contact@lescaboteurs.com Guided bike tours: This first approach to Toulouse is more sporty. Indded, there is a company called " Toulouse Bike Tour " offers several packages to discover Toulouse by bike. The duration of a tour is from 2.5 to 3 hours and you will have seen all the essential monuments of Toulouse. Numerous packages are available. Address: 16, avenue de l'URSS 31 400 Toulouse. Website: www.toulouse.bike.tour.com Facebook: Toulouse Bike Tour Instagram: Toulouse Bike Tour Beer bike tour: This is the most unusual way to get a first view of the city of Toulouse. The concept is taht you and your firends go biking while having an aperitif. You can drink beer or soda and you are accompanied by a driver. Website: beerbike-toulouse.business.site Facebook: Festi'Bike Cable car: A great and unusual way to get a panoramic first impression of Toulouse is to use the cable car. It was inaugurated on May 14th, 2022. It is the largest cable in France, stretching 3 km and it offers stunning views of Toulouse. When the weather is really nice, you might even get a chance to see the Pyrenees. This cable car connects the Oncopole of Toulouse, which is a center dedicated to cancer research, with the " Rangueil Hospital " - one of our two largest hospitals- and the " Paul Sabatier " scientific university campus. For guided tours of Toulouse with a guide: You should get in touch with the Toulouse tourist office, which is located in the donjon of Capitole on Charles de Gaulle square. WEBSITE: www.toulouse-tourisme.com Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.